1 Chronicles – Chapter 18

Old Testament17 Verses

1And it came to pass after this, that David defeated the Philistines, and humbled them, and took away Geth, and her daughters out of the hands of the Philistines,

2And he defeated Moab, and the Moabites were made David's servants, and brought him gifts.

3At that time David defeated also Adarezer king of Soba of the land of Hemath, when he went to extend his dominions as far as the river Euphrates.

4And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and he houghed all the chariot horses, only a hundred chariots, which he reserved for himself.

5And the Syrians of Damascus came also to help Adarezer king of Soba: and David slew of them likewise two and twenty thousand men.

6And he put a garrison in Damascus, that Syria also should serve him, and bring gifts. And the Lord assisted him in all things to which he went.

7And David took the golden quivers which the servants of Adarezer had, and he brought them to Jerusalem.

8Likewise out of Thebath and Chun, cities of Adarezer, he brought very much brass, of which Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

9Now when Thou king of Hemath heard that David had defeated all the army of Adarezer king of Soba,

10He sent Adoram his son to king David to desire peace of him, and to congratulate him that he had defeated and overthrown Adarezer: for Thou was an enemy to Adarezer.

11And all the vessels of gold, and silver and brass king David consecrated to the Lord, with the silver and gold which he had taken from all the nations, as well from Edom, and from Moab, and from the sons of Ammon, as from the Philistines, and from Amalec.

12And Abisai the son of Sarvia slew of the Edomites in the vale of the saltpits, eighteen thousand:

13And he put a garrison in Edom, that Edom should serve David: and the Lord preserved David in all things to which he went.

14So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

15And Joab the son of Sarvia was over the army, and Josaphat the son of Ahilud recorder.

16And Sadoc the son of Achitob, and Achimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests: and Susa, scribe.

17And Banaias the son of Joiada was over the bands of the Cerethi, and the Phelethi: and the sons of David were chief about the king.

Reflection for Today

As you read 1 Chronicles Chapter 18, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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