1 Chronicles 18:1-17 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 1 Chronicles 18:1-17. Let’s go!
1 Chronicles 18:6 (NIV)
6 He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. The LORD gave David victory everywhere he went.
On verses 1-17: In these verses we see David facing many different enemies (Philistines in verse 1, Moabites in verse 2, Hadadezer of Zobah in verses 3-4, Arameans in verse 5-6, Amalekites in verse 11, Edomites in verses 12-13). But in each case David overcomes with God’s help. As verses 6 and 13 say, “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went”. It’s a reminder that in this world you may face all kinds of trouble, but with the Lord’s help, you can overcome each of them. For in Christ you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Blessed are those who internalize David’s words in Psalm 18:29: “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall”, which is another way of saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Notice also that in a number of cases, David didn’t just defeat his enemy, but David took over what belonged to that enemy and used it for his own purposes. For example, David defeats the Arameans in verse 6 and then sets up his own strongholds in their land, taking control of Aramean territory. In verse 7, David takes the gold from Hadadezer’s shields and brings them back to Jerusalem for his own country’s use. In verse 8, David takes great quantities of Hadadezer’s bronze, which Solomon would later use to build tools to worship God. In verses 9 to 10, when Tou king of Hamath realizes he can’t beat David, he appeases David with gold, silver and bronze, which David then dedicates to the Lord. What’s going on here? God’s people, led by king David, are taking over enemy territory, redeeming it and using it for God’s glory. And as they do, their territory is expanding.
In the same way, Jesus the Son of David and our king is leading us into enemy territory – into areas of our own lives and areas of our society over which He may not have influence right now. He wants to take over those areas, redeem them and use them for His purposes. As Jesus says, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) God wants to expand His territory in us and through us.
King Jesus, thank You that no matter how much trouble we face in life, with Your help and strength we can overcome all of it. May You gain the victory over every challenge and enemy I face today. Come and take over areas of my life, my city and my nation that You don’t yet have full dominion over. Let Your kingdom come. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
