Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

David secured his dominance over the Philistines, defeating them and taking control of Methegammah from their grasp. He then turned his attention to Moab, where he executed a ruthless campaign, carefully measuring out the lives of its people with a line. Those who fell on one side of the line were spared; those on the other side were doomed. The Moabites, now subject to David's rule, brought tribute as a sign of their submission.

David next confronted Hadadezer, king of Zobah, who had attempted to regain control over the region at the Euphrates River. David soundly defeated him, capturing 1,700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled most of the chariot horses but kept enough to form a hundred chariots.

The Syrians of Damascus, seeking to aid Hadadezer, were met with swift destruction by David's forces. He killed 22,000 Syrian warriors, securing his dominance over that region. To maintain control, David established garrisons in Syria and collected tribute from its people. The Lord protected him throughout this campaign.

David also claimed the gold shields of Hadadezer's servants as spoils of war, bringing them to Jerusalem for safekeeping. From Betah and Berothai, two cities under Hadadezer's control, David seized a vast quantity of bronze, further enriching his kingdom.

When news reached King Toi of Hamath that David had defeated all of Hadadezer's forces, he sent his son Joram to congratulate David on his victory. Joram brought gifts of silver, gold, and bronze to honor the king, which David dedicated to the Lord along with other treasures taken from the nations he had conquered.

The spoils of war came from Syria, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, and Amalek, as well as from Hadadezer's own kingdom. David returned home after a decisive victory over the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, having killed 18,000 men. He continued to establish his authority by placing garrisons throughout Edom, effectively making its people subject to him.

Throughout Israel, David's reign was marked by justice and righteousness. He appointed Joab son of Zeruiah as leader of the army, Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud as recorder, and Seraiah as royal scribe. The priests serving David were Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the Cherethites and Pelethites, two elite groups within the king's inner circle. David's own sons held positions of authority as chief officers.

David's military campaigns and administrative decisions had secured his reign over all Israel. The Lord granted him victory wherever he went, ensuring the stability and prosperity of his kingdom.