As time passed, David went out to secure the land around Israel. He fought against the Philistines and defeated them, breaking their power and taking Metheg Ammah from their control. The grip the Philistines once held was loosened, and Israel breathed easier under David's rule.
David also turned his attention to Moab. After defeating them, he made them lie down on the ground and measured them with a length of cord. Two lengths were marked for death, and one length was allowed to live. From that day, the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
Not long after, David went to battle against Hadadezer son of Rehob, the king of Zobah. Hadadezer was moving to restore his control along the Euphrates River, but David met him in battle and defeated him.
David captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all the chariot horses except a hundred, keeping only what was necessary.
When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David struck them down as well, killing twenty-two thousand men. He placed garrisons throughout the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. Wherever David went, the Lord gave him victory.
David took the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer's officers and brought them to Jerusalem. From the towns of Tebah and Berothai, which also belonged to Hadadezer, he carried away a great quantity of bronze.
When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joram to greet King David and congratulate him on his victory.
Hadadezer had long been at war with Tou, and his defeat brought relief. Joram came bearing gifts of silver, gold, and bronze.
King David dedicated all these articles to the Lord, just as he had done with the silver and gold taken from the nations he had subdued.
These included Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek, along with the plunder taken from Hadadezer king of Zobah.
David's fame spread after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to him. Again and again, the Lord gave David victory wherever he went.
David reigned over all Israel, ruling with justice and righteousness for all his people.
Joab son of Zeruiah commanded the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud served as recorder. Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests.
Seraiah was secretary. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites. And David's sons served as royal advisers.