1 Chronicles 18:4

KJV

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them an hundred chariots.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} took {H3920} from him a thousand {H505} chariots {H7393}, and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} horsemen {H6571}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} footmen {H376}{H7273}: David {H1732} also houghed {H6131} all the chariot {H7393} horses, but reserved {H3498} of them an hundred {H3967} chariots {H7393}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers. He reserved enough horses for 100 chariots and disabled the rest.

Berean Standard Bible

David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.

American Standard Version

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hocked all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for a hundred chariots.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 18:4 recounts King David's overwhelming victory over Hadadezer, king of Zobah, where he captured vast numbers of chariots, horsemen, and footmen. Crucially, David then strategically "houghed" (hamstrung) the majority of the captured chariot horses, rendering them useless for warfare, while reserving only a small contingent of one hundred chariots. This act not only demonstrates David's military acumen in neutralizing a significant threat but also profoundly illustrates his theological reliance on God's power rather than on the conventional military might of chariots and horses, setting a precedent for a king who trusts in the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of military campaigns and victories that mark the consolidation and expansion of David's kingdom, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 18](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18 - David's Victories"). Specifically, it follows David's defeat of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, mentioned in [1 Chronicles 18:3](/1_chronicles/18-3 "1 Chronicles 18:3 - David's Victory Over Hadadezer"). The Chronicler presents these conquests as evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David, establishing his throne and extending his dominion. This passage parallels the account found in [2 Samuel 8:4](/2_samuel/8-4 "2 Samuel 8:4 - David's Campaign Against Zobah"), highlighting the Chronicler's emphasis on David's righteous reign and God's blessing. The immediate narrative flow showcases David's strategic brilliance and his unique approach to military power, which contrasts with the practices of other ancient Near Eastern monarchs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, chariots and horsemen represented the pinnacle of military technology, symbolizing immense power, speed, and strategic advantage. Major empires like Egypt, the Hittites, and later Assyria and Babylon, relied heavily on their chariot forces. Zobah, located in Aram (Syria), was a significant regional power, and Hadadezer's substantial military assets underscore the magnitude of David's victory. The act of "houghing" (or hamstringing) horses involved severing the tendons in their hind legs, permanently disabling them. This was a common, albeit brutal, ancient military tactic used to neutralize captured enemy assets, preventing their re-use and eliminating future threats without the immense logistical burden of maintaining or transporting thousands of warhorses. David's decision to reserve only a small number of chariots was highly unusual for a conquering king, as most would have sought to integrate such powerful weaponry into their own forces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Victory and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that David's military successes are not merely due to human prowess but are divinely granted, confirming God's active hand in establishing His chosen king and expanding His kingdom. Secondly, David's action exemplifies **Strategic Disarmament**, a shrewd military tactic that secures his kingdom against future threats from a powerful enemy. By eliminating the enemy's primary offensive capability, David ensured long-term stability. Most profoundly, the act of houghing the horses, while reserving only a hundred, highlights the theme of **Trust in God, Not Armaments**. This aligns with the biblical principle articulated in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Lord"), "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." David's actions reflect a king who understands that true strength and security come from reliance on the Lord, not from an abundance of military hardware, echoing the spirit of the prohibition against kings multiplying horses in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition on Many Horses for the King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Houghed (Hebrew, _‘āqar'_):** From the root meaning "to root up, pluck up, disable." When applied to animals, particularly horses, it specifically refers to the act of severing the large tendons (often the hock or hamstring) in their legs. This action renders the animal permanently lame and unfit for pulling chariots or for cavalry use in warfare. It was a decisive and irreversible method of military disarmament, effectively neutralizing a powerful asset without necessarily killing every animal outright, though many would have been put down due to their incapacitation.
* **Chariots (Hebrew, _rekeb'_):** This term refers to the horse-drawn vehicles used in ancient warfare, typically for rapid deployment of archers or spearmen. They were symbols of military might, technological advancement, and national power. The capture of "a thousand chariots" signifies an immense victory over a formidable foe.
* **Reserved (Hebrew, _yāthar'_):** This word implies a deliberate act of leaving over or preserving a remnant. David's choice to "reserve" only one hundred chariots out of a thousand, despite capturing thousands of horses, highlights his intentional decision not to build a large chariot army. This was not a practical limitation but a purposeful choice, underscoring his unique approach to kingship and military strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen":** This clause details the immense scale of David's victory over Hadadezer. The sheer numbers of captured military assets—chariots, horsemen (cavalry), and footmen (infantry)—demonstrate the overwhelming defeat inflicted upon Zobah and the significant military prowess of David's army, empowered by God. It signifies the complete subjugation of a major regional power.
* **"David also houghed all the chariot [horses],":** This describes David's decisive action of disarming the enemy. By hamstringing the horses, David ensured that the captured chariots could not be re-used by Hadadezer's forces, nor could they be readily integrated into his own army in a way that would lead him to trust in their power. This act was a strategic move to prevent future threats and a theological statement about the source of his strength.
* **"but reserved of them an hundred chariots.":** This final clause reveals David's intentional restraint. The decision to keep only a small fraction of the captured chariots (a hundred out of a thousand) is highly significant. It suggests that David maintained a small number for practical purposes (e.g., ceremonial use, patrols, limited transport) but deliberately avoided building a large, conventional chariot army. This choice reinforces the theological principle that his trust was in God, not in the accumulation of military hardware, distinguishing him from other kings of his era.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The use of large, specific numbers ("a thousand chariots," "seven thousand horsemen," "twenty thousand footmen") functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, a common ancient Near Eastern literary technique to emphasize the overwhelming magnitude of David's victory and the immense power of the forces he overcame. While the numbers may be literal, they certainly serve to underscore the scale of the triumph. **Symbolism** is also prominent; chariots and horses are potent symbols of worldly power, military might, and human self-reliance. David's act of houghing these symbols, while retaining only a small number, powerfully symbolizes his reliance on divine strength over conventional human power. This creates a stark **Contrast** between the vastness of the captured military assets and the deliberate limitation David imposes on his own use of them, highlighting his unique trust in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's actions in 1 Chronicles 18:4 resonate deeply with the Old Testament's recurring emphasis on divine sovereignty and the dangers of human self-reliance. His strategic disarmament, particularly the houghing of the horses, serves as a powerful theological statement. Unlike other kings who would eagerly amass such powerful military assets, David consciously chose to limit his reliance on conventional warfare, demonstrating a profound trust in God as the true source of his kingdom's security and strength. This act aligns David with the ideal king who does not "multiply horses for himself" (as commanded in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition on Many Horses for the King")), recognizing that true power resides in the Lord, not in human armaments or military might. His victory, therefore, is not merely a testament to his military skill but to God's faithfulness and the blessing bestowed upon a king who walks in obedience.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - The King's Prohibition on Many Horses")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decisive action in 1 Chronicles 18:4 offers profound insights for believers today. Just as David strategically disarmed his physical enemies by "houghing" their chariots, we are called to identify and neutralize the "chariots" in our own lives—those worldly resources, sinful habits, or areas of self-reliance that we might be tempted to trust in more than God. This involves a spiritual discernment to recognize what hinders our walk with Christ and a resolute commitment to "disable" those influences, preventing them from posing a future threat to our spiritual well-being. David's refusal to accumulate vast military power, despite having the opportunity, serves as a powerful reminder not to place our ultimate confidence in human ingenuity, financial security, social standing, or even our own abilities. Instead, our trust must be wholly in God's power, provision, and protection, knowing that He is our true defense and strength in every battle. This passage challenges us to examine where our ultimate security lies and to actively dismantle anything that competes with our reliance on the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chariots" or sources of worldly strength do I tend to rely on instead of God's power and provision?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "hough" or disable influences, habits, or dependencies that hinder my spiritual growth and trust in God?**
* **How does David's example encourage me to trust God's faithfulness and power, even when facing seemingly overwhelming challenges or temptations to rely on my own resources?**

### FAQ
**Why did David "hough" the horses instead of keeping them for his own army?**

Answer: David's decision to "hough" (hamstring) the vast majority of the captured chariot horses was driven by a combination of strategic and theological reasons. Strategically, it was a practical way to neutralize a significant military threat, preventing the enemy from rebuilding their forces and eliminating the logistical burden of managing thousands of warhorses. Theologically, and most importantly, it demonstrated David's profound reliance on God rather than on conventional military might. The Law in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - The King's Prohibition on Many Horses") prohibited the king from multiplying horses, lest he be tempted to trust in them instead of the Lord. David's action was an act of obedience and faith, signifying that his victories came from God, not from an abundance of chariots and horses.

**Is "houghing" a cruel act? How does it fit with David's character as a man after God's own heart?**

Answer: From a modern perspective, houghing animals is undeniably a brutal act. However, it must be understood within the context of ancient warfare. It was a common, albeit harsh, military tactic used to neutralize an enemy's primary offensive weapon—their chariot forces—without necessarily slaughtering every animal, though many would have been put down due to their incapacitation. While the act itself was severe, David's character as "a man after God's own heart" (found in [Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")) refers primarily to his spiritual devotion, his repentant heart, and his commitment to God's will, not to his actions being without flaw by modern ethical standards. In this specific instance, his *restraint* in not building a large chariot army, despite the opportunity, highlights his unique trust in God, which is the key theological takeaway.

**What is the significance of "one hundred chariots" being reserved?**

Answer: The reservation of "one hundred chariots" out of a thousand captured is highly significant because it represents a deliberate act of restraint. This number was likely sufficient for ceremonial purposes, for patrolling the kingdom, or for limited transport, but it was far too small to constitute a major chariot force capable of competing with the large armies of the region. By reserving only this small contingent, David reaffirmed his commitment to relying on God's power rather than accumulating military might, in line with the spirit of the Mosaic Law and the prophetic understanding that true strength comes from the Lord. It underscores his intentional choice to lead a kingdom founded on divine trust, not on worldly armaments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's strategic disarmament in 1 Chronicles 18:4, where he "houghed" the horses and refused to build a vast chariot army, powerfully foreshadows the nature of the kingdom of God and the ultimate victory of Christ. David, as an earthly king, understood that true strength did not lie in worldly armaments but in reliance on the Lord. This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of kings, whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Christ did not come riding on a warhorse with chariots, but humbly on a donkey ([Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")), fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating that His power is not of military might but of sacrificial love and divine authority. He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The ultimate "houghing" of spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—was accomplished not by physical weaponry, but by Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, rendering their power impotent for those who are in Him. He is the true 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")), conquering not with chariots and horses, but with humility, obedience, and the power of God's Spirit, establishing a kingdom that endures forever.

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 8:4

And David took from him a thousand [chariots], and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them [for] an hundred chariots.

1 Kings 4:2

And these [were] the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,

Joshua 11:9

And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.

Deuteronomy 17:16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.