He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and smitten him;(for Hadarezer had war with Tou;) and with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.

1 CHRONICLES 18:10KJV
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1 Chronicles 18:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 18:10 mean?

1 Chronicles 18:10 describes how King Tou of Hamath sent his son Hadoram to King David to ask about David’s well-being and to congratulate him for defeating Hadarezer, who had been at war with Tou. Hadoram also brought gifts of gold, silver, and bronze vessels to David.

This verse takes place after David’s military victory over Hadarezer, a rival king. King Tou, who had also been in conflict with Hadarezer, saw David’s victory as beneficial and responded by sending his son as an envoy. The gifts and message show respect and a desire for peaceful relations between Tou and David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 18:10

  • "welfare" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just “peace”; it carries the sense of well-being, safety, and wholeness. Tou’s inquiry about David’s shalom shows genuine concern for David’s overall condition, not just a polite greeting.
  • "congratulate" (בָּרַךְ, barak): This word is often translated as “to bless.” Here, it means to offer good wishes or congratulations, highlighting the respect and goodwill Tou wanted to show David.
  • "vessels" (כְּלִי, keli): This word refers to containers or objects, often valuable or ceremonial. The mention of gold, silver, and brass vessels underlines the significance and value of the gifts brought to David.

Why 1 Chronicles 18:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s victory had international effects, influencing neighboring kings and shifting alliances in the region.
  • The gifts and congratulations from Tou show that David was recognized and respected by other rulers, not just feared for his military strength.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how David’s reign brought stability and honor to Israel, attracting goodwill from former enemies or rivals.

Where else these words appear

“Hadoram” Hebrew H1913 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:27 And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:21 Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,
  • 2 Chronicles 10:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

“Tou” Hebrew H8583 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,
  • 2 Samuel 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
  • 1 Chronicles 18:9 Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah;

“Hadarezer” Hebrew H1928 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:9 Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah;

“brass” Hebrew H5178 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Deuteronomy 8:9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.