1 Chronicles 20
The Wars in 2 Samuel 20 focuses on records of wars and victories that took place during the reign of King David of Israel. In particular, it describes battles against the descendants of Ammon and fights with the Philistines and the giants. The chapter especially highlights how Israel wins in its battles against surrounding hostile nations with God’s help, as well as the records of David’s brave warriors.
1verseAt the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, Joab led out the army and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it.
2verseDavid took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it. It was set on David’s head, and he brought very much plunder out of the city.
3verseHe brought out the people who were in it, and had them cut with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
4verseAfter this, war arose at Gezer with the Philistines. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.
5verseAgain there was war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
6verseThere was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant.
7verseWhen he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.
8verseThese were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1-3: There is a record of the process of capturing Rabbah, the city of the Ammonite descendants, and of the spoils of war. In this section, David clearly shows his role as the head of the war, wearing the crown on his head.
- Verses 4-8: The battles against the Philistines and giants from Gath continue. In these fights, not only David but also his officials and warriors play major roles, and scenes of defeating the giants are presented. Among the many wars in David’s time, it emphasizes that even the giants—who were the objects of fear—are all brought down.
Main Meaning of the Text
This chapter suggests that as the kingdom of David repeatedly won battles against nearby powerful nations, God was with them throughout the process. The victories over Ammon, the Philistines, and the giants likely filled the community of Israel with holy courage and hope. Also, since it shows that not only David but his warriors joined in God’s work, it invites us to think about the importance of cooperation and obedience within the community.
Points for Reflection
- Let us reflect on what kind of victory it means to experience together as a community with God, rather than fighting our own battles in the battlefield of life.
- We can also remember that we can win when God is with us, without being afraid because of human ability or size.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In times of difficulty, instead of trying to solve everything by myself, I learn that I should rely on God and adopt an attitude of collaborating with the people who are with me.
- If there are “giants” of fear in my life, I can do my best in the place I’m given and put into practice prayers that ask for God’s help.
