The word in Psalm 18:43,43Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. (Psalm 18:43) written for the day of the Lord when He shall set up, His kingdom at the beginning of the Millennium, had its first fulfilment in David, as the chapter reveals. The Philistines who lived within the borders of Israel, and had long been merciless enemies, were smitten and subdued, and some of their towns were taken from them. Their final destruction did not occur during Old Testament history, though it is promised in the writings of the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos and Zephaniah.
Moab, ancient enemy, was humbled, yet grace was shown them, for "with two lines" measurement was made to put to death, and with "one full line" to keep alive. Moab is used more than once in Scripture as a representation of the world, away from God, and its ways hated by Him. Yet grace, unmerited favor, is shown, as at this day, while free salvation, abundant pardon, is proclaimed to undeserving sinners, if they will but accept it on God's terms.
Far east to the Euphrates, and northward to the city of Damascus went the conquering hosts of Israel under their great leader, and the nations so visited became servants and brought gifts to David. Other kings owned 'David, and sent him vessels of silver, of gold and of brass, which he dedicated to God. Garrison's were placed in Syria and in Edom, and David executed judgment and justice to all his people, preserved and blessed by God where ever he went. David pictures still the Man of power of the coming day when He shall put down all rule and all authority and power, putting all enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:24-2524Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:24‑25)).
To present David in this typical view, as foreshadowing Christ as the warrior-king when He shall return to this earth in judgment, is the great aim of the Holy Spirit in this book. The same history is told in 1 Chronicles with quite a different object,—that of showing the grace of God exemplified in David's life.