What is the context?
David brings Hadadezer’s gold shields to Jerusalem and takes bronze from two of his cities. Toi of Hamath, who had also been at war with Hadadezer, sends his son Joram with congratulations and gifts of silver, gold and bronze.
David dedicates these gifts to the LORD along with wealth from the peoples he has subdued. The survey then records victory over eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and garrisons throughout Edom. Once again, it credits the LORD with David’s success.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry connects the dedicated wealth with preparations for the temple. The parallel in 1 Chronicles 18:8 specifically says that Solomon used the captured bronze for temple furnishings. David’s part in the work extends beyond what he builds during his own lifetime.
1 Chronicles 18:12–13 names Abishai in the Edomite victory that this passage credits to David. The USCCB Bible notes also note the different attribution. A royal summary can credit a king with his forces’ achievement without saying he personally delivered every blow.
Toi’s gift is presented as a response to the defeat of a common opponent. The passage does not describe the terms of a separate covenant or tell us the private motives behind every diplomatic gesture.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.