1 Chronicles 5:20

KJV

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they were helped {H5826} against them, and the Hagarites {H1905} were delivered {H5414} into their hand {H3027}, and all that were with them: for they cried {H2199} to God {H430} in the battle {H4421}, and he was intreated {H6279} of them; because they put their trust {H982} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

They received help against them, so that the Hagri'im and all who were allied with them suffered defeat at their hands; because they cried out to God while they were fighting, and he did as they requested, because they put their trust in him.

Berean Standard Bible

And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers.

American Standard Version

And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them; for they cried to God in the battle, and he was entreated of them, because they put their trust in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:20 recounts a pivotal victory for the transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh over the Hagarites and their allies. This verse profoundly illustrates the direct causal link between the Israelites' desperate prayer and their unwavering trust in God, and His powerful, responsive intervention. It stands as a testament to the spiritual principles that underpin military success and divine deliverance, emphasizing that God actively engages on behalf of those who sincerely seek and rely upon Him in times of crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogies of Israel, specifically focusing on the tribes east of the Jordan River (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) in 1 Chronicles 5:1-26. Unlike the more common genealogical lists that simply trace lineage, the Chronicler frequently intersperses historical narratives and theological commentary within these lists. Verses 18-22 provide a detailed account of a specific military engagement, serving as an illustrative example of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. This particular narrative interrupts the genealogical flow to highlight a significant spiritual truth, making 1 Chronicles 5:20 a climactic statement within this digression, explaining *why* the victory occurred. It sets the stage for the subsequent account of their eventual exile due to unfaithfulness, providing a stark contrast between the consequences of trust and disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River, bordering the desert regions inhabited by nomadic peoples like the Hagarites. These territories were often contested, leading to frequent skirmishes and battles. The Hagarites, likely descendants of Hagar (Abraham's concubine, [Genesis 16:1-16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Hagar and Ishmael")), were a formidable desert confederation, known for their wealth (implied by the spoils mentioned in [1 Chronicles 5:21](/1_chronicles/5-21 "1 Chronicles 5:21 - Spoils of War")) and military strength. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, divine favor was often sought and attributed to victory. However, the Chronicler's emphasis here is not merely on a god's favor, but on the specific, covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where genuine trust and prayer elicit a tangible, saving response. The large numbers of the Israelite tribes mentioned in [1 Chronicles 5:18](/1_chronicles/5-18 "1 Chronicles 5:18 - Warrior Numbers") underscore their military potential, yet the Chronicler attributes the victory primarily to divine intervention, not human might.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 5:20 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Chronicler's work. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intervention and Help**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, providing aid beyond human capability. The phrase "they were helped against them" directly points to God as the source of their strength and success, echoing themes seen in passages like [Psalm 121:1-12](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - God, Our Helper"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Efficacy and Power of Prayer**. The declaration "for they cried to God in the battle" emphasizes prayer as a potent weapon and a direct conduit for divine assistance, aligning with the Chronicler's consistent portrayal of prayer as a vital element of faithful living (e.g., [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Pray")). Thirdly, it emphasizes the foundational principle of **Trust and Faith in God**. The ultimate reason for God's intervention is explicitly stated: "because they put their trust in him." This trust is not passive belief but an active, confident reliance that manifests in desperate prayer and unwavering dependence, a theme central to the entirety of the biblical narrative, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Responsiveness and Accessibility**, showing that He "was intreated of them," meaning He heard and answered their plea, affirming His character as a God who listens and acts on behalf of His trusting people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Helped (Hebrew, _'azar'_):** This verb signifies assistance, support, or aid, often implying divine succor. In this context, it specifically denotes God's active intervention on behalf of the Israelites, providing the necessary strength, strategy, or circumstances for victory. It moves beyond mere human effort, pointing to a supernatural empowerment that turned the tide of battle. The passive voice ("they were helped") further emphasizes that the help originated from an external, superior source—God Himself.
* **Cried (Hebrew, _za'aq'_):** This word describes a loud, desperate cry for help, often used in contexts of distress, oppression, or urgent need. It's not a casual prayer but an earnest, urgent appeal born out of dire circumstances. The use of _za'aq_ here highlights the immediacy and intensity of the Israelites' supplication during the heat of battle, indicating their recognition of their own inadequacy and their absolute dependence on divine aid.
* **Intreated (Hebrew, _'athar'_):** This verb means to pray, supplicate, or intercede, and frequently carries the nuance of being favorably heard or granted a request. When God is the subject, it implies that He was moved by the supplication and responded positively. Here, "he was intreated of them" confirms that God not only heard their desperate cry but also acted upon it, demonstrating His attentiveness and willingness to respond to the genuine prayers of His people.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _batach'_):** This powerful word denotes a deep sense of security, confidence, and reliance. It's more than intellectual belief; it's a confident leaning upon God, a resting in His faithfulness, character, and promises. The phrase "put their trust in him" indicates that their prayer was not a last-ditch effort born of superstition, but an expression of a profound, active faith and confident expectation that God would indeed deliver on His character. This trust was the foundational spiritual posture that unlocked God's intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were helped against them,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of the Israelites' success. The passive voice indicates that the help did not originate from their own strength or strategy alone, but was an external, supernatural assistance. "Them" refers to the Hagarites and their allies, against whom the Israelites were engaged in battle. This sets the stage by attributing the initial turn of events to God's intervention.
* **"and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them:"**: This clause describes the direct outcome of God's help: a decisive victory. "Delivered into their hand" is a common biblical idiom signifying complete conquest and control. It specifies that not only the Hagarites themselves but also "all that were with them"—their allies and possessions—were subdued by the Israelites. This emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the victory, underscoring the effectiveness of God's aid.
* **"for they cried to God in the battle,"**: This clause provides the immediate and active human response that preceded God's intervention. In the midst of the conflict, facing overwhelming odds or desperate circumstances, the Israelites turned to God in urgent prayer. This highlights the importance of seeking God directly in moments of crisis, demonstrating their reliance on Him rather than solely on their own military might.
* **"and he was intreated of them;"**: This clause details God's positive response to their cry. "He was intreated" means that God heard their supplication and was favorably disposed to it; He answered their prayer. This affirms God's responsiveness to His people's genuine appeals, showing that He is not distant but actively engaged with those who call upon Him sincerely.
* **"because they put their trust in him."**: This final clause provides the ultimate, foundational reason for God's favorable response and intervention. It was not merely the act of crying out, but the underlying spiritual posture of profound trust and confident reliance on God that moved Him to act. This emphasizes that faith is the prerequisite for divine help, transforming a desperate plea into an effective petition.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 5:20 is a concise yet powerful theological statement, primarily employing **Causality** and **Consequence** to link human action with divine response. The structure "for X, and Y; because Z" clearly establishes a chain of events: the Israelites cried out (X), God was intreated (Y), and the ultimate reason for God's response was their trust (Z). This creates a logical and theological flow, emphasizing that God's help is not arbitrary but contingent on the faith and supplication of His people. The verse also utilizes **Conciseness** to deliver a profound message with economy of words, making its theological point sharp and memorable. Furthermore, it functions as a **Didactic Statement**, serving to teach the reader about the principles of divine intervention, prayer, and trust within the broader narrative of Israel's history. The **Repetition of Divine Action** (helped, delivered, intreated) underscores God's active role, while the **Emphasis on Human Faith** (cried, trust) highlights the necessary human response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:20 serves as a powerful theological anchor, illustrating the profound biblical truth that divine intervention is often contingent upon human faith and supplication. It underscores God's character as a responsive and faithful Deliverer who actively engages with His people when they turn to Him in genuine trust. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God is not a distant deity but one who hears, sees, and acts on behalf of those who depend on Him. The victory over the Hagarites becomes a microcosm of God's larger redemptive plan, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people and His willingness to grant victory—whether in physical battles or spiritual struggles—when His people humble themselves, pray, and trust.

* [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")
* [Psalm 37:5](/psalms/37-5 "Psalm 37:5 - Commit Your Way to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 5:20 offers timeless encouragement and a clear blueprint for navigating life's challenges. In a world that often prioritizes self-reliance, strategic planning, or technological solutions, this verse redirects our gaze to the ultimate source of help: God Himself. It reminds us that even when facing overwhelming odds, our most potent weapon is not our own strength or ingenuity, but our desperate cry to the Lord and our unwavering trust in His power and faithfulness. This isn't a call to passivity, but to a faith-filled engagement where human effort is consecrated by divine dependence. Whether facing personal struggles, professional dilemmas, or spiritual battles, the principle remains: when we humble ourselves, acknowledge our need, and confidently lean on God, He is attentive and responsive, ready to provide the help and deliverance we require. This verse challenges us to cultivate a habit of prayer that is born out of deep trust, knowing that our God is "intreated" by those who truly rely on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "battle" where you feel the need for divine intervention?**
* **How readily do you "cry to God" in moments of crisis, or do you first exhaust all other options?**
* **What does "putting your trust in Him" practically look like in your daily walk, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God's responsiveness (being "intreated") transform your prayer life?**

### FAQ
**What does "intreated of them" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "he was intreated of them" means that God heard their earnest prayers and supplications and responded favorably. The Hebrew word `עָתַר` (_'athar_) implies that God was moved by their sincere appeal and granted their request. It signifies that their prayers were not only heard but were effective in eliciting God's active intervention on their behalf. This highlights God's accessibility and His willingness to respond to the genuine cries of His trusting people.

**Why is "trust" highlighted as the ultimate reason for God's help?**

Answer: Trust (`בָּטַח`, _batach_) is highlighted because it is the foundational spiritual posture that enables and activates divine intervention. It's more than just a desperate plea; it's a confident reliance and unwavering faith in God's character, power, and promises. While crying out to God (`זָעַק`, _za'aq_) is the expression of their need, their underlying trust ensured that their cry was rooted in genuine relationship and expectation, rather than mere superstition or a last resort. This aligns with the biblical principle that "without faith it is impossible to please God" ([Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God")). Their trust demonstrated their recognition of God's sovereignty and their dependence on Him, which God honors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 5:20, while rooted in an Old Testament military victory, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "help" and "deliverance" experienced by the transjordanian tribes foreshadow the ultimate salvation offered through Christ. Just as the Israelites "cried to God in the battle," humanity, trapped in the battle against sin and death, cries out for a deliverer. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom God was truly "intreated" on our behalf. His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of divine intervention, securing victory not just over physical enemies but over the spiritual forces of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Our "trust in him" now is not merely for temporal victory but for eternal life and reconciliation with God ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess Jesus as Lord")). Through Christ, we have constant access to God's throne of grace, where we can "draw near with confidence" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")) and receive help in our time of need. The victory of 1 Chronicles 5:20 points to the greater, decisive victory achieved by Christ, enabling all who trust in Him to overcome the world and its spiritual battles through His power and presence ([1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "1 John 5:4 - Victory Over the World Through Faith")).

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

Psalms 22:4

Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

Psalms 22:5

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Psalms 9:10

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

2 Chronicles 18:31

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It [is] the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them [to depart] from him.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:8

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

Joshua 10:42

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.