Credit Where Credit Is Due
1. David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath and its surrounding towns.
2. David also conquered the land of Moab, and the Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.
3. David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as far as Hamath, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River.
4. David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.
5. When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them.
6. Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went. 1 Chronicles 18:1-6
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Think of the people who have helped you get where you are today—those who have helped you succeed or who have taught you the skills you use every day. Who are they? How did they help you?
This is the story of some of David’s military exploits. He’s at war with the surrounding nations, including the Moabites, the Arameans, the Ammonites, and the Philistines. He’s very successful, indeed, and that calls for handing out some accolades to the people who have helped him get there. See what you can learn about giving credit and expressing gratitude to the One who gives every success.
In this passage, David also shows us ways we need to show restraint—not being overly suspicious of others and avoiding overconfidence in ourselves.
When David received gifts from King Toi for successfully defeating King Hadadezer’s army, he dedicated them to God, realizing that all of the gifts had come from God and were to be used for him (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). In a similar way, the list of battles in this chapter makes it clear that God had given David victory after victory (18:13).
It is easy to think that our successes and material blessings are the result of our abilities and hard work rather than gifts coming from a loving God (see James 1:17). Unbelieving people think that victory and success come from their own skills and a little luck. But David acknowledged God’s role in his success and prosperity, and so should we.
What has God given you? Dedicate all your gifts and resources to him, and use them for his service. He will lead you in the method you should use. The first step is to be willing. Don’t take credit for the work God does.
