1 Chronicles 18:2

And he smote Moab, and the Moabites became Dauids seruants, and brought gifts. 1 Chronicles 18:2 (KJV)

The passage is part of a larger section that describes King David’s military victories and the expansion of the Israelite kingdom. 1 Chronicles is a historical account that emphasizes the lineage of the Israelite kings, especially focusing on King David, and the events described occur after David had become king over all Israel and had established his reign.

In chapter 18 we read about David’s victories over various nations, including the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and others. Verse 2 records David’s defeat of the Moabites, while verse 7 notes that the Moabites became David’s servants and offered gifts. Moab was a region located east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham. Historically the Moabites had been adversaries of Israel, engaging in conflicts and occasionally oppressing the Israelites.

Under David’s leadership the Moabites were defeated and became subject to David’s authority. The verse stating that the Moabites became David’s servants and brought gifts signifies their submission to David’s rule and their willingness to offer tribute as a sign of loyalty and subordination. In the ancient world it was common for conquered nations to pay tribute to the victorious king as a gesture of submission and to ensure peace.

The inclusion of these verses demonstrates how the chronicler presents David’s military successes as part of the broader narrative of God’s blessing on David and the nation of Israel. It highlights David’s role as a chosen leader who, through divine favor, united and strengthened the kingdom, fulfilling the promises associated with his reign.

Overall, 1 Chronicles 18 records the historical context of David’s conquests and the subjugation of the Moabites. It serves as a reminder of the perceived faithfulness of God to David and the fulfillment of the promises concerning the expansion of his kingdom.