1 Chronicles 20:7

KJV

But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But when he defied {H2778} Israel {H3478}, Jonathan {H3083} the son {H1121} of Shimea {H8092} David's {H1732} brother {H251} slew {H5221} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he mocked Isra'el, Y'honatan the son of Shim'a David's brother killed him.

Berean Standard Bible

and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.

American Standard Version

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David’s brother slew him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 20:7 records a significant victory during King David's reign, specifically detailing how Jonathan, David's nephew and the son of his brother Shimea, slew a Philistine giant who had brazenly defied Israel. This event is part of a series of encounters chronicling the ongoing conflict between Israel and the formidable Philistine descendants of Rapha, underscoring God's continued deliverance of His people through the valor of David's mighty men and his extended family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 20, a chapter dedicated to recounting several key battles fought by David's valiant warriors against the Philistines. It serves as a concluding section to the major military campaigns of David's reign, particularly focusing on the defeat of various giants who posed a persistent threat to Israel. The Chronicler, in line with his theological agenda, emphasizes God's faithfulness and the establishment of David's kingdom, showcasing how divine power works through human agents. This account is a parallel narrative to [2 Samuel 21:15-22](/2_samuel/21-15 "2 Samuel 21:15-22 - Accounts of David's Mighty Men Slaying Giants"), providing a composite picture of these heroic feats and underscoring their importance in solidifying Israel's security and demonstrating God's continued protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines, a powerful "Sea Peoples" group who settled in the coastal plain of Canaan, were Israel's most persistent and formidable adversaries throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Cities like Gath, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron formed their pentapolis, from which they launched frequent incursions. The "giants" mentioned here, descendants of Rapha (Rephaim), were exceptionally large and strong warriors, often used by the Philistines as champions to demoralize and challenge Israel. The act of "defying Israel" (Hebrew: *charaph*) was a common ancient Near Eastern military tactic, a public taunt or challenge to single combat, designed to shame and intimidate the opposing army, as famously seen in [Goliath's challenge to Israel](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Challenge"). Jonathan's action was not merely a military victory but a restoration of Israel's honor and a testament to God's power over seemingly insurmountable foes.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative in 1 Chronicles 20:7 contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights [God's continued deliverance](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God as Deliverer") of His people, demonstrating that even after David's personal triumph over Goliath, God continued to grant Israel victories through various individuals, showcasing His unwavering faithfulness. Secondly, the verse underscores the [valor and effectiveness of David's mighty men](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - David's Mighty Men"), illustrating that God uses a diverse array of individuals to accomplish His purposes and secure His people. Thirdly, it emphasizes the theme of [overcoming defiance and opposition](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation"), as the Philistine giant's act of defiance represents the persistent challenges and threats faced by God's people, and Jonathan's swift action demonstrates the necessity of confronting such opposition with courage and faith. Finally, the inclusion of Jonathan, David's nephew, reinforces the theme of family loyalty and the extension of courage and commitment to God's cause within David's own lineage, echoing David's earlier exploits against giants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defied (Hebrew, _ḥārap̱_):** This verb means to taunt, reproach, challenge, or defy. It carries a strong connotation of insulting or shaming, often publicly. In a military context, it was a psychological weapon, an attempt to demoralize the enemy by questioning their strength, courage, or even the power of their God. Jonathan's act was thus not just a physical slaying but a vindication of Israel's honor against this verbal and spiritual assault.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _nāḵāh_):** This common Hebrew verb means to strike, smite, or kill. In this context, it denotes a decisive and fatal blow. The directness of the verb emphasizes the finality of Jonathan's action, bringing an end to the giant's defiance and the threat he posed. It highlights the definitive nature of God's deliverance through His chosen agents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when he defied Israel":** This clause sets the scene, emphasizing the giant's provocative and insulting challenge. The act of "defying" was a direct affront not only to the Israelite army but also to their God, Yahweh, whom Israel represented. It underscores the spiritual dimension of the conflict, where the physical battle was often a manifestation of a deeper clash of deities and worldviews.
* **"Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother":** This identifies the hero of the account, Jonathan, and establishes his lineage. By identifying him as David's nephew (son of Shimea, David's brother, also known as Shammah in [1 Samuel 16:9](/1_samuel/16-9 "1 Samuel 16:9 - Shammah, David's Brother")), the Chronicler connects this victory directly to David's own family and the broader legacy of courage and faith that characterized his household. It shows that the spirit of valor was not confined to David alone but extended to his kin and mighty men.
* **"slew him":** This concise statement delivers the climax of the narrative. Jonathan's decisive action brings an end to the giant's defiance and eliminates a significant threat to Israel. The simplicity of the phrase belies the magnitude of the feat, highlighting the effectiveness of God's chosen instruments in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Conciseness** is evident in the direct and unadorned statement of the action, focusing on the outcome rather than elaborate description, which is characteristic of the Chronicler's historical reporting. There is also a strong element of **Parallelism**, as this account directly mirrors and complements the similar narratives found in [2 Samuel 21](/2_samuel/21 "2 Samuel 21 - David's Mighty Men and the Giants"), reinforcing the historical veracity and significance of these victories. The giant himself functions as a **Symbol** of overwhelming opposition and defiance against God's people, making Jonathan's victory a symbolic triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. Furthermore, the act of "defying Israel" carries **Irony**, as the giant's attempt to demoralize Israel ultimately leads to his own demise, showcasing the futility of opposing God's chosen nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This singular act of Jonathan slaying a Philistine giant serves as a powerful theological statement: God's deliverance of His people is not limited to one champion (like David over Goliath) but extends through various faithful individuals empowered by His Spirit. It underscores the ongoing nature of spiritual warfare and the necessity for God's people to confront defiance with courage and faith, trusting in the Lord who fights for them. The victory of Jonathan, a member of David's family, also reinforces the theme of God's covenant faithfulness to David's house, demonstrating that the strength and valor associated with David's reign permeated his entire lineage and kingdom. This account reminds believers that God equips and uses ordinary people for extraordinary tasks, particularly in confronting the "giants" of opposition that rise against His kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 21:15-22](/2_samuel/21-15 "Parallel Account of Giant Slayers")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Strength in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Jonathan slaying the Philistine giant in 1 Chronicles 20:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. We, too, face "giants" in our lives—whether they are overwhelming personal challenges, persistent temptations, systemic injustices, spiritual opposition, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles to faith. This verse reminds us that God's power is not limited to ancient heroes; He continues to empower His people today. Just as Jonathan was equipped for a specific battle, we are given strength and courage through the Holy Spirit to confront the defiance and opposition we encounter. Our victory is not found in our own might or cleverness, but in trusting God's faithfulness and acting in obedience. This narrative also highlights the importance of community and the collective strength of God's people; while Jonathan is highlighted, he was part of a larger army and a kingdom devoted to God, reminding us that we are called to stand together in spiritual warfare, supporting one another as we face our common adversaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable challenges are you currently facing in your life that are defying your peace or progress?**
* **How does Jonathan's courage, rooted in his identity within God's people, inspire you to confront your own challenges?**
* **In what ways can you rely more fully on God's strength and empowerment rather than your own in overcoming opposition?**
* **How can you contribute to the collective strength and courage of your spiritual community (church, small group) as you collectively face the "giants" of this world?**

### FAQ

**Who was Jonathan, the son of Shimea?**

Answer: Jonathan was a nephew of King David, identified as the son of Shimea (also known as Shammah in other biblical texts like [1 Samuel 16:9](/1_samuel/16-9 "1 Samuel 16:9 - Shammah, David's Brother")). Shimea was one of David's older brothers. This Jonathan is distinct from Jonathan, the son of Saul, who was David's close friend. His inclusion in this account highlights the valor and commitment to God's cause that extended throughout David's family and among his loyal followers, demonstrating that the spirit of courage and faith was not unique to David but was present in his wider lineage.

**What is the significance of "defying Israel" in this context?**

Answer: The act of "defying Israel" (Hebrew: *charaph*) was more than just a military challenge; it was a profound act of public taunt, reproach, and insult. In ancient warfare, such defiance was intended to demoralize the enemy army and shame their nation, often by questioning the power or existence of their God. For the Philistine giant to defy Israel was to defy Yahweh, the God of Israel. Jonathan's act of slaying the giant was therefore a powerful vindication of Israel's honor and, more importantly, of God's sovereignty and power over those who would mock His people and His name. It was a spiritual victory as much as a physical one.

**Are there other accounts of giants in the Bible, and what do they signify?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible contains several accounts of giants, often referred to as Rephaim or descendants of Rapha. The most famous is Goliath, whom David slew ([1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). Other giants are mentioned in [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Emim and the Anakim"), [Joshua 11:21-22](/joshua/11-21 "Joshua 11:21-22 - Anakim Destroyed by Joshua"), and parallel accounts to 1 Chronicles 20 in [2 Samuel 21:15-22](/2_samuel/21-15 "2 Samuel 21:15-22 - Accounts of David's Mighty Men Slaying Giants"). These giants often symbolize overwhelming, seemingly insurmountable opposition to God's people and His purposes. Their defeat, whether by David, Jonathan, or other mighty men, consistently demonstrates God's power to deliver His people from any foe, no matter how formidable, reinforcing the theme that with God, all things are possible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jonathan slaying the Philistine giant, who defied Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over all forms of defiance and opposition. While Jonathan, a member of David's earthly family, secured a physical victory over a literal giant, Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God, achieved a cosmic victory over the spiritual giants of sin, death, and the devil. The giant's defiance of Israel finds its ultimate counterpart in Satan's rebellion and his ongoing attempts to defy God and enslave humanity. Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, confronted and decisively defeated these spiritual powers, disarming the rulers and authorities and putting them to open shame by triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He is the true champion who took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death and the Devil")). Just as Jonathan's victory secured Israel's peace, Christ's triumph offers eternal peace and freedom to all who believe, enabling them to be "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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 2:13

And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,

1 Samuel 16:9

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

Isaiah 37:23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

1 Samuel 17:26

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

1 Samuel 17:10

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

1 Samuel 17:36

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.