1 Chronicles 18:5

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

And when the Syrians {H758} of Damascus {H1834} came {H935} to help {H5826} Hadarezer {H1928} king {H4428} of Zobah {H6678}, David {H1732} slew {H5221} of the Syrians {H758} two {H8147} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} men {H376}.

When the people of Aram from Dammesek came to the aid of Hadar'ezer king of Tzovah, David killed 22,000 men of Aram.

When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men.

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succor Hadarezer king of Zobah, David smote of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 18:5 records a significant moment in King David's military campaigns, highlighting his continued success and the expansion of the Israelite kingdom. After David's initial victory over Hadarezer, king of Zobah, an alliance of Syrian forces from Damascus intervened, attempting to bolster Hadarezer's position. However, David decisively defeated them, slaying a considerable number of their men.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 1 Chronicles 18 detailing David's victories over various surrounding nations, particularly the Aramean (Syrian) kingdoms. Following David's triumph over Hadarezer king of Zobah, the Syrians of Damascus, a powerful regional entity, came to assist their ally. This illustrates the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, where city-states and kingdoms formed alliances to counter rising powers. The account closely parallels the narrative found in 2 Samuel 8:5, confirming the historical significance of these events in establishing David's dominion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Favor and Victory: The consistent success of King David in battle is repeatedly attributed to God's presence and blessing. This verse, like others in the chapter, emphasizes that "the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went" (1 Chronicles 18:6).
  • Expansion of the Kingdom: David's defeat of the Syrians and other nations was crucial for securing Israel's borders and expanding its influence, laying the groundwork for the Solomonic empire. These military successes helped fulfill God's promises regarding the land.
  • Consequences of Opposition: Those who stood against God's anointed king, David, faced overwhelming defeat. This serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of opposing God's plan and His chosen instruments.
  • David's Military Prowess: Beyond divine aid, the verse also highlights David's strategic leadership and the military effectiveness of his army, capable of confronting and defeating significant regional powers like the Syrians of Damascus.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men" emphasizes the decisive and devastating nature of David's victory. The Hebrew verb for "slew" (Χ ΦΈΧ›ΦΈΧ”, nakah) often implies a striking down, a smiting, or a lethal blow. The specific number of 22,000 men underscores the scale of the defeat, signifying a major blow to the Syrian forces and a significant consolidation of David's power.

Practical Application

This passage offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as David faced new adversaries even after initial victories, we too may encounter fresh challenges or unexpected opposition in our lives. However, this verse encourages us to remember that when we are walking in God's will, His favor can grant us victory even against formidable odds. It reinforces the principle that God arms His people with strength for battle, enabling them to overcome obstacles and fulfill the purposes He has set before them. Our ultimate reliance should be on divine assistance, not merely on human strength or alliances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 19:6

    ΒΆ And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.

  • 2 Samuel 8:5

    And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

  • 2 Samuel 8:6

    Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

  • 1 Chronicles 18:3

    And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

  • 1 Samuel 14:47

    ΒΆ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].

  • 1 Kings 11:23

    And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

  • 1 Kings 11:24

    And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them [of Zobah]: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.
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