David’s Military Victories

1After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath and its surrounding towns. 2David also conquered the land of Moab, and the Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.

3David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as far as Hamath,a when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. 4David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.

5When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. 6Then he placed several army garrisonsb in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

7David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, 8along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebahc and Cun. Later Solomon melted the bronze and molded it into the great bronze basin called the Sea, the pillars, and the various bronze articles used at the Temple.

9When King Toid of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of King Hadadezer of Zobah, 10he sent his son Jorame to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of gold, silver, and bronze.

11King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had taken from the other nations—from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek.

12Abishai son of Zeruiah destroyed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13He placed army garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

14So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. 15Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. 16Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelechf son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiahg was the court secretary. 17Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard.h And David’s sons served as the king’s chief assistants.