David’s Military Campaigns

1After this,a David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from Philistine control. 2He also defeated the Moabites, and they became David’s subjects and brought tribute.

3David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah at Hamath when he went to establish his control at the Euphrates River. 4David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from him, hamstrung all the horses, and kept 100 chariots.b

5When the Arameans of Damascus came to assist King Hadadezer of Zobah,c David struck down 22,000 Aramean men. 6Then he placed garrisonsd, e in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

7David took the gold shields carried by Hadadezer’s officers and brought them to Jerusalem. 8From Tibhath and Cun, Hadadezer’s cities, David also took huge quantities of bronze, from which Solomon made the bronze reservoir, the pillars, and the bronze articles.f

9When King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of King Hadadezer of Zobah, 10he sent his son Hadoram to King David to greet him and to congratulate him because David had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Tou and Hadadezer had fought many wars. Hadoram brought all kinds of gold, silver, and bronze items. 11King David also dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all the nations — from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and the Amalekites.

12Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. The LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

14So David reigned over all Israel,g administering justice and righteousness for all his people.

15Joabh son of Zeruiah was over the army;

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was court historian;

16Zadok son of Ahitub

and Ahimelechi, j son of Abiathar were priests;

Shavsha was court secretary;

17Benaiah son of Jehoiadak was over

the Cherethites and the Pelethites;

and David’s sons were the chief officials at the king’s side.