He placed garrisons in EdomDavid's strategic placement of garrisons in Edom signifies his control and dominance over the region. Edom, located to the south of the Kingdom of Judah, was a significant area due to its trade routes and resources. By establishing military outposts, David ensured the security and stability of his kingdom's southern border. This action reflects the fulfillment of earlier prophecies and promises regarding Israel's expansion and dominance over its neighbors, as seen in
Genesis 25:23 and
Numbers 24:18. The presence of garrisons also indicates a period of peace and order under David's rule, as these outposts would deter rebellion and maintain control.
and all the Edomites were subject to David
The subjugation of the Edomites under David's rule highlights the extent of his kingdom and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Historically, the Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a tumultuous relationship with Israel. This subjugation can be seen as a reversal of the earlier enmity and a demonstration of God's favor upon David. It also prefigures the ultimate reign of Christ, who will bring all nations under His dominion, as prophesied inPsalm 72:8-11. The Edomites' submission is a testament to David's military prowess and God's providential guidance.
So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went
This phrase underscores the divine favor and blessing upon David's reign. It was not merely David's military skill or strategic acumen that led to his victories, but the LORD's intervention and support. This divine assistance is a recurring theme in David's life, as seen in his battles against Goliath and the Philistines. The victories granted to David are a fulfillment of God's covenant with him, as outlined in2 Samuel 7:8-16, where God promises to establish David's kingdom. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who will triumph over all spiritual and earthly powers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe King of Israel, known for his military prowess and his heart for God. In this passage, he is expanding his kingdom and securing peace through strategic military actions.
2.
EdomA neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with Israel. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, which adds a layer of familial tension to their historical conflicts.
3.
GarrisonsMilitary outposts established by David in Edom to maintain control and ensure peace. These garrisons symbolize David's authority and the subjugation of Edom under Israelite rule.
4.
The LORDThe God of Israel, who is credited with giving David victory. This highlights the belief that David's successes are divinely ordained.
5.
VictoryThe success and triumph that David experiences, attributed to the LORD's favor and guidance.
Teaching Points
Divine Sovereignty in LeadershipRecognize that true leadership and victory come from God. David's success was not solely due to his military skill but because the LORD was with him.
Strategic StewardshipLike David, we should be wise and strategic in our responsibilities, using the resources and opportunities God provides to establish peace and order.
Fulfillment of God's PromisesGod's promises, such as those made to the patriarchs, are fulfilled in His timing and through His chosen people. Trust in God's faithfulness to His word.
The Role of ObedienceDavid's obedience to God's commands and his heart for God were crucial in his victories. Our obedience to God can lead to spiritual victories in our lives.
Peace through StrengthEstablishing peace sometimes requires strength and vigilance. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, but also to stand firm in our faith and convictions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 18:13?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 18:13 demonstrate God's faithfulness in David's victories?
3.What does "the LORD gave David victory" reveal about God's role in battles?
4.How can we apply David's reliance on God to our daily challenges?
5.Which other scriptures highlight God's provision of victory to His chosen leaders?
6.How can we ensure God's presence in our endeavors, as seen in David's life?
7.How does 1 Chronicles 18:13 demonstrate God's sovereignty over Israel's enemies?
8.What historical evidence supports David's military victories mentioned in 1 Chronicles 18:13?
9.Why is the Lord's help emphasized in David's conquests in 1 Chronicles 18:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 18?
11.If Psalm 60 is truly Davidic, why do some scholars assert that the psalm's language or context suggests a later composition, potentially challenging its authenticity?
12.In Ezekiel 35:3–4, can archaeological evidence confirm the eternal desolation of Mount Seir as prophesied?
13.Is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the dramatic military victories and deliverances described in Psalm 18?
14.If David truly hamstrung nearly all the horses (1 Chronicles 18:4), how does this align with the best military practices of the time and known historical evidence?What Does 1 Chronicles 18:13 Mean
He placed garrisons in Edom• David did not simply defeat Edom in one battle; he stationed troops throughout the land, a permanent military presence that secured Israel’s southern border (2 Samuel 8:14).
• These garrisons protected trade routes like the King’s Highway, ensuring economic stability for Israel (1 Kings 9:26–28).
• The move fulfilled earlier divine promises of expanding Israel’s territory (Genesis 15:18;Deuteronomy 11:24).
• By literally planting outposts in Edom, David demonstrated practical stewardship of God-given victory, not leaving conquered ground vulnerable to revolt.
and all the Edomites were subject to David• “All” underscores complete submission; Edom lost political autonomy and paid tribute (Psalm 60 superscription;2 Kings 3:4).
• This subjection echoed Balaam’s prophecy: “Edom will become a possession” (Numbers 24:17–19).
• The relationship between Jacob’s and Esau’s descendants (Genesis 25:23; 27:29) finds historical fulfillment here—God’s word proves true in time and space.
• David’s rule brought relative peace to Edom, illustrating how God’s chosen king extends order even over those once hostile (Psalm 18:43).
So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went• The verse pivots from David’s actions to God’s agency; every success is traced back to the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:8;1 Samuel 18:14).
• “Wherever he went” highlights comprehensive favor—on foreign campaigns (2 Samuel 5:20), internal administration (1 Chronicles 18:6), and personal protection (Psalm 23:4).
• The statement reminds readers that military strength, strategy, and courage are secondary; victory is a gift from God (Deuteronomy 20:4;Joshua 1:5).
• Believers today can rest in the same principle: obedience aligns us with divine help, turning every arena of life into a place where the LORD can grant success (Proverbs 3:5–6).
summary1 Chronicles 18:13 records a tangible, historical triumph: David established garrisons, subjugated Edom, and experienced unbroken success. Each clause spotlights God’s faithfulness—promises kept, enemies subdued, and a king blessed “wherever he went.” The passage calls us to recognize God’s sovereign hand in victories, to steward His gifts wisely, and to trust that His purposes will prevail just as surely today.
(13)
And he put garrisons (or "prefects,"
1Chronicles 18:6)
in Edom.--Samuel adds, "in all Edom he set garrisons," thus marking the complete subjugation of the country.
Thus the Lord preserved David.--See1Chronicles 18:6. David was victorious on all sides, north (1Chronicles 18:3-8), and south, and east, and west (1Chronicles 18:11). The six peoples whom he reduced had been the foes of his ill-fated predecessor (1Samuel 14:47-48). . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He placedוַיָּ֤שֶׂם(way·yā·śem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setgarrisonsנְצִיבִ֔ים(nə·ṣî·ḇîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5333:Something stationary, a prefect, a military post, a statuein Edom,בֶּֽאֱדוֹם֙(be·’ĕ·ḏō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123:The name of a condimentand allכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe Edomitesאֱד֖וֹם(’ĕ·ḏō·wm)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123:The name of a condimentwereוַיִּהְי֥וּ(way·yih·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, besubjectעֲבָדִ֣ים(‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantto David.לְדָוִ֑יד(lə·ḏā·wîḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of JesseSo the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelmade Davidדָּוִ֔יד(dā·wîḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessevictoriousוַיּ֤וֹשַׁע(way·yō·wō·ša‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3467:To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succorwhereverבְּכֹ֖ל(bə·ḵōl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhe went.הָלָֽךְ׃(hā·lāḵ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk
Links
1 Chronicles 18:13 NIV1 Chronicles 18:13 NLT1 Chronicles 18:13 ESV1 Chronicles 18:13 NASB1 Chronicles 18:13 KJV
1 Chronicles 18:13 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 18:13 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 18:13 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 18:13 French Bible1 Chronicles 18:13 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 18:13 He put garrisons in Edom (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)