1 Chronicles 20:4

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after this {H310}, that there arose {H5975} war {H4421} at Gezer {H1507} with the Philistines {H6430}; at which time {H227} Sibbechai {H5444} the Hushathite {H2843} slew {H5221} Sippai {H5598}, that was of the children {H3211} of the giant {H7497}: and they were subdued {H3665}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A while after this there was war at Gezer with the P'lishtim. Sibkhai the Hushati killed Sipai, one of the giants, and they were defeated.

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 20:4 meticulously records a significant military engagement during King David's reign, highlighting the valor of Sibbechai the Hushathite, who decisively slew Sippai, one of the formidable "children of the giant," at the strategic city of Gezer. This account serves to underscore God's consistent faithfulness in delivering His people, demonstrating His sovereign power over all adversaries, and illustrating the ongoing subjugation of Israel's enemies through the courageous acts of His chosen warriors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 18-20) that meticulously chronicles King David's significant military campaigns and the heroic exploits of his elite warriors, often referred to as "David's Mighty Men." Chapter 20, in particular, consolidates four distinct encounters with Philistine giants, serving as a theological and historical parallel to the accounts found in [2 Samuel 21:18-22](/2_samuel/21-18-22 "2 Samuel 21:18-22 - Battles Against Philistine Giants"). The Chronicler's emphasis here is not merely on military history but on God's active involvement in securing Israel's borders and establishing David's kingdom. The specific battle at Gezer, detailed in this verse, is presented as one of these crucial confrontations, highlighting the individual bravery that contributed to the larger national narrative of divine protection and victory, reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theme of God's covenant faithfulness to the Davidic line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gezer was a strategically vital Canaanite city, later incorporated into Israelite territory, located in the Shephelah, the low-lying foothills between the central highlands of Judah and the Philistine plain. Its geographical position made it a frequent flashpoint for conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a powerful and long-standing adversary known for their advanced iron weaponry and formidable warriors. The mention of "children of the giant" (KJV) or "descendants of Rapha" (ESV/NIV) refers to the Rephaim, an ancient, often exceptionally large and powerful people group, remnants of whom are mentioned throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim in Bashan")). Their presence here underscores the formidable nature of the Philistine threat and the extraordinary challenges faced by Israel's warriors. David's reign marked a period of consolidation and expansion for Israel, and these military accounts serve to validate his kingship and God's covenant faithfulness in securing the promised land.
* **Key Themes:** Several significant themes emerge from 1 Chronicles 20:4 and its broader context, reflecting the Chronicler's theological agenda. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Victory through Human Agents** is prominent; while Sibbechai's prowess is evident, the ultimate subjugation of the enemy is presented as God's work, empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. This aligns with the Chronicler's emphasis on God's direct involvement in Israel's history, particularly in the establishment and security of the Davidic kingdom. Secondly, the **Persistent Threat of the Philistines** is highlighted, demonstrating that even under David's strong leadership, the struggle against this formidable enemy was ongoing, requiring continuous vigilance and divine intervention. The "children of the giant" symbolize the enduring and imposing nature of these adversaries, whose defeat consistently points to God's superior power. Lastly, the **Valor of David's Mighty Men** is celebrated. Sibbechai, listed among David's elite warriors in [1 Chronicles 11:29](/1_chronicles/11-29 "1 Chronicles 11:29 - Sibbechai the Hushathite"), represents the individual acts of bravery and faithfulness that collectively contributed to Israel's security and dominance, all undergirded by God's sovereign hand, showcasing the importance of loyal and courageous service within God's plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gezer (Hebrew, _Gezer'_):** This city, identified as H1507, was a strategically crucial location in Palestine, controlling major trade routes and serving as a gateway to the coastal plain. The fact that "war arose at Gezer with the Philistines" indicates a significant, targeted engagement in a contested and vital region, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control over key territories between Israel and its perennial enemies.
* **Sippai (Hebrew, _Çippay'_):** Identified as H5598, Sippai is the specific formidable Philistine warrior slain by Sibbechai. His name, derived from a word meaning "bason-like," might allude to his large stature or appearance. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Battle at Gob") names him Saph, a common variation in ancient texts that does not diminish the historical veracity of the event. His lineage connects him to the Rephaim, emphasizing his extraordinary size and strength, making Sibbechai's victory all the more remarkable and a testament to divine empowerment.
* **giant (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** This term, H7497, refers to a "giant" or "Rapha," specifically denoting a remnant of the Rephaim, an ancient race known for their imposing stature and formidable fighting ability. The phrase "children of the giant" (KJV) or "descendants of Rapha" (ESV) explicitly identifies Sippai as belonging to this fearsome lineage. Their presence among the Philistines underscored the military might and the significant challenge they posed to Israel, making their defeat a clear demonstration of God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable foes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines;":** This opening clause provides a chronological marker, indicating that this event occurred subsequent to previously recounted military campaigns, maintaining the narrative flow of David's reign. The specific mention of "Gezer" precisely locates the conflict, emphasizing its strategic importance as a flashpoint between Israel and "the Philistines," who are consistently portrayed as Israel's formidable and enduring adversaries, setting the stage for a significant engagement.
* **"at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant:":** This clause introduces the specific hero, Sibbechai from Hushah (a town in Judah, identified as one of David's mighty men), and his singular act of valor. His opponent, Sippai, is explicitly identified as one of the "children of the giant," immediately elevating the significance of Sibbechai's victory by highlighting the extraordinary nature of the enemy. This confrontation echoes David's earlier triumph over Goliath, establishing a pattern of God empowering His chosen ones against overwhelming odds and demonstrating that even the most imposing threats can be overcome through divine enablement.
* **"and they were subdued.":** This concise concluding phrase signifies the complete and decisive outcome of the battle. The plural "they" refers to the Philistines, indicating that Sippai's defeat was not an isolated incident but part of a larger subjugation of the enemy force. This outcome is attributed not merely to human strength but implies divine assistance, underscoring God's role in granting victory and ensuring Israel's security and dominance over its adversaries. The Hebrew word for "subdued" (H3665, _kânaʻ_) means "to bend the knee" or "to humiliate," emphasizing the complete vanquishing of the enemy.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 20:4 to enhance its impact and convey its profound theological message. **Parallelism** is evident through the direct comparison with the account in [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Battle at Gob"), demonstrating how the Chronicler re-presents historical events, often with a specific theological lens that emphasizes God's hand in Israel's victories. The **repetition** of the theme of "giants" throughout chapter 20 (and in the broader biblical narrative) serves to emphasize the formidable nature of Israel's adversaries and, by contrast, the extraordinary power of God who enables their defeat. This creates a sense of an ongoing, epic struggle that requires divine intervention. The verse also functions as a **heroic narrative**, albeit a concise one, focusing on the individual valor of Sibbechai. This highlights the importance of specific individuals in God's plan and their contribution to national security and the fulfillment of divine purposes. Finally, the concluding phrase "and they were subdued" acts as a form of **understatement** or **conciseness**, summarizing a decisive victory with brevity, allowing the reader to infer the full extent of the Philistine defeat and the profound divine power behind it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 20:4 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, demonstrating His active involvement in their battles and His power to empower ordinary individuals to overcome extraordinary foes. The defeat of Sippai, a descendant of the formidable Rephaim, serves as a powerful reminder that no adversary, no matter how imposing or "giant-like," can ultimately stand against the Lord and those He empowers. This victory is not merely a testament to Sibbechai's physical prowess but primarily to God's enabling strength, ensuring the security and establishment of David's kingdom. It reinforces the theological principle that true victory comes from God, who equips His servants for the challenges they face, whether physical or spiritual, and that His might is made perfect in human weakness.

* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")
* [Psalm 44:6-7](/psalm/44-6-7 "Psalm 44:6-7 - Not by Our Own Sword or Strength")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Sibbechai's victory over Sippai in 1 Chronicles 20:4 offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today. Just as ancient Israel faced formidable "giants" in the form of physical adversaries, we too encounter "giants" in our lives—whether they are spiritual strongholds, overwhelming circumstances, persistent temptations, daunting emotional struggles, or societal pressures. This verse reminds us that God is still in the business of empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Sibbechai, one of David's mighty men, was an ordinary individual whom God used for an extraordinary feat, demonstrating that divine power can flow through available and obedient vessels. This truth liberates us from relying solely on our own limited strength, wisdom, or resources. Instead, it calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's divine strength, courage, and wisdom, knowing that when we stand firm in faith, trusting in His power, even the most imposing "giants" in our lives can be subdued. Our victory is not earned by our might but received through His enablement, transforming our weaknesses into opportunities for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing in your life—whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial—that feel insurmountable in your own strength?**
* **How does Sibbechai's victory over Sippai encourage you to trust God more fully in your own battles, even when the odds seem stacked against you, recognizing His power to work through you?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally rely on God's strength and guidance today, rather than solely on your own efforts, to confront your challenges and experience His enabling power?**

### FAQ

**Is this the same account as 2 Samuel 21:18?**

Answer: Yes, 1 Chronicles 20:4 is a parallel account to [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Battle at Gob"). While the core event—a battle at Gezer (or Gob, a related location) where a Philistine giant is slain by one of David's mighty men—is the same, there are minor variations in the names. In 1 Chronicles, the giant is named Sippai and the hero Sibbechai the Hushathite. In 2 Samuel, the giant is Saph and the hero Sibbechai. Such variations are common in ancient texts and do not undermine the historical veracity but rather highlight the Chronicler's specific theological and genealogical interests, often emphasizing the lineage and valor of David's elite warriors and God's consistent deliverance.

**Who were the "children of the giant" or Rephaim?**

Answer: The "children of the giant" is the King James Version's translation of the Hebrew phrase _yelîdê hārāp̄â_, which literally means "descendants of Rapha." The Rephaim (from Rapha) were an ancient people group, often described as possessing extraordinary size and strength, who inhabited various parts of the ancient Near East, particularly Transjordan and the coastal regions. They are mentioned in several biblical contexts, including [Genesis 14:5](/genesis/14-5 "Genesis 14:5 - Chedorlaomer and the Rephaim"), [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim in Bashan"), and [Joshua 12:4](/joshua/12-4 "Joshua 12:4 - Og, King of Bashan"). They represent a formidable, often feared, enemy of Israel, symbolizing overwhelming power and physical threat. The fact that the Philistines had these "descendants of Rapha" among them underscored their military might and the significant challenge they posed to Israel, making their defeat a clear demonstration of God's power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The victory of Sibbechai over Sippai, one of the formidable "children of the giant," serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and decisive triumph over the true "giants" that plague humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as Sibbechai, a mighty man of David, subdued a physical enemy who symbolized an overwhelming threat to Israel, so too Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David, came to utterly disarm and defeat the spiritual powers that held humanity captive. The physical victory at Gezer, achieved through God's empowerment of a human agent, points forward to the cross, where Christ, through His own sacrifice, "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He "destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/heb_rews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Devil's Power")), thereby liberating those who were held in slavery by the fear of death. This account, therefore, is not merely a historical record of military success but a narrative thread woven into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the complete subjugation of all spiritual enemies by the Lamb of God, whose victory ensures that believers are "more than conquerors through him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). Through Christ, the seemingly insurmountable "giants" of our spiritual existence have been decisively defeated, offering us true freedom and eternal victory.

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 21:18

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which [was] of the sons of the giant.

2 Samuel 21:22

These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

Joshua 12:12

The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

1 Chronicles 11:29

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

Joshua 16:3

And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

2 Samuel 21:15

¶ Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.