And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

1 CHRONICLES 18:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 18:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 18:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 18:13 says that David placed military outposts in Edom, making the Edomites serve him, and that the LORD protected David wherever he went. The verse highlights David’s expanding control and credits God for his ongoing success and safety.

This verse is part of a record of King David’s military campaigns, showing how he established dominance over neighboring nations. The writer is describing how David’s victories, including over Edom, were not just due to his own strength but because the LORD (the God of Israel) was actively preserving him in all his undertakings.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 18:13

  • "put" (שִׂים, sîm): This word means to set, place, or establish. Here, it refers to David establishing garrisons, showing intentional control over Edom.
  • "garrisons" (נְצִיב, nĕtsîb): This term means a station, post, or military outpost. The use of this word emphasizes that David didn’t just defeat Edom but set up a lasting presence to maintain authority.
  • "preserved" (יָשַׁע, yāsha‘): This verb means to save, deliver, or protect. The verse credits the LORD with actively ensuring David’s safety and success, underlining that his victories were not simply military achievements.

Why 1 Chronicles 18:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David’s rule over Edom was not temporary; he established ongoing control by placing garrisons, which would have a lasting impact on the region.
  • By stating that the LORD preserved David, the text shifts the focus from David’s military skill to God’s ongoing involvement and favor in David’s reign.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing a pattern: each of David’s victories is attributed to God’s support, reinforcing the theme that Israel’s success depends on divine help, not just human effort.

Where else these words appear

“garrisons” Hebrew H5333 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
  • 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
  • 1 Kings 4:19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:14 And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.