David Subjugates Nearby Nations

1Later David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. David took Metheg Ammah from the Philistines. 2He defeated the Moabites. He made them lie on the ground and then used a rope to measure them off. He put two-thirds of them to death and spared the other third. The Moabites became David’s subjects and brought tribute. 3David defeated King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah when he came to reestablish his authority over the Euphrates River. 4David seized from him 1,700 charioteers and 20,000 infantrymen. David cut the hamstrings of all but a hundred of the chariot horses. 5The Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, but David killed 22,000 of the Arameans. 6David placed garrisons in the territory of the Arameans of Damascus; the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The Lord protected David wherever he campaigned. 7David took the golden shields that belonged to Hadadezer’s servants and brought them to Jerusalem. 8From Tebah and Berothai, Hadadezer’s cities, King David took a great deal of bronze.

9When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, 10he sent his son Joram to King David to extend his best wishes and to pronounce a blessing on him for his victory over Hadadezer, for Toi had been at war with Hadadezer. He brought with him various items made of silver, gold, and bronze. 11King David dedicated these things to the Lord, along with the dedicated silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations that he had subdued, 12including Aram, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amelek. This also included some of the plunder taken from King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah.

13David became famous when he returned from defeating the Arameans in the Valley of Salt, he defeated 18,000 in all. 14He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. The Lord protected David wherever he campaigned. 15David reigned over all Israel; he guaranteed justice for all his people.

David’s Cabinet

16Joab son of Zeruiah was general in command of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was secretary; 17Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was scribe; 18Benaiah son of Jehoida supervised the Kerithites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.