1 Chronicles 11:13

KJV

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

He was with David {H1732} at Pasdammim {H6450}, and there the Philistines {H6430} were gathered together {H622} to battle {H4421}, where was a parcel {H2513} of ground {H7704} full {H4392} of barley {H8184}; and the people {H5971} fled {H5127} from before {H6440} the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was with David at Pas-Damim, where the P'lishtim had assembled for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley; and when the people fled from the P'lishtim,

Berean Standard Bible

He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At the place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines.

American Standard Version

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:13 vividly captures a pivotal moment of extraordinary courage during King David's reign, focusing on the heroic stand of Eleazar, son of Dodo. Amidst a Philistine invasion at Pasdammim, where the Israelite forces had fled in panic, Eleazar alone chose to defend a vital parcel of ground laden with barley. This seemingly small act of defiance against overwhelming odds underscores profound themes of individual faithfulness, unwavering loyalty, and the divine empowerment that enables a solitary warrior to achieve a significant victory, preserving essential resources for the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 11, a chapter that begins with David's anointing as king over all Israel and quickly transitions to listing his most valiant warriors, known as "David's mighty men." The Chronicler's primary purpose in this section is to highlight the divine favor on David's reign and the loyalty of his key supporters, emphasizing the spiritual and military strength that God provided. Eleazar, identified as one of "the three mighty ones" (alongside Jashobeam and Shammah, though Shammah's parallel account is in [2 Samuel 23:11-12](/2_samuel/23-11 "2 Samuel 23:11-12 - Shammah's Stand")), is presented as an exemplar of this valor. The narrative of his solitary stand serves to illustrate the exceptional quality of David's inner circle, reinforcing the legitimacy and strength of David's kingdom, which is divinely ordained and sustained.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, Pasdammim (also known as Ephes-dammim in [1 Samuel 17:1](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - David and Goliath's Battleground")), was a strategic borderland in the Valley of Elah, frequently contested by the Israelites and their perennial adversaries, the Philistines. The Philistines, a formidable military power, consistently posed a threat to Israel's security and sovereignty. Their gathering for battle indicates a significant incursion aimed at disrupting Israelite life and seizing resources. The detail of "a parcel of ground full of barley" is crucial: barley was a staple crop, essential for sustenance, particularly for the common people and their livestock. Defending such a field was not merely about property; it was about preserving the nation's livelihood, its very ability to survive and thrive. The flight of "the people" underscores the widespread fear and the dire military situation, making Eleazar's solitary stand all the more remarkable.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 11:13 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. **Unwavering Courage** is paramount, as Eleazar's refusal to flee in the face of overwhelming Philistine forces showcases extraordinary bravery and commitment to duty. This act also exemplifies **Faithfulness and Loyalty**, not just to King David, but to the nation of Israel and, implicitly, to God's purposes for His people. The subsequent verse, [1 Chronicles 11:14](/1_chronicles/11-14 "1 Chronicles 11:14 - The Lord's Great Victory"), reveals the outcome, implying **Divine Empowerment** and **God's Preservation**, demonstrating that Eleazar's strength was supernaturally sustained to achieve victory. Furthermore, the defense of the "barley field" highlights the theme of **Defending the Ordinary**, emphasizing that faithfulness and courage are not reserved for grand, epic battles but are also required in protecting the seemingly mundane yet vital aspects of life and livelihood. This narrative also subtly points to the theme of **God Using the Few (or One) to Accomplish Much**, echoing instances where God empowers individuals to achieve victory against impossible odds, as seen in [Judges 7:7](/judges/7-7 "Judges 7:7 - Gideon's Small Army").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pasdammim (Hebrew, פַּס דַּמִּים, _Pas Dammim'_):** This place name literally means "boundary of blood" or "edge of blood." Its etymology is highly significant, reflecting the historical reality of this location as a frequent battleground where much blood was shed between the Israelites and the Philistines. The name itself foreshadows the intense conflict described in the verse, underscoring the inherent danger and strategic importance of the site. It emphasizes that Eleazar's stand occurred in a place historically marked by violent struggle.
* **Barley (Hebrew, שְׂעֹרִים, _se'orim'_):** Barley was one of the most common and essential grain crops in ancient Israel, often associated with the sustenance of the poor (cf. [Ruth 2:17](/ruth/2-17 "Ruth 2:17 - Ruth Gathers Barley")) and animal feed. Its presence in the field signifies not just food, but the very livelihood and economic stability of the community. Defending a "parcel of ground full of barley" was therefore an act of preserving the nation's economic base and its ability to feed itself, elevating the seemingly mundane to a matter of national survival and honor.
* **Fled (Hebrew, נוּס, _nus'_):** The verb "fled" describes the action of the "people" (likely the Israelite soldiers or local inhabitants) in response to the Philistine threat. It conveys a sense of panic, fear, and self-preservation, highlighting the widespread abandonment of the battlefield. This act of flight serves as a stark contrast to Eleazar's resolute stand, emphasizing his singular courage and commitment in the face of overwhelming fear and desertion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He was with David at Pasdammim":** The "He" refers to Eleazar, son of Dodo, one of David's elite warriors. While "with David" might imply physical proximity, it primarily signifies his allegiance and service to King David's cause. Pasdammim establishes the specific geographical and strategic context of the battle.
* **"and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle":** This clause sets the scene of imminent conflict, indicating a deliberate and organized military incursion by Israel's primary enemy. The Philistines' presence signals a serious threat to Israelite territory and security.
* **"where was a parcel of ground full of barley":** This seemingly mundane detail identifies the specific object of contention. It highlights that the battle was not just for abstract territory but for tangible, vital resources—a field of barley representing livelihood, sustenance, and the fruit of Israelite labor.
* **"and the people fled from before the Philistines":** This final clause dramatically underscores the dire situation. The widespread panic and retreat of the Israelite forces or local populace emphasize the overwhelming nature of the Philistine threat and the isolation of Eleazar's subsequent heroic stand. It sets the stage for the extraordinary valor that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Chronicles 11:13 effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Contrast** is a primary device, starkly juxtaposing Eleazar's solitary, unwavering stand against the widespread panic and flight of "the people." This highlights Eleazar's exceptional courage and faithfulness. **Symbolism** is evident in the "parcel of ground full of barley." While literally a field, it symbolizes the ordinary, vital aspects of life, livelihood, and national heritage that are worth defending, even when they seem insignificant compared to the grand scale of war. The detail also functions as **Understatement**, as the simple description of a barley field belies its strategic importance and the immense courage required to defend it alone. Furthermore, the verse sets up a sense of **Suspense** and **Anticipation** for the reader, leaving the outcome of Eleazar's stand unstated in this verse, thereby compelling the reader to continue to [1 Chronicles 11:14](/1_chronicles/11-14 "1 Chronicles 11:14 - The Lord's Great Victory") to discover the miraculous victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eleazar's heroic stand at the barley field is a profound testament to the power of individual faithfulness and divine empowerment in the face of overwhelming odds. Theologically, it illustrates that God often works through the courageous actions of a single, dedicated individual, even when human strength and numbers are insufficient. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that the battle belongs to the Lord, and human faithfulness, however solitary, can be the conduit for God's miraculous intervention. It reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances or the apparent strength of our enemies, but rather honors and empowers those who stand firm for what is right, even when others falter.

* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")
* [Ephesians 6:13](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13 - Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare")
* [Hebrews 11:34](/hebrews/11-34 "Hebrews 11:34 - Through Faith, Weakness Made Strong")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eleazar's solitary stand in the barley field offers a powerful challenge and encouragement for believers today. In a world where it is often easier to conform, retreat, or give in to fear, Eleazar's example calls us to cultivate a radical courage rooted in conviction and trust in God. We are prompted to identify the "barley fields" in our own lives – the values, truths, relationships, or responsibilities that God has entrusted to us, which may seem ordinary yet are vital to our spiritual well-being, our families, or our communities. These are the areas where we are called to stand firm, even when others around us are fleeing, compromising, or succumbing to pressure. Eleazar reminds us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it, trusting that God can use even a single, faithful stand to bring about significant impact and victory. His story inspires us to consider where God is calling us to be a faithful presence, a defender of truth, or a protector of what is sacred, regardless of the apparent odds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "barley fields" (e.g., core values, family commitments, ethical stands, specific ministries) in your life are you called to defend, even when others retreat or abandon them?**
* **How does Eleazar's solitary stand challenge your understanding of courage and faithfulness in the face of overwhelming odds or widespread fear?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "flee" (e.g., avoid conflict, compromise convictions, neglect responsibilities) rather than stand firm in faith and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Who was Eleazar, and why is his story significant?**

Answer: Eleazar, son of Dodo the Ahohite, was one of David's "three mighty ones," a select group of elite warriors renowned for their extraordinary valor and loyalty to King David. His story in 1 Chronicles 11:13 (and its parallel in [2 Samuel 23:9-10](/2_samuel/23-9 "2 Samuel 23:9-10 - Eleazar's Heroic Stand")) is significant because it highlights a moment of singular courage where he stood alone against a Philistine army to defend a seemingly ordinary barley field, even as the rest of the Israelite forces fled. This act embodies unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that God can use a single individual's steadfastness to achieve a miraculous victory, preserving vital resources and upholding national honor. His bravery serves as a powerful example of commitment and divine empowerment.

**What is the significance of the "parcel of ground full of barley"?**

Answer: The "parcel of ground full of barley" holds multiple layers of significance. Literally, barley was a staple crop, essential for food and sustenance in ancient Israel. Defending it was therefore an act of preserving the nation's livelihood and preventing economic ruin. Symbolically, it represents the ordinary, tangible aspects of life and heritage that are worth fighting for, even in the grand scheme of war. It teaches us that courage is not only for grand, epic battles but also for protecting the seemingly mundane yet vital necessities and values of life. It underscores that God's people are called to defend not just abstract ideals but also the practical means of their existence and the blessings God has provided, echoing the importance of the land and its produce as God's gift, as seen in [Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Provision of Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Eleazar's solitary stand in the barley field, where he fought alone to preserve a harvest for his people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, singular stand of Jesus Christ. Eleazar defended a physical field against a temporal enemy; Christ, the true and greater Warrior, stood alone against the forces of sin, death, and the spiritual enemy, Satan, to secure an eternal harvest for His people. Just as "the people fled" from the Philistines, so too did humanity flee from God's presence due to sin, leaving Christ to face the ultimate battle alone on the cross. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of defending the "field" of humanity, laying down His life as the "grain of wheat" that falls into the earth to bear much fruit ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), securing a victory that ensures not just physical sustenance but eternal life and spiritual abundance for all who believe. He is the ultimate "firstfruits" of the resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), having stood firm where all others failed, enabling us to stand firm in Him. We are called to fix our eyes on Him, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 23:11

And after him [was] Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

2 Samuel 23:12

But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

1 Samuel 17:1

¶ Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.