After the Lord had given King David the promise of a son who would come after him and build the Temple, it is said that David did the great achievements which are recorded in this chapter (verse 1). After the sweet communion which he had enjoyed with God by the Word and prayer, David carried on his work with extraordinary vigor and courage – “conquering and to conquer.”

A detailed account of these victories is given in 2 Samuel 8; so here in this chapter, it is worthwhile for us to observe a few particulars. First, those who have been enemies to the people of God – even though they may have been so for a long time – will be brought down at last! For example, for several generations, the Philistines had been troublesome to Israel; but now David subdued them (verse 1). Thus shall all opposing rulers, principalities, and powers be put down by David’s greater Son, at the end of time; and the most hardened enemies shall fall before His feet. Second, we are reminded here of the uncertainty of this world; for very frequently, people lose their wealth and power at the very time when they think to confirm it. King Hadarezer of Zobah was defeated as he went to establish his dominion (verse 3). “A horse is a vain thing for safety,” David wrote in Psalm 33:17; and he obviously believed what he said, for he disabled Hadarezer’s chariot-horses so that they could no longer be used for war purposes. Being resolved not to trust in horses (Ps. 20:7), but only upon the Lord, David would not use them in his own battles.

We may also learn from this chapter how the enemies of God’s Church are often made to ruin themselves by helping one another (verse 5). The Syrians of Damascus were struck with defeat when they came to help King Hadarezer. And as a result, the wealth of these sinners proved to have been laid up indeed for the righteous (Prov. 13:22). The Syrians were subdued by David, and they brought gifts to him (verse 6). In addition, Hadarezer’s shields of gold – as well as his brass – were brought to Jerusalem (verses 7-8). And this very same brass was later utilized by King Solomon when he built the Temple; he used it to make the brass “sea,” the brass pillars, and the other brass vessels of the Lord’s house. Just as the Tabernacle was built with the spoils of the Egyptians; so also, the Temple was built with the spoils of other heathen nations – a happy foreshadowing of the part that non-Jewish people would eventually play in the Gospel-Church, when the Lord called them to join hands with believing Jews and become a part of His people!

It is in our best interest to make those persons our friends who have the presence of God with them! King Tou of Hamath – having heard of David’s great victory over Hadarezer – sent his own son to congratulate David, and to court his favor with a noble present (verses 9-10). This is a picture of what wise persons ought to do when they hear of the victories of King Jesus. They will not endeavor to resist Him, for it is in vain to contend with the Son of David! “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry!” (Ps. 2:12) Let the kings and judges of the earth – and all inferior people, too – be thus wise! The presents which we are to bring to Christ are not vessels of gold and silver, as King Tou sent to David; for even persons who have no such presents to bring to Jesus are still most welcome to Him. Rather, we must present our hearts and sincere affections – our whole selves – to Him as living sacrifices! (Rom. 12:2)

What God blesses us with, we must honor Him with. David dedicated the presents of his friends, as well as the spoils of his enemies, unto the Lord – that is, he laid them up in preparation for the building and enriching of the Temple that his son Solomon was to build (verse 11). Our possessions are most truly and most comfortably our own when we have consecrated them unto the Lord, and when we use them for His glory. Let all our property have the words “holiness to the Lord” written upon it! (Isa. 23:18)

Those who take God along with them wherever they go may expect to prosper and be preserved wherever they go. It was said in verse 6, and it was repeated in verse 13, that the Lord preserved David no matter where he went. Those persons are always under the eye of God who have God always before their eyes! He alone gives them power – not so that they may look great with it, but so that they may do good with it!

When David reigned over all Israel, he executed judgment and justice among all his people; and so he fulfilled the great purpose of his elevation to the throne. He was not so focused on his conquests abroad that he neglected his administration of justice at home. Herein David fulfilled the purposes of the Kingdom of Providence, and of God Who sits upon His throne and judges rightly; and he was also an eminent picture of the coming Messiah – the scepter of Whose kingdom is a righteous scepter! The equity and righteousness of the reign of David reminds us of Jesus – of Whom it is said, “Behold a king shall reign in righteousness!” (Isa. 32:1)

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