Chapter Summary

David's kingdom fully established.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 18

1. Up to this point, how long had the Philistines caused trouble for Israel? Under the reign of David, scriptures says the Philistines were subdued, however. Do you think David was a better warrior than those before him or the victory against the Philistines was part of God’s blessing upon His calling? Why or why not?
2. In verse 2, we find that David defeated whom? Read 1 Samuel 22:3-4. Does it seem odd he is now fighting against who he was willing to ask for protection for his family? (Sidenote: Ruth was also a Moabite and David’s great-grandma) Does it seem fair some were saved because they could pay tribute money (NLT)? Why or why not?
3. In verse 3, the Word says David conquered all the way to the Euphrates River. Read one of God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 15:18. Does this verse fulfill God’s promise? Does it encourage you to see God’s promises fulfilled in scripture? What are some promises that God gives us as Christians?
4. In verse 4, we read David captured chariots, horseman, and foot soldiers. Why do you think David hamstrings the horses and only keeps 100 chariots? How does that prove David’s faith in God?
5. In verses 7-8, what does David take back to Jerusalem? What do you think was the purpose of the shields of gold or in taking the bronze? Do you think there is a significance in these materials being used to build the temple, why or why not?
6. What did Tou king of Hamath send David and why? Do you think some surrounding nations were thankful for David’s military power? Even though Hamath is a pagan nation they are not hostile to David. Do you think in our society we see those with different beliefs as hostile towards ourselves/beliefs? How are we to respond to those who might be hostile towards our beliefs?
7. In verse 11, David dedicates all the spoils of war to the Lord. Do you think this act shows David’s humility? Would David have been tempted to take the credit for all the victories he was receiving? When you serve God with your talents, is it hard to not desire to take some of the credit? How do you think we can be more humble with our own victories?
8. Throughout verses 1-13, how many garrisons are built in enemy territory? What would be the benefit of building the garrisons? Do you think the fallen nations were thankful for the garrisons? Do you think this show’s David kindness to the people compared to the alternative slaying the nations? Explain.
9. “So David reigned over all Israel, and administered judgement and justice to all his people” (ESV). What do you think sets David apart as a king? How was he able to not only be a great commander in war but also administer judgement and justice fairly? Give some examples.
10. Verses 15-17 list key people in David’s government. Do you think they helped David lead more effectively? Do you think David would have been limited without his organizational skills and delegation ability? How can organization or delegation help us be more effective not only in ministry, but in our daily lives?

Key Words/Phrase

Judgment and justice, v. 14.

Characters

God, David, Hadarezer, Tou, Hadoram, Abishai, Joah, Jehoshaphat, Benaiah.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 13.