1 Chronicles 18:1-17

1 Chronicles 18:3. Zobah is placed a few leagues east of Palmyra in the old maps; and Hamath, as in 1 Chronicles 12:5. See the illustrations in 2 Samuel 8.

1 Chronicles 18:13. He put garrisons in Edom. Here was a fulfilment of the words of the Lord to Rachel, concerning the posterity of her twins, that the elder should serve the younger. The seed of Esau were now compelled to serve the seed of Jacob.

REFLECTIONS.

See the Reflections on 2 Samuel 8. Tou, king of Hamath, finding his rival vanquished, very prudently ventured to congratulate David by an embassy of his son, and to court his alliance by splendid gifts. So in prosperity a man has many friends, and his enemies are all at peace with him. But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, an alsufficient friend that lives and reigns for ever. Let us pay him an early homage; for his lovingkindness is better than life; and they that trust in him shall never be confounded.

We must note the profound piety of David, in dedicating all his share of the spoils of gold and silver to the Lord, while preparing to build the temple. In all things we should aim at glorifying his holy name.