1 Chronicles 18:3 | Adam Clarke

DAVID SMITES HADADEZER AND THE SYRIANS. (Ch1 18:3-17)

Hadarezer--or, "Hadadezer" (Sa2 8:3), which was probably the original form of the name, was derived from Hadad, a Syrian deity. It seems to have become the official and hereditary title of the rulers of that kingdom.

Zobah--Its situation is determined by the words "unto" or "towards Hamath," a little to the northeast of Damascus, and is supposed by some to be the same place as in earlier times was called Hobah (Gen 14:15). Previous to the rise of Damascus, Zobah was the capital of the kingdom which held supremacy among the petty states of Syria.

as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates--Some refer this to David, who was seeking to extend his possessions in one direction towards a point bordering on the Euphrates, in accordance with the promise (Gen 15:18; Num 24:17). But others are of opinion that, as David's name is mentioned (Ch1 18:4), this reference is most applicable to Hadadezer.

See Chapter Introduction

See Chapter Introduction

Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 19

After this, it is said (Ch1 18:1), David did those great exploits. After the sweet communion he had had with God by the word and prayer, as mentioned in the foregoing chapter, he went on his work with extraordinary vigour and courage, conquering and to conquer. Thus Jacob, after his vision, lifted up his feet, Gen 29:1.

We have taken a view of these victories before, and shall now only observe, 1. Those that have been long enemies to the Israel of God will be brought down at last. The Philistines had, for several generations, been vexatious to Israel, but now David subdued them, Ch1 18:1. Thus shall all opposing rule, principality, and power, be, at the end of time, put down by the Son of David, and the most inveterate enemies shall fall before him. 2. Such is the uncertainty of this world that frequently men lose their wealth and power when they think to confirm it. Hadarezer was smitten as he went to establish his dominion, Ch1 18:3. 3. A horse is a vain thing for safety, so David said (Psa 33:17), and it seems he believed what he said, for he houghed the chariot-horses, Ch1 18:4. Being resolved not to trust to them (Psa 20:7), he would not use them. 4. The enemies of God's church are often made to ruin themselves by helping one another, Ch1 18:5. The Syrians of Damascus were smitten when they came to help Hadarezer. When hand thus joins in hand they shall not only not go unpunished, but thereby they shall be gathered as the sheaves into the floor, Mic 4:11, Mic 4:12. 5. The wealth of the sinner sometimes proves to have been laid up for the just. The Syrians brought gifts, Ch1 18:6. Their shields of gold and their brass were brought to Jerusalem, Ch1 18:7, Ch1 18:8. As the tabernacle was built of the spoils of the Egyptians, so the temple of the spoils of other Gentile nations, a happy presage of the interest the Gentiles should have in the gospel church.

18:2-13 David’s conquests east of the Jordan River took place in stages. The conquest of Moab in the south gave David firm control over the plateau north of the Arnon River. David’s victory over the Aramean alliance under Hadadezer brought him into alliance with King Toi of Hamath, an archenemy of Hadadezer (18:9-11). With the defeat of Ammon and the Arameans east of the Jordan, David extended his control over the southern expanses of Edom and gained access to a southern seaport (18:12-13).

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