1 Chronicles 20:4

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 20:4 recounts a significant victory during the reign of King David, highlighting God's continued deliverance of Israel through the valor of His chosen warriors. This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the battles against the Philistines and their formidable giant kinsmen.

Context

This passage falls within a section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 18-20) that summarizes David's military campaigns and the exploits of his mighty men. Chapter 20 specifically focuses on four key encounters with Philistine giants, serving as a parallel account to 2 Samuel 21:18-22. The battle at Gezer was one of these confrontations, a strategic city often contested between Israel and the Philistines, located in the Shephelah region.

Key Themes

  • Divine Victory through Human Agents: While the prowess of Sibbechai the Hushathite is evident, the ultimate victory is attributed to God's hand, subduing Israel's enemies. This reflects a recurring theme in Israel's history, where God empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
  • The Persistent Threat of the Philistines: The Philistines were a long-standing adversary of Israel, and these accounts underscore their continued resistance even under David's strong leadership. The presence of "children of the giant" highlights the formidable nature of these enemies.
  • The Valor of David's Mighty Men: Sibbechai is listed among David's elite warriors (see 1 Chronicles 11:29), whose individual acts of bravery contributed significantly to Israel's security and dominance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of the giant" (KJV) or "descendants of Rapha" (ESV, NIV) refers to the Rephaim, a race of formidable, often exceptionally large, individuals mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Sippai, also known as Saph in the parallel account, was one of these powerful warriors. Their presence posed a significant threat to Israel, echoing the earlier encounter with Goliath of Gath.

Practical Application

This verse offers encouragement that even the most daunting adversaries, symbolized by "giants," can be overcome through faith and courage. Just as Sibbechai was empowered to defeat Sippai, believers today are equipped by God to face their own challenges—whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial. It reminds us that God often uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary feats, and that victory is possible when we stand firm against opposition, trusting in divine strength.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 21:18 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 11:29 (2 votes)

    Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

  • Joshua 16:3 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.