1 Chronicles 20

In this chapter, we see the continuation of David’s military campaigns, specifically focusing on the defeat of the Ammonites and the Philistines. It highlights David's victories over his enemies and the final downfall of giants from the Philistine lineage, reminiscent of Goliath. This chapter reflects David's consistent dominance in warfare, and God's favor upon Israel through his leadership.

1 Chronicles 20:1 (NKJV)
1 It happened in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the armed forces and ravaged the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab defeated Rabbah and overthrew it.

This verse sets the stage for the battle against the Ammonites. Spring was typically the season for warfare in the ancient world. Joab, David’s military commander, leads the army to attack the Ammonite city of Rabbah. Although David stays in Jerusalem, Joab successfully defeats and captures the city. This event signifies the culmination of the ongoing conflict with the Ammonites, which began in earlier chapters.

1 Chronicles 20:2 (NKJV)
2 Then David took their king’s crown from his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set on David’s head. Also he brought out the spoil of the city in great abundance.

After Joab’s victory, David takes the crown of the Ammonite king, which symbolizes the transfer of power and authority. The weight of the crown, a talent of gold, emphasizes the wealth of the defeated kingdom. David not only claims the crown but also gathers a large amount of spoil from the city, showcasing the material benefits that Israel gains from their victory over the Ammonites.

1 Chronicles 20:3 (NKJV)
3 And he brought out the people who were in it, and put them to work with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. So David did to all the cities of the people of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

David enslaves the captured Ammonites, putting them to work with tools like saws, iron picks, and axes. This indicates that instead of annihilating the people, David subjects them to forced labor. This was a common practice in the ancient world, as it allowed the victors to benefit from the labor of their captives. The verse concludes with David and his army returning triumphantly to Jerusalem after subduing the Ammonites.

1 Chronicles 20:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Now it happened afterward that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines, at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the sons of the giant. And they were subdued.
5 Again there was war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

These verses describe two separate battles with the Philistines, focusing on notable warriors who killed descendants of giants. Sibbechai the Hushathite kills Sippai, one of the sons of the giant, indicating a victory over formidable enemies. Elhanan, another Israelite warrior, slays Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, reminding the reader of David’s earlier triumph over Goliath. These victories over giants demonstrate God’s continued favor and strength working through Israel's warriors.

1 Chronicles 20:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, with twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant.
7 So when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.

Another battle with the Philistines occurs in Gath, where Israel encounters a giant of great stature, described as having six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This physical abnormality serves to emphasize his intimidating nature. However, like the other giants, he is defeated when Jonathan, David’s nephew, kills him after he defies Israel. These continued victories over giants highlight that no enemy is too strong for God’s people when they rely on Him.

1 Chronicles 20:8 (NKJV)
8 These were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.

This verse summarizes the defeat of the giants from Gath, all of whom were descended from a line of giants and were killed by David’s men. These victories are attributed not just to David but to his servants as well, emphasizing the collective strength of Israel under David’s leadership. The chapter concludes by reinforcing the theme of Israel's triumph over seemingly invincible enemies, showcasing the power of God’s protection and guidance in their battles.