“And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines. Methegammah: or, the bridle of Ammah”
So that they paid no more tribute. Cross references: : 1 Chron. 18:1 ; Ps. 60:2 Or, Metheg Ammah.
“And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.”
He slew two parts as it pleased him, and reserved the third.
“And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen : and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots. from: or, of his. chariots: as 1.Chr.18.4”
Or, bought the horses of the chariots.
“And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.”
Or, the Syrians. Or, of Damascus, that is, which dwelt near Damascus.
“Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.”
In that part of Syria, where Damascus was. They paid yearly tribute.
“Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: salute: Heb. ask him of peace had wars: Heb. was a man of wars with brought: Heb. in his hand were”
For seeing David victorious, he was glad to entreat of peace. Hebrew, to ask peace. Hebrew, bless him. Hebrew, in his hand.
“And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.”
He gave judgment in controversies, and was merciful toward the people.
“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers. chief rulers: or, princes”
Or, was over the Cherethites. The Cherethites and Pelethites were as the king’s guard, and had charge of his person.