1 Chronicles 18 1

1 Chronicles 18:1 kjv

Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 18:1 nkjv

After this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 18:1 niv

In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its surrounding villages from the control of the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 18:1 esv

After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 18:1 nlt

After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath and its surrounding towns.

1 Chronicles 18 verses

1 Chronicles 18 1 Meaning

The verse describes King David's decisive military victory over the Philistines, a long-standing enemy of Israel. It specifically notes his defeat of them, their complete subjugation, and the capture of Gath along with its surrounding towns, thus establishing Israel's dominance and securing its borders from this formidable foe.

1 Chronicles 18 1 Context

This verse immediately follows a pivotal moment in David's reign, as recounted in 1 Chronicles: God's steadfast covenant with David in chapter 17, promising an enduring dynasty and kingdom. The Chronicler strategically places David's military triumphs here to demonstrate the immediate divine fulfillment and blessing on a king who faithfully seeks God. Historically, the Philistines had been a dominant power, often oppressing Israel from the period of the Judges through King Saul's reign, leading to Saul's death. This victory signifies the definitive shift in regional power, securing Israel's borders and allowing for a period of national stability under David's strong, divinely-backed rule, which subsequently paved the way for the temple's eventual construction.

1 Chronicles 18 1 Word analysis

• Now after this (וַיְהִי אַחֲרֵי-כֵן, Vayehi acharey-khen): This introductory phrase ties the action directly to the preceding narrative, particularly God's covenant with David in chapter 17. It signifies the immediate unfolding of God's promises into historical reality. It serves as a clear sequential marker of divine activity.
• it came to pass: A common biblical transition, indicating the occurrence of events within God's sovereign historical plan.
• David (דָּוִיד, David): The anointed king, chosen by God. His actions here are portrayed as being empowered and blessed by divine favor, demonstrating the success of righteous leadership.
• defeated (וַיַּךְ, vayyakh): Derived from the Hebrew root נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike, smite, kill, wound." In its Hiphil (causative) form, it indicates a decisive, aggressive, and comprehensive defeat, implying the complete breaking of the enemy's power.
• the Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, Plishtim): The prominent adversaries of Israel, originating as "Sea Peoples." Their defeat was essential for Israel's territorial security and independent national existence.
• and subdued them (וַיַּכְנִיעֵם, vayyakhni'em): From the Hebrew root כָנַע (kana'), "to be humble, to submit." In the Hiphil, it means "to cause to bow down, bring into subjection, humble." This indicates more than just a battle victory; it implies compelling their permanent submission, curtailing their military threat, and often subjecting them to tribute.
• and took (וַיִּקַּח, vayyikkach): From לָקַח (lakach), "to take, capture, seize." This denotes a direct act of conquest and annexation of territory.
• Gath (גַּת, Gath): One of the five major Philistine city-states (along with Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gaza). It was a powerful, strategic stronghold, famously associated with Goliath (1 Sam 17:4) and where David himself sought refuge (1 Sam 27:2). Its capture signifies the breaking of the Philistines' military and political core.
• and its dependent towns (וּבְנֹתֶיהָ, u'venoteha): Literally "and her daughters." A common Hebrew idiom referring to the surrounding villages, smaller settlements, or administrative dependencies associated with a major city. Taking these ensured complete control of the region around Gath.
• from the hand of the Philistines (מִיַּד פְּלִשְׁתִּים, miyyad Plishtim): An idiomatic expression signifying "from the power/control/authority of the Philistines." It emphasizes the transfer of complete possession and sovereignty out of their grasp.

1 Chronicles 18 1 Bonus section

The account in Chronicles, while largely parallel to 2 Samuel 8:1, maintains the Chronicler's specific theological emphasis. He portrays David's military campaigns (Chapters 18-20) as God's validation of His covenant promises, rather than merely human exploits. The complete subjugation of the Philistines had been a long-awaited deliverance, reversing centuries of struggle and fulfilling ancient promises concerning Israel's full possession of the land. David's conquests in these chapters directly lead to the collection of materials and the establishment of the administrative structure needed for the eventual temple construction, tying David's role as a warrior directly to the peace and prosperity necessary for Israel's religious center. This defeat effectively ended the widespread Philistine threat for the remainder of David's and Solomon's reigns, although localized skirmishes would recur in later periods.

1 Chronicles 18 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 18:1 succinctly opens David's grand military accomplishments, presenting them as the direct and immediate outcome of God's covenant blessings promised in the preceding chapter. This decisive victory over the Philistines, Israel's ancient and most persistent foe, marks a pivotal moment of national liberation and secure establishment under David. The Chronicler highlights the comprehensive nature of the victory—defeat, subjugation, and capture of Gath, a key symbol of Philistine power—not merely as David's achievement, but as divine empowerment fulfilling a generational struggle. This period of pacification was essential for the subsequent peace required for the building of the temple. The verse underscores that faithful kingship, rooted in divine promises, brings about divinely-willed territorial expansion and peace. For example, just as David sought God and found victory, when a believer seeks God's guidance and relies on His strength in spiritual battles, God enables victory over persistent spiritual adversaries, securing a measure of peace in their lives that allows for greater devotion and service to God.