1 Chronicles 18:5
When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men.
When the Arameans of Damascus
The Arameans were a group of Semitic people who lived in the region of modern-day Syria. Damascus, their capital, was a significant city in ancient times, known for its strategic location and influence. The Hebrew root for "Arameans" is "אֲרָם" (Aram), which is often associated with the broader region of Syria. Historically, the Arameans were known for their skilled warriors and chariots, making them formidable allies or adversaries. Their involvement in this battle highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time, where alliances were crucial for survival and dominance.

came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah
King Hadadezer was a ruler of Zobah, a powerful Aramean kingdom located in the region of modern-day Lebanon and Syria. The name "Hadadezer" means "Hadad is my help," with Hadad being a storm and rain god worshiped in the region. This phrase indicates a coalition against Israel, as Zobah was a significant power in the region. The alliance between the Arameans and Hadadezer underscores the threat that David faced, as these were not isolated skirmishes but organized military campaigns against Israel.

David struck down twenty-two thousand men
David, the anointed king of Israel, is depicted as a mighty warrior and leader. The phrase "struck down" comes from the Hebrew root "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to smite or defeat. This victory is not just a military triumph but also a testament to God's favor upon David. The number "twenty-two thousand" signifies a substantial defeat, emphasizing the scale of the victory. In the context of the narrative, this victory serves to establish David's dominance and the expansion of Israel's territory, fulfilling God's promises to Israel regarding their land and security.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and his heart for God. In this passage, he is leading Israel to victory over their enemies.

2. Arameans of Damascus
A group of people from the region of Damascus who came to aid King Hadadezer. They were known for their strength and influence in the region.

3. King Hadadezer of Zobah
A king who opposed Israel and sought to expand his territory. His alliance with the Arameans was an attempt to strengthen his position against David.

4. Zobah
A region in Syria, north of Israel, often in conflict with Israel during David's reign.

5. Battle
The event where David's forces defeated the Arameans, showcasing God's favor and the strength of Israel under David's leadership.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
David's victory over the Arameans demonstrates God's control over nations and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies.

The Importance of Righteous Leadership
David's success is a testament to the impact of a leader who seeks God's guidance and acts in accordance with His will.

Trust in God's Promises
The fulfillment of God's promises to David encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and His plans for their lives.

The Consequences of Opposing God's People
The defeat of the Arameans serves as a warning against opposing God's chosen people and His divine purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's victory over the Arameans reflect God's promises to him in 1 Chronicles 17:8?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our own lives, similar to how He worked in David's battles?

3. What qualities of David's leadership can we apply to our roles in our families, workplaces, or communities?

4. How does the defeat of the Arameans serve as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will?

5. How can we cultivate a heart like David's, one that seeks God's guidance and trusts in His promises, in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 8:5-6
This passage parallels 1 Chronicles 18:5, providing additional details about David's victories and God's support for Israel.

Psalm 60
A psalm attributed to David, reflecting on God's help in battles and the assurance of His presence in times of conflict.

1 Chronicles 17:8
God's promise to David that He would be with him and make his name great, which is fulfilled through victories like the one over the Arameans.
Spoils from EdomJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 18:1-12
The Christian CampaignW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 18:1-12
David's WarsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 18:1-5, 12, 13
David, Hadarezer, and TouF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 18:4, 9-11
People
Abiathar, Abimelech, Abishai, Ahilud, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Aram, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Edomites, Hadadezer, Hadarezer, Hadoram, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Joab, Kerethites, Moabites, Pelethites, Shavsha, Solomon, Syrians, Tou, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Amalek, Cun, Damascus, Edom, Euphrates River, Gath, Hamath, Jerusalem, Moab, Syria, Tibhath, Valley of Salt, Zobah, Zobah-Hamath
Topics
Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Damascus, David, Hadadezer, Hadade'zer, Hadarezer, Killed, Slew, Smiteth, Smote, Struck, Succor, Succour, Sword, Syrians, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-two, Zobah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 18:1-13

     5087   David, reign of

1 Chronicles 18:1-17

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

Library
The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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