Topical Bible: Syria: Conquest of by David

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Topical Encyclopedia

The conquest of Syria by King David is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the expansion of Israel's territory and influence during David's reign. This event is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, where the military campaigns and subsequent subjugation of Syrian territories are detailed.

Biblical Context

The conquest of Syria occurs during a period of military success for David, who had established himself as a formidable leader and king over Israel. Following his consolidation of power within Israel and victories over surrounding nations, David turned his attention to the northern territories, including Syria.

Key Biblical Passages

The primary accounts of David's conquest of Syria are found in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18. These passages describe David's military campaigns and the subsequent subjugation of Syrian territories:

· 2 Samuel 8:5-6 : "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went."

· 1 Chronicles 18:5-6 : "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went."

These passages highlight the divine favor and military prowess that characterized David's reign. The establishment of garrisons in Damascus and the imposition of tribute signify the effective control and influence David exerted over the region.

Historical and Theological Significance

The conquest of Syria by David is significant for several reasons:

1. Expansion of Territory: David's victories over the Syrians expanded Israel's borders and secured its northern frontier. This expansion not only increased Israel's landholdings but also enhanced its strategic and economic position in the region.

2. Fulfillment of Divine Promise: The success of David's military campaigns is often seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the land and dominion. The victories underscore the theme of divine support and blessing upon David's kingship.

3. Establishment of Israelite Dominance: By subjugating the Syrians and other neighboring nations, David established Israel as a dominant power in the ancient Near East. This dominance laid the groundwork for the prosperity and peace experienced during the reign of his son, Solomon.

4. Foreshadowing of Messianic Kingdom: From a theological perspective, David's conquests are seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate Messianic kingdom, where the anointed king would rule with justice and righteousness over all nations.

Conclusion

The conquest of Syria by David is a testament to his leadership and the divine favor that accompanied his reign. Through these military victories, David not only expanded Israel's territory but also reinforced the nation's status as a significant power in the ancient world.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 8:3-13
David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4
... Maspero. Produced by David Widger Table of Contents. Title Page. ... EGYPT. CHAPTER
II--SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST. CHAPTER ...
/.../maspero/history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 4/

The Nations of the South-East
... which he came, has a close resemblance to that of Dunip in northern Syria. ... were probably
taken to Jerusalem at the time of its conquest by David; at any rate ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9
... History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 G. Maspero. Produced
by David Widger Table of Contents. Title Page. CHAPTER I--THE IRANIAN CONQUEST ...
/.../maspero/history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 9/

The Nations of the North-East
... The war with Ammon had brought David into conflict with Zobah, an Aramaic kingdom
which under Hadad-ezer was aiming at the conquest of the whole of Syria. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... followed by three campaigns not dated, the last of which was in Syria; and thirdly ...
a halt at Parsindu,* and set to work to organise the fruits of his conquest. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... with us usually happen in summer, yet in Palestine and Syria they are ... 2 Samuel
5:6-9, and of this its siege and conquest now by David, Josephus applies to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... his brother Hirom, and Nabonidus, who was then engaged in Syria, came south as ... country
over which he ruled, exhausted by the Assyrian conquest, and depopulated ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... and, therefore, accepted the Israelitish conquest and adopted ... Jephthah smote the
Ammonites;[302] David held the ... 304] and put garrisons in Syria of Damascus. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

The Charter of Gentile Liberty
... greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia ...
The conquest of the Gentiles by the restorer of David's tabernacle is ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/the charter of gentile liberty.htm

Canaan
... Before the time of David the power and almost the name of Mitanni ... The Semites of
Syria had succeeded in rolling back the wave of Hittite conquest, and in ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm