1. The Lord gave David victory (1-6)

Until David's time, Israel had been an oppressed nation. Her battles had been defensive attempts to survive in the midst of powerful enemies. Under David, Israel became an empire, extending her borders to the limits God had promised Abraham (Ge 15), and bringing neighboring nations under the aegis of her control. God blessed David with victory everywhere he went, and the nation under David's kingship was firmly established.

2. David dedicated his treasures to God (7-18)

David subdued Hadadezer, a powerful and aggressive empire builder. He dedicated the gold and silver -- the most beautiful and valuable of the spoils of war -- to the Lord. He consolidated his empire with strategically located garrisons and he ruled Israel with justice, as the shepherd of God's flock. It was the golden age of Israel. Praise God who gives victory!