David's Campaigns

This passage gives a campaign summary, not just one battle. David subdued the Philistines. He also defeated Moab. In Samuel, the Moabites are measured out, with many put to death and some spared. After that, Moab became subject to David and brought tribute.

David also fought Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as Hadadezer went to establish or recover his rule by the river. David captured many troops and hamstrung the chariot horses, leaving enough for one hundred chariots. This was a separate conflict within the same campaign overview.

When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David struck them as well. He placed garrisons in Damascus, and the Syrians became subject to David and brought tribute. The passage says the Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

David took shields of gold from Hadadezer's servants and a great quantity of bronze from his cities. Then the king of Hamath, who had been at war with Hadadezer, sent his son to greet David and bring vessels of silver, gold, and bronze.

David dedicated these treasures to the Lord, along with silver and gold taken from other nations. The summary also mentions victory in the Valley of Salt and garrisons placed in Edom, so Edom became subject to David. Again the passage says the Lord gave David victory wherever he went.