Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 18:2
David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Chronicler records David’s military campaigns in a historical narrative, placing this account immediately after the subjugation of the Philistines and before the defeat of Hadadezer of Zobah.
The words — וַ/יַּ֖ךְ (va/i.Yakh) literally means “he struck down,” and עֲבָדִ֣ים ('a.va.Dim) denotes “subjects” or “servants,” describing the forced political status imposed on Moab.
The thread — The subjugation of Moab echoes the earlier massacre in Judges 3:29, while the expanding borders align with the Davidic sovereignty described in Psalms 72:8 and the messianic scepter prophecy in Numbers 24:17.
Why it lands — The text documents concrete territorial conquest and tribute collection, demanding a reader acknowledge the historical reality of David’s military dominance before considering its theological implications.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David’s servants, and brought gifts.
Cross-references
- Psalms 72:8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
- Numbers 24:17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
- Judges 3:29 At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all robust and valiant men. Not one of them escaped.
- 1 Samuel 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.
- 2 Samuel 8:2 David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
- 1 Kings 10:2 She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.
- 1 Kings 10:25 Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.
- 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams.
- Psalms 60:8 Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
- Psalms 68:29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts.