1 Chronicles 19:18

KJV

But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand [men which fought in] chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the Syrians {H758} fled {H5127} before {H6440} Israel {H3478}; and David {H1732} slew {H2026} of the Syrians {H758} seven {H7651} thousand {H505} men which fought in chariots {H7393}, and forty {H705} thousand {H505} footmen {H376}{H7273}, and killed {H4191} Shophach {H7780} the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Aram fled before Isra'el; David killed 7,000 chariot-drivers and 40,000 foot soldiers from Aram; and he killed Shofakh the commander of the army.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army.

American Standard Version

And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 19:18 records a decisive and overwhelming victory for King David and the Israelite forces over the Syrian army, marking the climactic conclusion of a significant regional conflict. This verse highlights the immense scale of the enemy's defeat, with thousands of charioteers and footmen slain, and the death of their commanding general, Shophach, underscoring God's favor upon David and the establishment of Israel's dominance in the Levant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the account of a major war between David's kingdom and the Ammonites, who had formed a formidable coalition with various Aramean (Syrian) states. The conflict was sparked by the Ammonite King Hanun's egregious humiliation of David's ambassadors, a direct affront to David's honor and, by extension, to Israel's God. The narrative in [1 Chronicles 19](/1-chronicles/19 "1 Chronicles 19 - War with Ammon and Syria") unfolds in two main phases: an initial victory by Joab over the combined Ammonite and Syrian forces near Medeba, followed by a regrouping of the Syrians under Shophach (also called Shobach in [2 Samuel 10:16](/2-samuel/10-16 "2 Samuel 10:16 - Syrian Reinforcements")), which necessitated David's personal leadership in a second, conclusive engagement. Verse 18 serves as the triumphant climax, detailing the devastating defeat of the Syrian reinforcements, effectively ending their threat and solidifying David's regional authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was marked by significant military expansion and the consolidation of Israelite power. Warfare in the ancient Near East was often brutal, with chariots representing the elite, most formidable component of an army, akin to modern tanks. The ability to field and effectively use chariots indicated a powerful and technologically advanced military. The Syrians, or Arameans, were a collection of independent city-states and kingdoms (such as Zobah, Rehob, Maacah, and Tob, mentioned in [2 Samuel 10:6](/2-samuel/10-6 "2 Samuel 10:6 - Syrian Allies of Ammon")) that frequently vied for regional dominance. Their alliance with Ammon against David was a significant challenge, making Israel's victory here a monumental achievement that secured its borders and established its preeminence, particularly against the northern Aramean states.
* **Key Themes:** The overwhelming victory described in [1 Chronicles 19:18](/1-chronicles/19-18 "1 Chronicles 19:18 - David's Victory Over Syria") powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Victory**. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes that Israel's success in battle is not merely due to military prowess but to God's direct intervention and favor upon His chosen king and people, fulfilling His covenant promises. This victory also highlights **David's Leadership and Prowess**, as he personally leads the army in this critical second engagement, demonstrating his strategic acumen, courage, and the inspiring effect of his presence on his troops, further cementing his reputation as a divinely appointed and capable monarch. Furthermore, the severe losses inflicted upon the Syrians, including the death of their captain, illustrate the **Consequences of Opposition** to God's anointed king and, by extension, to God's purposes, serving as a warning to those who defy divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slew (Hebrew, _vayyaharag'_):** This verb, derived from הָרַג (_harag_), means "to kill, to slay." In this context, it denotes a decisive and comprehensive act of destruction in battle. The use of this strong verb emphasizes the finality and totality of the Israelite victory, indicating not merely a retreat or a minor skirmish, but a catastrophic defeat for the Syrian forces, resulting in widespread death among their ranks.
* **chariots (Hebrew, _rekhev'_):** The Hebrew word רֶכֶב (_rekhev_) can refer to a chariot, a chariot force, or even riders/charioteers. The KJV's interpretive addition "[men which fought in]" clarifies that the number 7,000 refers to the personnel associated with the chariots rather than the vehicles themselves, which helps to reconcile this account with the 700 chariots mentioned in the parallel passage of [2 Samuel 10:18](/2-samuel/10-18 "2 Samuel 10:18 - Parallel Account of Syrian Defeat"). This highlights the significant military might of the Syrians and the magnitude of their loss, as chariot forces were the elite, most feared units in ancient warfare.
* **Shophach (Hebrew, _shophakh'_):** This name identifies the specific commander of the Syrian forces from Hadadezer, king of Zobah. His death signifies not just a tactical victory but a strategic one, as the loss of a commanding general often demoralized the remaining forces and crippled their ability to regroup or continue the fight effectively. It underscores the completeness of David's triumph over the Syrian coalition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Syrians fled before Israel;":** This initial clause vividly describes the rout of the Syrian army. The phrase "fled before Israel" implies a divine hand in the victory, as the enemy's flight is not merely a tactical retreat but a panicked, overwhelming defeat, indicative of God fighting on behalf of His people. It sets the stage for the subsequent enumeration of casualties, emphasizing the decisive nature of the engagement.
* **"and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand [men which fought in] chariots, and forty thousand footmen,":** This part details the staggering scale of the Syrian losses. The numbers, whether literal or representative of a vast, overwhelming defeat, convey the magnitude of Israel's triumph. The distinction between "chariots" (or charioteers) and "footmen" highlights the diverse composition of the Syrian army and the comprehensive nature of the Israelite victory, which decimated both their elite and infantry forces. The KJV's clarification regarding "men which fought in" chariots is an important interpretive note.
* **"and killed Shophach the captain of the host.":** The death of Shophach, the supreme commander of the Syrian forces, is a critical detail. It signifies not only the complete disarray of the enemy but also the decisive end of their military threat. The fall of the general often marked the end of a battle or campaign, solidifying the victor's control and preventing further organized resistance.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [1 Chronicles 19:18](/1-chronicles/19-18 "1 Chronicles 19:18 - David's Decisive Victory"). **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** may be present in the large numbers of slain soldiers (7,000 charioteers and 40,000 footmen), a common ancient Near Eastern literary convention used to emphasize the overwhelming nature of a victory and the divine power behind it rather than a precise census. This serves to magnify the glory of God and David. The verse also uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing the Syrians' flight with David's decisive action in slaying them, highlighting the shift in power. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Shophach the captain of the host" employs **Synecdoche**, where the death of the leader represents the complete defeat and demoralization of the entire enemy force. The overall effect is one of **Triumphalism**, celebrating God's faithfulness to David and Israel by granting them a monumental victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This decisive victory in [1 Chronicles 19:18](/1-chronicles/19-18 "1 Chronicles 19:18 - David's Victory") powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The overwhelming defeat of a formidable enemy, including their elite chariot forces and their supreme commander, underscores the theological principle that "the battle is the Lord's" ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1-samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")). It demonstrates that divine power far surpasses human military might, and that God grants victory to those He favors and uses for His purposes. This event serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over nations and His protection of His chosen king, reinforcing the theme of divine providence and the secure establishment of David's kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in God, Not Chariots")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David's victory over the Syrians in [1 Chronicles 19:18](/1-chronicles/19-18 "1 Chronicles 19:18 - David's Victory Over Syria") offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds or powerful adversaries, our ultimate trust must be in God's sovereign power and His faithfulness to His promises. Just as David led Israel in reliance on divine strength, we are called to confront life's challenges—whether personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal injustices—with courage rooted in our conviction that God is for us. This narrative encourages us to recognize God's hand in our "victories," however small, and to understand that true strength comes not from our own resources or strategies, but from His enabling grace. It also serves as a potent reminder that pride and opposition to God's purposes ultimately lead to downfall, whereas humility and obedience pave the way for divine favor and triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the overwhelming nature of David's victory encourage your trust in God when facing your own "giants" or seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be relying on your own "chariots and footmen" (human strength or resources) rather than God's power?**
* **What does David's personal leadership in this battle teach us about the importance of courageous and God-dependent leadership in our own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why are the numbers of slain Syrians different in 1 Chronicles 19:18 and 2 Samuel 10:18?**

Answer: The numerical discrepancy between [1 Chronicles 19:18](/1-chronicles/19-18 "1 Chronicles 19:18 - David's Victory Over Syria") (7,000 charioteers, 40,000 footmen) and [2 Samuel 10:18](/2-samuel/10-18 "2 Samuel 10:18 - Parallel Account of Syrian Defeat") (700 chariots, 40,000 horsemen) is a common point of discussion among scholars. Several explanations are offered:
1. **Different Counting Methods:** The Chronicler might be counting chariot teams or charioteers (7,000 men associated with chariots), while Samuel counts the actual chariots (700 vehicles). This is supported by the KJV's interpretive addition "[men which fought in]" in 1 Chronicles.
2. **Scribal Error:** Copying errors were possible in ancient manuscripts, where similar-looking numbers could be confused.
3. **Different Focus:** The Chronicler's primary purpose was often theological—to emphasize the grandeur of God's victory and David's glory. The exact numbers might be less important than conveying the overwhelming scale of the defeat.
4. **Different Units:** "Footmen" in Chronicles might encompass all infantry, while "horsemen" in Samuel might refer specifically to cavalry, or vice-versa, or represent different phases of the battle.
Regardless of the precise reconciliation, both accounts agree on the decisive and overwhelming nature of the Israelite victory.

**Who was Shophach, and why is his death specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Shophach (also called Shobach in [2 Samuel 10:16](/2-samuel/10-16 "2 Samuel 10:16 - Syrian Reinforcements")) was the commander of the Syrian army from Hadadezer, king of Zobah. His death is specifically mentioned because he was the supreme military leader of the opposing forces. In ancient warfare, the death of the commanding general often signaled the complete collapse and demoralization of the army, leading to a swift end to the battle or campaign. It underscores the totality of David's victory, indicating that the enemy's leadership was neutralized, ensuring they could not regroup or pose a further threat.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The victory of David over the formidable Syrian army in [1 Chronicles 19:18](/1-chronicles/19-18 "1 Chronicles 19:18 - David's Victory Over Syria") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive triumph of Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king, leads his people to victory against earthly adversaries, securing their physical kingdom and peace. In a far greater sense, Jesus, the true Son of David and the King of Kings, came to conquer the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as David slew Shophach, the captain of the Syrian host, Christ, through His death and resurrection, "destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). The overwhelming defeat of the Syrian chariots and footmen parallels Christ's cosmic victory, where He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). David's victory brought temporary peace and security to Israel, but Christ's victory brings eternal redemption, spiritual freedom, and the promise of a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2-peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). He is the ultimate "captain of salvation" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, Captain of Salvation")) who leads His people not to a military triumph, but to eternal life and victory over all spiritual opposition.

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 10:18

And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew [the men of] seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

Psalms 18:32

[It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

1 Chronicles 19:13

Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do [that which is] good in his sight.

1 Chronicles 19:14

So Joab and the people that [were] with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.

Psalms 33:16

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