1 Chronicles 19:16

And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that [were] beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer [went] before them.

And when the Syrians {H758} saw {H7200} that they were put to the worse {H5062} before {H6440} Israel {H3478}, they sent {H7971} messengers {H4397}, and drew forth {H3318} the Syrians {H758} that were beyond {H5676} the river {H5104}: and Shophach {H7780} the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635} of Hadarezer {H1928} went before {H6440} them.

When Aram saw that Isra'el had gotten the better of them, they sent messengers and brought out the people of Aram who lived beyond the [Euphrates] River, with Shofakh the commander of Hadar'ezer's army at their head.

When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them.

And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the River, with Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer at their head.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 19:16 details a pivotal moment in King David's wars against the Ammonites and their powerful Syrian allies. Following an initial defeat, the Syrians regroup and call for significant reinforcements, indicating a major escalation of the conflict that would require a decisive response from Israel.

Context

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King David's military campaigns, specifically the war ignited by the Ammonite king Hanun's disgraceful treatment of David's messengers (1 Chronicles 19:4). After Joab, David's seasoned commander, had decisively defeated the combined Ammonite and Syrian forces in the field (1 Chronicles 19:15), the Syrians, particularly those under Hadarezer, King of Zobah, were not broken. Instead, they summoned a larger, more formidable contingent from "beyond the river," likely referring to the Euphrates River, signifying a vast mobilization of forces. Shophach (also known as Shobach in 2 Samuel 10:16), Hadarezer's army captain, led this new, formidable host, setting the stage for an even greater confrontation.

Key Themes

  • Persistence of the Enemy: Despite suffering losses, the adversaries are not deterred but rather motivated to escalate the conflict, highlighting their determination and the ongoing nature of opposition.
  • Escalation of Conflict: The drawing forth of forces "beyond the river" transforms a regional skirmish into a major international confrontation, demonstrating the strategic depth and alliances involved in ancient warfare.
  • Leadership and Military Strategy: The verse showcases the leadership of figures like Shophach and the strategic decisions made during wartime, emphasizing the importance of commanders and the mobilization of resources in large-scale conflicts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "beyond the river" (Hebrew: 'eber han-nahar) typically refers to the Euphrates River, indicating the region of Mesopotamia. This detail underscores the vast reach of Hadarezer's influence and the significant resources he could command, drawing troops from a considerable distance to reinforce his army. The name "Shophach" is a variant spelling of "Shobach" found in the parallel account in 2 Samuel 10:16, a common occurrence in biblical texts due to transliteration differences.

Practical Application

This historical account serves as a reminder that challenges and opposition may not always dissipate after an initial victory. Sometimes, adversaries, whether literal or spiritual, regroup and return with greater force. For believers, this can be a call to vigilance and continued reliance on God's strength, understanding that spiritual battles often require sustained commitment and divine assistance. Just as David and Israel had to face a renewed and more formidable threat, we too must be prepared to stand firm in faith and seek God's guidance in persistent struggles.

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 10:16

    And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that [were] beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer [went] before them.

  • Zechariah 14:1

    ¶ Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.

  • Zechariah 14:3

    Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

  • Micah 4:11

    Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

  • Micah 4:12

    But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

  • Psalms 2:1

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

  • Isaiah 8:9

    ¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
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