1 Chronicles 18:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 18:5 vividly recounts a pivotal moment in King David's reign, illustrating his divinely-empowered military prowess and the expansion of Israel's dominion. Following David's initial triumph over Hadarezer, king of Zobah, the Syrians of Damascus intervened, attempting to reinforce their ally. However, David met this new threat with decisive force, inflicting a devastating defeat upon the Damascene forces, slaying twenty-two thousand of their men. This victory not only secured David's earlier gains but also further solidified his regional supremacy, demonstrating God's unwavering favor upon His anointed king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 18, a chapter dedicated to chronicling David's significant military victories over surrounding nations, particularly the Aramean (Syrian) kingdoms. The Chronicler meticulously details how David subdued Moab, Zobah, Damascus, and Edom, establishing his authority and expanding the borders of Israel. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge between David's consolidation of power in Jerusalem and the subsequent preparations for the Temple. The narrative in [1 Chronicles 18:5](/1_chronicles/18-5 "1 Chronicles 18:5 - David's Victory Over Damascus") directly follows David's defeat of Hadarezer, king of Zobah, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 18:3](/1_chronicles/18-3 "1 Chronicles 18:3 - David Defeats Hadarezer"), highlighting the immediate consequence of David's initial success—an alliance of regional powers attempting to curb his rising influence. The Chronicler's emphasis throughout this section is not merely on military conquest but on the divine enablement behind David's every move, setting the stage for the glorious reign of Solomon and the building of the Temple as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness. The account closely parallels [2 Samuel 8:5](/2_samuel/8-5 "2 Samuel 8:5 - David's Victory Over the Syrians"), affirming the historical veracity and significance of these events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a complex tapestry of city-states and regional kingdoms, constantly vying for power and control over trade routes and resources. Zobah, located in Aram (Syria), was a significant Aramean kingdom, and Damascus was its powerful ally, a major commercial and political center in its own right. The intervention of the Syrians of Damascus to "help Hadarezer" reflects the common practice of forming defensive or offensive alliances to counter a rising power. David's military campaigns were not random acts of aggression but strategic maneuvers to secure Israel's borders, control vital trade routes, and fulfill the territorial promises made to Abraham. His defeat of these formidable Aramean forces marked a significant shift in the regional balance of power, establishing Israel as a dominant force and laying the groundwork for the extensive empire that Solomon would inherit. This period was characterized by constant warfare, and military strength was paramount for a nation's survival and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this verse, and indeed throughout [1 Chronicles 18](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18 - David's Victories and Dominion"), is the **Divine Favor and Preservation** bestowed upon King David. The Chronicler consistently attributes David's success not to his military genius alone, but to the Lord's hand, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - The Lord Preserved David"). This highlights God's active involvement in establishing and protecting His chosen king and His people. Another crucial theme is the **Expansion and Security of the Kingdom of Israel**. David's victories, including this one over the Syrians, were instrumental in securing Israel's borders and expanding its influence, fulfilling the promise of land and dominion. This military success paved the way for the peace and prosperity of Solomon's reign. Furthermore, the narrative underscores the **Consequences of Opposition to God's Anointed**, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's plan and His chosen instruments. Those who stood against David, and by extension against God's will, faced overwhelming defeat. Finally, while divine aid is paramount, the verse also subtly affirms **David's Strategic Leadership and Military Prowess**, showcasing his ability to lead his army to decisive victories against significant regional adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slew (Hebrew, _nakah_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nakah_) is a common and versatile verb meaning "to strike, smite, beat, or slay." In military contexts, it frequently denotes a decisive and often lethal blow, implying a complete defeat or destruction. Here, it conveys the overwhelming nature of David's victory, not merely a skirmish but a devastating rout that incapacitated the Damascene forces. The use of this strong verb underscores the finality and totality of the defeat inflicted upon the Syrians.
* **Syrians of Damascus (Hebrew, _Aram Dammeseq_):** The phrase אֲרַם דַּמֶּשֶׂק (_Aram Dammeseq_) specifically identifies the powerful Aramean kingdom centered in Damascus. This was a significant regional power, known for its military strength and strategic location. Their intervention signifies a major challenge to David's growing influence, making his decisive victory over them all the more remarkable. The specificity of the name highlights the formidable nature of the adversary David overcame.
* **two and twenty thousand men (Hebrew, _'esrim u-shenayim 'elef 'ish_):** The precise number עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁנַיִם אֶלֶף אִישׁ (_'esrim u-shenayim 'elef 'ish_) indicates the scale of the victory. While ancient numbers can sometimes be symbolic or approximate, the Chronicler's inclusion of this specific figure emphasizes the magnitude of the defeat. It represents a significant portion of the Damascene army, signaling a crippling blow to their military capacity and a clear demonstration of David's overwhelming power, divinely enabled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah,"**: This clause sets the scene, revealing the immediate cause of the conflict. David's victory over Hadarezer, detailed earlier in [1 Chronicles 18:3](/1_chronicles/18-3 "1 Chronicles 18:3 - David Defeats Hadarezer"), prompted a powerful regional response. Damascus, a key Aramean kingdom, allied with Zobah, indicating the perceived threat David posed to the existing power structures in the region. Their intervention was an attempt to reverse David's gains and restore the balance of power.
* **"David slew of the Syrians"**: This phrase highlights David's direct agency in the battle. As God's anointed king and military commander, David led his forces to confront and defeat this formidable new enemy. The Chronicler emphasizes David's role as the instrument through whom God's purposes were achieved, demonstrating his leadership and the effectiveness of his army.
* **"two and twenty thousand men."**: This concluding phrase quantifies the devastating outcome of the battle. The slaying of twenty-two thousand men signifies a catastrophic loss for the Damascene forces, effectively neutralizing their threat and securing David's control over the region. This large number underscores the decisive nature of David's victory, solidifying his reputation and establishing Israel's dominance.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to enhance the impact of this verse. **Numerical Significance** is prominent, with the precise figure of "two and twenty thousand men" serving to underscore the overwhelming scale of David's victory and the devastating blow inflicted upon the Syrians. This large number functions almost as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness of the defeat and the futility of opposing David, who is divinely favored. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative of 1 Chronicles 18, particularly [1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - The Lord Preserved David"), uses **Divine Agency** as a pervasive theme, implying that David's success is ultimately God's work through him. The brevity and declarative nature of the statement "David slew of the Syrians" also contribute to a sense of **Clarity and Decisiveness**, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the confrontation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God fights for His people and establishes His anointed king. David's consistent victories are not merely a testament to his military genius but to the Lord's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Just as God promised to be with David and establish his kingdom (as seen in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David")), so He actively intervenes to grant him victory over formidable adversaries. This passage reinforces the idea that when God is on one's side, no opposition, however strong, can ultimately prevail. It is a demonstration of divine sovereignty in human affairs and the outworking of God's redemptive plan through His chosen instruments.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Sword, but by God's Right Hand")
* [1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - God Preserved David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David's victory over the Syrians of Damascus offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as David faced unexpected and formidable opposition even after initial successes, we too will encounter fresh challenges and adversaries in our lives—be they spiritual, relational, or circumstantial. This verse reminds us that our ultimate victory does not depend on our own strength or strategic brilliance, but on the unfailing favor and power of God. When we walk in obedience to His will, we can trust that He will preserve us and grant us triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. It calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on divine assistance, recognizing that God is our strength in battle, enabling us to overcome obstacles and fulfill the purposes He has set before us. Our faith should be in the God who fights for us, transforming potential defeats into powerful testimonies of His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's consistent reliance on God in battle encourage us to face our own challenges and adversaries today?**
* **What "Syrians of Damascus" (unexpected or formidable opposition) might you be facing in your life, and how can you apply the principle of divine favor to them?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God for a decisive victory, rather than relying solely on your own efforts?**

### FAQ
**Is the number 22,000 men a literal count, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The number 22,000, also found in the parallel account in [2 Samuel 8:5](/2_samuel/8-5 "2 Samuel 8:5 - David's Victory Over the Syrians"), is generally understood to represent a substantial and devastating loss for the Damascene forces. While ancient numerical figures in historical accounts can sometimes be round numbers or emphasize the magnitude rather than a precise census, the consistency between Chronicles and Samuel suggests it was a significant and recorded event. The primary theological point is the decisiveness of David's victory and the overwhelming power of God at work through him, rather than a precise military tally. It signifies a crippling blow to the Syrian army, solidifying David's regional dominance.

**Why does the Chronicler emphasize David's military victories so heavily in this section?**

Answer: The Chronicler's focus on David's military victories, particularly in [1 Chronicles 18](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18 - David's Victories and Dominion"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, where God promised to establish David's kingdom and dynasty forever ([1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David")). These victories show God actively fulfilling His promises. Secondly, they establish the legitimacy, power, and security of the Davidic monarchy, providing a stable foundation for the nation of Israel. Thirdly, these conquests secured the borders and resources necessary for the subsequent peace and prosperity under Solomon, enabling the construction of the Temple, which is a central theme for the Chronicler. The military success is presented as a divine prerequisite for the spiritual flourishing and worship centered in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's victory over the Syrians of Damascus, a powerful and unexpected adversary, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive triumph of Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king, was an earthly type of the greater King, Jesus, who would come not to conquer physical kingdoms with a sword, but to establish an eternal spiritual kingdom. Just as David met and overcame formidable opposition, Christ faced the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness. His victory was not achieved through military might but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, triumphing over all principalities and powers, disarming them, and leading them as captives in His train ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "two and twenty thousand men" slain by David pale in comparison to the countless souls set free from spiritual bondage by Christ's singular, all-sufficient victory. He is the true Victorious King, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")), and who will one day return as the Rider on the white horse, executing righteous judgment and reigning supreme over all creation ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Rider")). David's historical triumph points us to the eternal triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all God's promises find their ultimate fulfillment.

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

1 Chronicles 19:6

¶ 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

¶ 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.