1 Chronicles 11:14

KJV

And they set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they set {H3320} themselves in the midst {H8432} of that parcel {H2513}, and delivered {H5337} it, and slew {H5221} the Philistines {H6430}; and the LORD {H3068} saved {H3467} them by a great {H1419} deliverance {H8668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they stood in the middle of the plot and defended it, killing the P'lishtim; and ADONAI saved them with a great victory.

Berean Standard Bible

But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

American Standard Version

And they stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and slew the Philistines; and Jehovah saved them by a great victory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:14 vividly portrays an extraordinary act of valor by one of David's mighty men, who, against overwhelming Philistine forces, defended a crucial parcel of land. This heroic stand, culminating in a decisive victory, is powerfully attributed not merely to human strength or tactical brilliance, but to the sovereign intervention of God, underscoring that the Lord Himself secured a "great deliverance" for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal section of 1 Chronicles (chapters [11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men") and [12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Warriors")), which details the establishment of David's kingdom and the assembly of his elite warriors. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 11:10-47](/1_chronicles/11-10 "1 Chronicles 11:10-47 - List of David's Mighty Men") provides a comprehensive roster of David's "mighty men," highlighting their individual feats of courage and loyalty that contributed to the strength and security of David's reign. The account in [1 Chronicles 11:13-14](/1_chronicles/11-13 "1 Chronicles 11:13-14 - The Battle for the Barley Field") closely parallels the narrative found in [2 Samuel 23:11-12](/2_samuel/23-11 "2 Samuel 23:11-12 - Shammah's Stand"), which explicitly identifies the hero as Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite. While Chronicles uses the plural "they," implying a collective effort or perhaps Eleazar's involvement as per the preceding verse, the core narrative emphasizes a courageous stand against the Philistines, culminating in a divinely orchestrated victory. This incident serves as a testament to the character of David's loyal followers and, more importantly, to the God who empowered them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was marked by ongoing conflict with the Philistines, Israel's formidable and persistent adversaries. These coastal people frequently raided Israelite territory, particularly agricultural lands, to plunder crops and assert dominance, as seen in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Control Over Israel's Weapons"). The "parcel" mentioned in the verse was likely a field of barley (or lentils, as in 2 Samuel), a vital food source. Defending such a seemingly small plot of land was not merely about preserving crops; it was an act of profound national significance, symbolizing the defense of Israel's sovereignty, its God-given inheritance ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")), and its very right to exist free from foreign oppression. The Philistines' presence in the valley of Rephaim ([2 Samuel 5:18](/2_samuel/5-18 "2 Samuel 5:18 - David's Victory in the Valley of Rephaim")) indicates their proximity to Jerusalem and their constant threat to the heartland of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights **Unwavering Courage and Resolve**, as the mighty man (or men) stood firm against a numerically superior enemy, refusing to abandon the field and its vital produce. This embodies a spirit of determination and faithfulness in the face of overwhelming odds, a quality consistently praised in biblical heroes (e.g., [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")). Second, and most crucially, the verse emphasizes **Divine Deliverance**. The concluding phrase, "and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance," shifts the focus from human might to divine power. This theological declaration underscores that ultimate victory and salvation come from God alone, not from human strength or strategy. This principle is a cornerstone of Israelite theology, echoed throughout the Old Testament, where God repeatedly intervenes on behalf of His people ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You"), [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Arm Brought Salvation")). Finally, the defense of the "parcel" of land subtly introduces the theme of **Stewardship of the Land**, reminding the reader of the importance of protecting the inheritance God had graciously given to Israel, a land meant to be cultivated and enjoyed under His blessing ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **parcel (Hebrew, _ḥelqâ'_):** This word refers to a "portion," "field," or "plot of land." In this context, it specifically denotes an agricultural field, likely planted with barley. Its significance is not in its size, but in its representation of Israel's God-given inheritance and livelihood. The defense of this seemingly small "parcel" underscores the mighty man's commitment to protecting even the most basic elements of his people's existence and sovereignty.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _yāšaʿ'_):** While the KJV translates "delivered it," the root _yāšaʿ_ primarily means "to save" or "to deliver." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it signifies "to cause to be saved" or "to bring about salvation." In this specific clause, it refers to the human action of saving the field from plunder. However, it sets up a powerful contrast with the subsequent use of the same root for God's action, highlighting the difference between human effort and divine salvation.
* **great deliverance (Hebrew, _tĕšûʿâ gĕdôlâ'_):** This powerful phrase combines _tĕšûʿâ_ ("salvation," "deliverance," "victory") with _gĕdôlâ_ ("great," "mighty," "magnificent"). The use of _tĕšûʿâ_ here is significant, as it is a term often reserved for God's acts of salvation. When combined with "great," it strongly conveys the magnitude and supernatural quality of the victory. It implies that the outcome was not merely a result of human strength or strategic brilliance, but an extraordinary, even miraculous, intervention by God, making the victory undeniably His own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel":** This opening clause describes an act of profound courage and strategic positioning. "Setting themselves" (Hebrew: _yityaṣṣĕbû_) implies taking a firm, resolute stand. They did not retreat or abandon the field, but rather positioned themselves directly in the heart of the threatened area, signaling their unwavering commitment to defend it against a superior Philistine force. This physical act embodies a spirit of defiance and protective resolve.
* **"and delivered it, and slew the Philistines":** This part of the verse details the immediate outcome of their courageous stand. "Delivered it" refers to saving the field from being plundered or destroyed. The subsequent "and slew the Philistines" describes the decisive military action and the resulting victory. This clause highlights the human agency and the effectiveness of their fighting, demonstrating their skill and bravery in battle. It sets the stage for the ultimate theological declaration that follows.
* **"and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance":** This concluding clause is the theological climax of the verse. Despite the heroic human effort, the Chronicler attributes the ultimate victory and salvation not to the mighty men, but directly to God. The phrase "the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance" powerfully asserts divine sovereignty. It means that the victory was not merely a human triumph, but an extraordinary, divinely orchestrated act, emphasizing that true and ultimate salvation comes from God's hand alone, transcending human capabilities and ensuring His glory.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in 1 Chronicles 11:14 to underscore its theological message. **Parallelism** is evident through its close relationship with [2 Samuel 23:11-12](/2_samuel/23-11 "2 Samuel 23:11-12 - Shammah's Parallel Account"), inviting comparison and highlighting the Chronicler's specific interpretive emphasis. While 2 Samuel focuses on Shammah, 1 Chronicles uses the plural "they," possibly broadening the scope to include more individuals or the collective spirit of David's men, but consistently maintaining the focus on God's ultimate role. The most prominent device is **Emphasis**, particularly through the climactic phrase "and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance." This final declaration serves as a theological punchline, deliberately shifting the reader's attention from the impressive human feat to the even more magnificent divine intervention. It employs a form of **Divine Causality**, where human action is presented as a necessary but insufficient condition for victory, with God as the ultimate and decisive agent. The phrase "great deliverance" itself functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not to diminish the human effort, but to magnify the divine power at work, suggesting a victory far beyond what human strength alone could achieve. This narrative technique reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda: to illustrate God's faithfulness and active involvement in the history of Israel, particularly through the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of 1 Chronicles 11:14 brilliantly intertwines human courage with divine sovereignty, presenting a foundational theological truth: while God calls His people to courageous action and faithfulness, ultimate victory and salvation belong to Him alone. The mighty man's willingness to stand firm in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrates the kind of unwavering commitment God desires from His servants. Yet, the Chronicler ensures that the glory for the "great deliverance" is unequivocally ascribed to the Lord. This teaches us that human effort, no matter how valiant, is empowered and ultimately made effective by God's hand. It is a powerful reminder that our battles, whether physical, spiritual, or personal, are fought with God, not merely for God, and that His power is perfected in our weakness. This principle fosters both active obedience and humble reliance, recognizing that true success is a gift of divine grace.

* [2 Samuel 23:11-12](/2_samuel/23-11 "2 Samuel 23:11-12 - Parallel Account of Shammah's Victory")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - Salvation Does Not Come from Human Strength")
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes With You to Fight For You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 11:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life and faith. Like the mighty man who defended the barley field, we are called to stand firm in our convictions, our faith, and our principles, even when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition or when the "parcel" we are defending seems small or insignificant. This might involve defending biblical truth in a skeptical world, standing up for justice, protecting the vulnerable, or persevering through personal trials. Our courage is not a naive optimism, but a resolute determination rooted in the knowledge that God is with us. However, the verse's ultimate message is one of humble reliance: while we are to act with diligence and bravery, our true victories, whether in spiritual warfare, personal struggles, or societal challenges, ultimately come from the Lord. Our efforts are essential, but they are empowered, sustained, and ultimately blessed by God's sovereign hand. This truth frees us from the burden of self-reliance and invites us into a partnership with the Almighty, where our faithfulness opens the door for His "great deliverance."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of human courage alongside divine deliverance challenge our understanding of faith and action in our own lives?**
* **What "parcels" (areas of life, truth, or people) is God calling you to defend with courageous faith today, even if they seem small or overlooked?**
* **In what ways have you experienced a "great deliverance" from the Lord, reminding you that ultimate victory and salvation come from Him alone?**

### FAQ
**Who is "they" in this verse, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "they" in [1 Chronicles 11:14](/1_chronicles/11-14 "1 Chronicles 11:14 - The Mighty Man's Stand") refers to the mighty man (or men) who took a stand against the Philistines. While the Chronicler uses the plural, the parallel account in [2 Samuel 23:11-12](/2_samuel/23-11 "2 Samuel 23:11-12 - Shammah's Heroic Deed") specifically identifies the hero as Shammah, one of David's three chief mighty men. Some scholars interpret the "they" in Chronicles as a collective reference to the spirit of David's warriors, or perhaps as including Eleazar (mentioned in [1 Chronicles 11:12](/1_chronicles/11-12 "1 Chronicles 11:12 - Eleazar's Valor")) if the accounts are conflated. The significance of this grammatical choice in Chronicles is twofold: it may broaden the scope of the heroism beyond a single individual, emphasizing the collective valor of David's elite forces. More importantly, it serves to highlight the Chronicler's primary theological agenda: regardless of who the specific human agent was, the ultimate source of the victory and "great deliverance" was the Lord Himself. The focus is less on the individual hero and more on God's power working through His chosen instruments.

**What does "great deliverance" truly mean here?**

Answer: The phrase "great deliverance" (Hebrew: _tĕšûʿâ gĕdôlâ_) signifies a victory that transcends ordinary human achievement, pointing directly to a miraculous or extraordinary intervention by God. It implies that the battle's outcome was not merely a result of superior strategy, strength, or numbers, but a direct, powerful act of divine salvation. This "great deliverance" suggests that the odds were so overwhelming, or the victory so decisive and unexpected, that it could only be attributed to God's hand. It underscores the biblical principle that God often works through human agents, but the ultimate power and glory for salvation belong to Him ([Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Arm Brought Salvation")). This concept is consistent with other instances in Scripture where God brings about "great salvation" for His people, such as the crossing of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")) or Gideon's victory with a small army ([Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The heroic stand of David's mighty man in 1 Chronicles 11:14, culminating in a "great deliverance" by the Lord, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the mighty man stood firm against overwhelming Philistine forces to defend a precious "parcel" of land, Jesus, the true and ultimate "Mighty Warrior" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")), stood firm against the formidable spiritual forces of sin, death, and the devil. He did not merely defend a physical plot of land, but secured the eternal inheritance for all who believe in Him. His crucifixion was the ultimate "setting Himself in the midst" of the enemy's territory, entering into the very domain of death and darkness. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus "delivered" humanity from the dominion of sin and "slew" the spiritual enemies that held us captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil"), [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). The "great deliverance" achieved by the Lord in 1 Chronicles 11:14 is but a shadow of the infinitely greater, eternal deliverance secured by God through Christ's finished work on the cross. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His victory, believers are not only saved but also empowered to participate in His ongoing triumph over darkness, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to Him who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")).

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

Psalms 144:10

[It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

Psalms 18:50

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

2 Kings 5:1

¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.

2 Samuel 23:10

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

1 Samuel 14:23

So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.

1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?