As we continue in 1 Chronicles, we have some duplicate narratives of battles that we had back in 2 Samuel. We won’t rehash those. In this version, David wins battles and begins to gather materials that were used later in building the temple. For example:

David plundered the gold shields that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. He also looted Tebah and Cun, cities of Hadadezer, of a huge quantity of bronze that Solomon later used to make the Great Bronze Sea, the Pillars, and bronze equipment in The Temple. (1 Chronicles 18.7, 8, MSG)

And the reason for David’s success is clear:

God gave David victory wherever he marched. (1 Chronicles 18.13, MSG)

And unlike his predecessor, Saul, who was not such a good guy:

David ruled over all of Israel. He ruled well, fair and evenhanded in all of his duties and relationships. (1 Chronicles 18.14, MSG)

You can’t ask any more from a king than that.

Then he chose David, his servant, hand-picked him from his work in the sheep pens. One day he was caring for the ewes and their lambs, the next day God had him shepherding Jacob, his people Israel, his prize possession. His good heart made him a good shepherd; he guided the people wisely and well. (Psalm 78.70 – 72, MSG)