King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 18:6 in the King James Version says “Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus ; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD pr... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus ; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

1 Chronicles 18:6 · KJV


Context

4

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen : David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots. seven: or, seven hundred

5

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. Damascus: Heb. Darmesek

6

Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus ; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

7

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

8

Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. Tibhath: called in the book of Samuel Betah, and Berothai


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's military victories - kingdom expansion. The Hebrew term יְשׁוּעָה (yeshuah) - salvation/victory is theologically significant here, pointing to God gives victory to His anointed. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God gives victory to His anointed. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David's military victories - kingdom expansion occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God gives victory to His anointed challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם1 of 16

put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לְדָוִ֔יד2 of 16

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֲרָם֙3 of 16

and the Syrians

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

דַּרְמֶ֔שֶׂק4 of 16
H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וַיְהִ֤י5 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲרָם֙6 of 16

and the Syrians

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

לְדָוִ֔יד7 of 16

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עֲבָדִ֖ים8 of 16

servants

H5650

a servant

נֹֽשְׂאֵ֣י9 of 16

and brought

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִנְחָ֑ה10 of 16

gifts

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וַיּ֤וֹשַׁע11 of 16

preserved

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָה֙12 of 16

Thus the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְדָוִ֔יד13 of 16

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּכֹ֖ל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָלָֽךְ׃16 of 16

whithersoever he went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 18:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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