Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible
1 Chronicles 18:6
Put garrisons. — The noun here omitted in the Hebrew, probably by an oversight, occurs in Samuel. In 1 Chronicles 11:16 and 2 Chronicles 17:2 it means “out post,” or “garrison;” in 1 Kings 4:19, “prefects,” or “pashas.” The Targum of Samuel gives strategi, “generals;” Syriac and Arabic, “prefects” and “collectors;” LXX. and Vulg., “garrison.” The Arabic here has “collectors and guards;” the Syriac, “commanders.”
Syria-damascus. — Aram of Damascus (1 Chronicles 18:5). (Comp. 1 Chronicles 18:2 for the next clause.)
David’s servants. — To David servants — the order in Samuel.
Thus. — And.
Preserved. — Made victorious.
Preserved David. — Samuel has ‘eth-David — i.e., the simple accusative; Chronicles, le-David, a late construction.
Whithersoever he went. — Same phrase as in 1 Chronicles 17:6; 1 Chronicles 17:8.
Shields. — Shiltê. Probably “armour” or “arms.” (Comp. 2 Kings 11:10; 2 Chronicles 23:9, “the spears, and the shields, and the sh’lâtîm; “Ezekiel 27:11; Song of Solomon 4:4; Jeremiah 51:11, “quivers.”) LXX. here, “golden collars” (Samuel, “bracelets”); Syriac and Arabic, “golden plates which hung on the horses;” Vulg., “quivers (Samuel, “golden arms”).
Hadadezer was not dethroned, but became a vassal king.