1 Chronicles 20:3

KJV

And he brought out the people that [were] in it, and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought out {H3318} the people {H5971} that were in it, and cut {H7787} them with saws {H4050}, and with harrows {H2757} of iron {H1270}, and with axes {H4050}. Even so dealt {H6213} David {H1732} with all the cities {H5892} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}. And David {H1732} and all the people {H5971} returned {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In addition, he brought out the people who were in it and set them to work with saws, iron harrows and axes. This is what he did to all the cities of the people of 'Amon. Then David and all the people returned to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And he brought forth the people that were therein, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. And thus did David unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 20:3 concludes the account of King David's decisive military campaign against the Ammonites, detailing the severe treatment of the inhabitants of Rabbah, their capital city, and extending this subjugation to all Ammonite cities. This verse describes the post-conquest actions taken by David, which, depending on the linguistic interpretation of the Hebrew, indicate either brutal execution or forced labor, ultimately solidifying his dominion and securing the borders of his kingdom after the Ammonites' initial defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic resolution to the protracted war between Israel and Ammon, initiated by King Hanun's egregious insult to David's ambassadors in [1 Chronicles 19](/1_chronicles/19 "1 Chronicles 19 - David's War with Ammon and Syria"). The parallel account in [2 Samuel 10](/2_samuel/10 "2 Samuel 10 - David's War with Ammon and Syria") details the same events. After initial victories by Joab and the Israelite army against the combined forces of Ammon and Syria, the war escalated, culminating in the siege of Rabbah. [1 Chronicles 20:1-2](/1_chronicles/20-1-2 "1 Chronicles 20:1-2 - Capture of Rabbah") describes David's personal involvement in the capture of the city and his taking of the Ammonite king's crown. Therefore, [1 Chronicles 20:3](/1_chronicles/20-3 "1 Chronicles 20:3 - David's Treatment of the Ammonites") marks the final, definitive act of conquest and subjugation, bringing the Ammonite threat to a decisive end and signifying Israel's complete triumph.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Warfare in the ancient Near East (ANE) was characterized by extreme measures, serving not only to defeat enemies but also to establish dominance, deter future rebellion, and assimilate conquered populations. The treatment of defeated peoples varied, including enslavement, forced labor, deportation, or execution. The description in this verse, while subject to interpretive debate, reflects the harsh realities of such conflicts. Kings were expected to assert their authority and punish defiance with severity. The "saws, harrows of iron, and axes" mentioned were common tools for construction, agriculture, or mining. Their application to conquered peoples, whether literally as instruments of torture or figuratively as symbols of forced labor, would have been understood as a complete reduction to servitude, integrating the defeated into the victor's economy and demonstrating their new, subordinate status within the prevailing cultural norms of conquest.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the **consequences of defiance** against God's anointed king and, by extension, against God's chosen people. The Ammonites' initial act of humiliation against David resulted in their utter defeat and severe subjugation, serving as a stark warning to other nations. It also underscores **David's authority and military might**, solidifying his dominion over surrounding nations and demonstrating his capacity to enforce his rule. His triumphant return to [Jerusalem](/jerusalem "Jerusalem - The Capital City") signifies the successful completion of the campaign and the secure reign of his kingdom, reflecting God's blessing on his reign and the expansion of Israel's influence. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **harsh realities of ancient warfare practices**, prompting careful historical and linguistic interpretation to understand the moral complexities inherent in biblical narratives of conquest and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut (Hebrew, _sûwr'_):** H7787. This verb is the most debated word in the verse, translated "cut [them]" in the KJV. Derived from a root that can mean "to saw" or "to cut," it also carries the sense of "to put to labor," "to conscript," or "to place under." This ambiguity is crucial for interpretation. While a literal dismemberment is possible, many modern scholars and translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, NASB) interpret this as David putting the Ammonites to forced labor, compelling them to work with the mentioned tools in arduous tasks like mining, quarrying, or construction. This interpretation aligns with common ANE practices for conquered peoples, who were often enslaved for labor rather than exterminated.
* **saws (Hebrew, _mᵉgêrâh'_):** H4050. This term refers to actual saws, tools used for cutting wood or stone. The KJV also translates it as "axe" in other contexts, indicating a sharp cutting implement. In the context of the "forced labor" interpretation, it implies the Ammonites were compelled to work with these tools, perhaps in quarries or forestry, as part of their servitude. If interpreted literally as "cutting," it would suggest a gruesome form of execution or torture.
* **harrows (Hebrew, _chârîyts'_): H2757. These were heavy agricultural implements, often with sharp iron teeth, used to break up and smooth soil. In a literal sense, they could be instruments of torture or death. However, in the context of forced labor, it would mean the Ammonites were compelled to work in fields or construction using these arduous tools, symbolizing their complete subjugation and forced contribution to David's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought out the people that [were] in it":** This phrase describes David's action of bringing forth the inhabitants of Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites, after its capture. "Bringing out" implies a public display of the conquered population, signifying their utter defeat and the victor's absolute control over their lives and destiny. It sets the stage for the subsequent action, emphasizing the collective subjugation of the entire populace, highlighting David's complete authority over the defeated.
* **"and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes.":** This is the most controversial and debated clause. As detailed in the "Key Word Analysis," the Hebrew verb's ambiguity allows for two primary interpretations:
1. **Literal Interpretation (KJV):** David literally tortured or executed the Ammonites by dismembering them with these implements. This depicts extreme cruelty, even by ancient standards, and is difficult to reconcile with David's character elsewhere in Scripture.
2. **Forced Labor Interpretation (Modern Translations):** David put the Ammonites to forced labor, compelling them to work with these tools in mines, quarries, or other strenuous tasks. This interpretation is supported by the parallel account in [2 Samuel 12:31](/2_samuel/12-31 "2 Samuel 12:31 - David's Treatment of the Ammonites (Parallel)") and the common practice of enslaving conquered populations for labor in the ancient Near East. While still a severe and dehumanizing punishment, it avoids the implication of literal dismemberment. The Chronicler, writing post-exile, might have chosen this phrasing to emphasize the severity of the judgment without necessarily implying literal torture.
* **"Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.":** This clause generalizes the severe treatment of Rabbah's inhabitants to all the Ammonite cities, indicating a widespread and comprehensive subjugation of the entire Ammonite nation. It underscores the totality of David's victory and the complete dismantling of Ammonite resistance. The final phrase, "And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem," signifies the triumphant conclusion of the campaign, the restoration of peace and security to Israel's borders, and David's successful establishment of his dominion. It marks the end of a significant military endeavor and the return to normalcy and stability under David's secure reign.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 20:3 is **Ambiguity**, particularly concerning the Hebrew verb `sûwr` (translated "cut"). This linguistic nuance allows for a range of interpretations, from literal dismemberment to forced labor, fueling centuries of scholarly debate. This ambiguity might function as a form of **Euphemism**, where a harsh reality is conveyed in a less explicit or graphic manner, or it could simply reflect the flexibility of the Hebrew language. The passage also employs **Generalization** ("Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon") to extend the specific action at Rabbah to the entire Ammonite nation, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of David's victory and the widespread subjugation. Finally, the concise, almost stark, description of such a severe act contributes to the narrative's **Economy of Language**, allowing the reader to grasp the severity of the consequences without extensive elaboration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This challenging passage, regardless of the precise interpretation of David's actions, highlights several profound theological and thematic connections. It underscores the severe consequences of defiance against God's chosen people and, by extension, against God's anointed king. In the Old Testament context, nations that opposed Israel often faced divine judgment, and David's victories were frequently understood as divinely enabled. The text also speaks to the tension between the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the unfolding revelation of God's character. While difficult for modern readers, it reminds us that God works through imperfect human instruments in a fallen world, allowing for actions that reflect the cultural norms of the time, even as His ultimate purposes for justice and righteousness are advanced. It prompts us to consider the nature of divine judgment and the historical trajectory from a period of retributive justice to the New Testament's emphasis on grace and redemption.

* [2 Samuel 12:31](/2_samuel/12-31 "The Parallel Account of David's Treatment of the Ammonites")
* [Deuteronomy 20:10-14](/deuteronomy/20-10-14 "Laws of Warfare and Treatment of Conquered Cities")
* [Psalm 18:37-43](/psalms/18-37-43 "David's Victory and God's Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Interpreting passages like 1 Chronicles 20:3 requires humility, careful contextualization, and a recognition of progressive revelation. It forces us to grapple with the complexities of biblical narratives, acknowledging that not every action described is necessarily prescriptive or morally ideal by New Testament standards, but rather descriptive of historical realities and the unfolding outworking of God's plan in a fallen world. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion, not just for individuals but for entire nations. The Ammonites' initial insult led to their utter subjugation, illustrating the profound and lasting repercussions of choices that defy God's established order. For believers, it highlights the importance of respecting authority and understanding that God, in His sovereignty, can use even harsh circumstances to achieve His purposes, whether in judgment or in establishing His kingdom. It also calls us to consider how we read difficult texts, seeking to understand the original intent and historical context without excusing brutality, and ultimately pointing us to the greater grace and mercy revealed in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical and linguistic context change our interpretation of difficult biblical passages like 1 Chronicles 20:3?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the consequences of defying God's chosen people or resisting divine will in the Old Testament context?**
* **How should believers reconcile the harsh realities of Old Testament warfare with the New Testament call to love enemies and seek peace?**
* **What does David's triumphant return to Jerusalem signify about the completion of God's purposes for his kingdom, and how does this relate to God's ongoing work in the world?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean David literally tortured the Ammonites to death?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes" suggests literal dismemberment or torture. However, the original Hebrew verb `sûwr` (H7787) is ambiguous. While it can mean "to saw" or "to cut," it can also mean "to put to labor" or "to place under." Many modern translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, NASB) and scholars prefer the interpretation that David put the Ammonites to forced labor using these tools, rather than literally torturing or executing them. This interpretation is supported by the parallel account in [2 Samuel 12:31](/2_samuel/12-31 "2 Samuel 12:31 - David's Treatment of the Ammonites (Parallel)"), which uses similar phrasing, and by the common practice in the ancient Near East of enslaving conquered populations for strenuous public works. Even under this interpretation, it represents a severe and dehumanizing punishment, signifying complete subjugation, but not necessarily literal dismemberment.

**How does this action align with David's character as a "man after God's own heart"?**

Answer: This passage presents a challenging aspect of David's reign, as it describes actions that seem to conflict with our modern sensibilities and the New Testament's emphasis on love and mercy. It's crucial to understand that David was a "man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A Man After God's Own Heart")) in the context of his overall obedience to God's covenant, his deep repentance when he sinned, and his commitment to God's kingdom, rather than implying moral perfection in every action. Old Testament warfare, including the treatment of conquered peoples, operated under different cultural and ethical norms than those of today. While the specific actions described in [1 Chronicles 20:3](/1_chronicles/20-3 "1 Chronicles 20:3 - David's Treatment of the Ammonites") are harsh, they were often seen as legitimate acts of war and expressions of divine judgment against rebellious nations in that era. The Bible faithfully records the actions of its characters, both their virtues and their flaws, allowing us to see the complexities of human nature and God's work through imperfect people in a fallen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 20:3 describes a harsh act of Old Testament judgment and conquest, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the emulation of such severity, but in the greater victory and kingship of Jesus Christ. David, as king of Israel, was God's anointed instrument to establish and secure His earthly kingdom, bringing judgment upon those who opposed it. This foreshadows Christ, the true and eternal King, whose victory is far more profound and whose kingdom is everlasting. Just as David triumphed over the Ammonites, securing his reign and returning to Jerusalem in triumph, so too did Christ achieve a decisive victory over the forces of sin, death, and the spiritual enemies of humanity through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His ascension to heaven signifies the establishment of His universal authority ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Authority in Heaven and on Earth")), and He will ultimately return to judge the living and the dead, establishing His kingdom in its fullness ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious King")). The harshness of David's judgment on the Ammonites, while difficult, serves as a sober reminder of the ultimate and righteous judgment that awaits all who reject God's authority, yet it is beautifully contrasted by Christ's offer of grace and mercy to all who turn to Him, inviting them into His eternal kingdom of peace ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")).

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 19:2

And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

1 Chronicles 19:5

Then there went [certain], and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and [then] return.

Joshua 9:23

Now therefore ye [are] cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

Judges 8:16

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Judges 8:17

And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

2 Samuel 12:31

And he brought forth the people that [were] therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

Psalms 21:8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.