King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:7 Mean?

1 Chronicles 18:7 in the King James Version says “And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 18:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah; Tou: also called, Toi

Read 1 Chronicles 18 full chapter

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 · 12 words
וַיִּקַּ֣ח1 of 12

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

דָּוִ֗יד2 of 12

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵ֚ת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שִׁלְטֵ֣י4 of 12

“the shields”

H7982

probably a shield (as controlling, i.e., protecting the person)

הַזָּהָ֔ב5 of 12

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 12
H834

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

הָי֔וּ7 of 12
H1961

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

עַ֖ל8 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַבְדֵ֣י9 of 12

“that were on the servants”

H5650

a servant

הֲדַדְעָ֑זֶר10 of 12

“of Hadarezer”

H1928

hadarezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

וַיְבִיאֵ֖ם11 of 12

“and brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃12 of 12

“them to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 18:7 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 18:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 9:15-162 Chronicles 12:9-101 Kings 10:16-171 Kings 14:26-28

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 18 →

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