The Syrians (or Arameans) were a people who lived to the north of Jerusalem, in the area around Damascus. Damascus was a city at a key military point of interest, the intersection of the Way of the Sea and the King’s Highway. These were two major caravan routes that connected Asia to Africa, and control of this city would enable David to collect considerable revenue from travellers.1
6 Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.