18:1-2 God made David able to attack and subdue the Philistines and Moabites. Though David was frequently engaged in war, it was always at the behest of God. God never sanctioned a war against an innocent nation or individual; God helped David, as He helps all of His children, because David fought against evil, Deuteronomy 9:5.
The ultimate mission of righteousness is a war on evil manifested into systems, kingdoms, nations, and powerful forces. David did not attack in an attempt to establish the renown of his name or to expand borders; he attacked because the strongholds of righteousness were breached by evil.
18:5-8 The Philistines, the Moabites and the Syrians struck against Israel but met a solid force. God preserved David wherever he went; each time David bravely, faithfully defended Israel and all it represented, God was with him. The gold and bronze of Israel's enemies became their possessions; their enemies were brought into submission. Once again: not because Israel was perfect but because their enemies were evil. To God, we are all imperfect. But Imperfect and trying (to be better) is a lot different than imperfect and not trying.
18:9-11 The king of Hamath heard of David's victory over the army of Hadadezer and responded with relief and gratitude. Hamath gave David gifts of gold, silver and bronze. David dedicated all of Hamath's gifts to God. It was very clear to David who the victor in the war had been: God. Therefore God, not David, deserved the gifts.
Gratitude is an especially helpful mindset. Gratitude humbles because it gives perspective: the victory did not come out of David's ability, it came out of God's. David remembered the source of his provision and power and could therefore continue to draw from it.
18:12-13 Abishai, under David's command and God's power, was also successful in battle. It is repeated: And the Lord preserved David wherever he went. Even the people working with David were fortified by God; God provides comprehensive support.
18:14 So David reigned over all Israel, and administered judgment and justice to all his people. David's sole focus as king was to lead the kingdom and the people in accordance with God's will.
18:15-17 David's Administration:
Army commander: Joab
Recorder: Jehoshaphat
Priests: Zadok and Abimelech
Scribe: Shavsha
Officer of the Cherethites and Pelethites (hired soldiers): Jeohiada
Chief ministers of the King: David's sons
David was surrounded by people who helped him to manage a kingdom, but he relied on God. David was not perfect and neither were the men assisting him, but as they each intended toward God's will as best they could, the kingdom flourished.
