United Commentaries

1Chr.18.1-20.8

This section recounts David’s wars and military achievements, presenting David as the great warrior of Israel’s history. This account relates the public and political aspects of David’s enemies, but it deals very little with their private affairs.

Three distinct sections reflect accounts in Samuel: (1) the battles in the expansion of the kingdom (18:1-17; see 2 Sam 8:1-16); (2) the battle against the Ammonites (1 Chr 19:1–20:3; see 2 Sam 10:1–11:1; 12:30-31); and (3) the exploits of David’s mighty men (1 Chr 20:4-8; see 2 Sam 21:18-22). Each section begins with a chronological transition (after this) that loosely joins these events (1 Chr 18:1; 19:1; 20:4).

1Chr.19.1-7

The new Ammonite ruler, Hanun, took exception to Israel’s presence so close to his nation. The Ammonites hired Aramean armies from the north, and these combined forces assembled at Medeba to challenge David’s control of Moab’s plateau.

1Chr.19.9-13

The enemy armies drew their battle lines strategically; the Ammonites positioned themselves so that the city of Medeba could serve as a refuge, while the Israelites also had to deal with a second offensive from the Arameans. Joab divided his forces to fight on both fronts from a central rallying point.

1Chr.19.13

Joab knew that the battle was not being waged to gain more territory but to defend the people and the cities of Israel from invasion (cp. 19:8).

Joab placed his trust in God, knowing that the outcome depended on the Lord’s providence.

1Chr.19.16-19

In the battle against the Arameans, David accomplished three objectives: He challenged Hadadezer’s supremacy, threw the alliance of the Arameans into disarray, and prevented any possible future alliance between the Arameans and the Ammonites.