1 Chronicles 20
BSB1 In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it. 2 Then David took the crown from the head of their king. It was found to weigh a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David’s head. And David took a great amount of plunder from the city. 3 David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. 4 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. 5 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 6 And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, 7 and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him. 8 So these descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 20
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Chronicles 20
- Themes from 1 Chronicles 20
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 20
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
1 Chronicles 20 recounts the military campaigns of King David, including the defeat of the Ammonites and the Philistines. The chapter begins with David's siege of Rabbah, the capital of Ammon, where he captures the king's crown and brings it back to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 20:1-3). The chapter also describes the birth of David's son, Hanun, and the subsequent conflict with the Ammonites. Additionally, the Philistines are defeated, and Goliath's brother is killed by David's servant (1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Throughout the chapter, we see God's hand guiding the outcomes of these battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people.
Context for the Chapter
1 Chronicles 20 is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which recounts the history of the Israelites from the death of Saul to the reign of King David. The chapter fits into the broader context of the Old Testament, highlighting God's covenant with His people and His faithfulness to them. The military campaigns described in the chapter are a testament to God's power and protection over His people, demonstrating His sovereignty and guidance in the midst of human conflict.
Heart Application
As we reflect on 1 Chronicles 20, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's power and protection, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger. We can apply this truth to our own lives by seeking to trust in God more fully, obeying His commands, and relying on His strength and guidance in all circumstances.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the military campaigns of King David, highlighting God's power and protection over His people. We see David's trust in God and the Lord's faithfulness to His people, as well as the importance of faith and obedience. The chapter reminds us that our strength and victory come from God, and that we can trust in His power and provision, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3 and 1 Chronicles 20:6.
Voices from the Church
“The giant's defeat is a reminder that our strength and victory come from God, and that we can trust in His power and provision, even in the face of overwhelming odds.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, even in the midst of human conflict and uncertainty.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Siege of Rabbah (1 Chronicles 20:1-3) — David besieges Rabbah, the capital of Ammon, and captures the king's crown, bringing it back to Jerusalem.
- The Defeat of the Giant (1 Chronicles 20:4-8) — The Philistines are defeated, and Goliath's brother is killed by David's servant, Jonathan.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience (1 Chronicles 20:1-8) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands, as seen in David's obedience and the subsequent victories.
- God's Power and Protection (1 Chronicles 20:1-8) — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people.
- Conclusion (1 Chronicles 20:1-8) — The chapter reminds us that our strength and victory come from God, and that we can trust in His power and provision, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, as seen in David's trust in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3.
- The Power of God
- The chapter showcases God's power and protection over His people, as seen in the defeat of the giant and the Philistines.
- The Covenant of God
- The chapter is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people, highlighting His faithfulness and protection over them.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 20
- Trust in God's Power — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and protection, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands, as seen in David's obedience and the subsequent victories.
- God's Sovereignty and Guidance — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people.
- The Power of God — The chapter showcases God's power and protection over His people, as seen in the defeat of the giant and the Philistines.
- The Covenant of God — The chapter is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people, highlighting His faithfulness and protection over them.
Themes from 1 Chronicles 20
- God's Power and Protection — The chapter highlights God's power and protection over His people, demonstrating His sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, as seen in David's trust in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3.
- The Covenant of God — The chapter is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people, highlighting His faithfulness and protection over them.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people.
- The Victory of God — The chapter showcases God's power and protection over His people, as seen in the defeat of the giant and the Philistines.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from David's trust in God during times of war and conflict?
- How does the chapter highlight God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles?
- What is the significance of the giant's defeat, and what does it teach us about God's power and protection?
- How can we apply the truths of this chapter to our own lives, trusting in God's power and protection?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faith and obedience?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Siege of Rabbah (1 Chronicles 20:1-3)
| 20:1 | David besieges Rabbah, the capital of Ammon, and captures the king's crown, bringing it back to Jerusalem. |
| 20:2 | David takes the crown from the head of their king, and it is placed on his own head, symbolizing God's victory and protection over His people. |
2. The Defeat of the Giant (1 Chronicles 20:4-8)
| 20:4 | The Philistines are defeated, and Goliath's brother is killed by David's servant, Jonathan. |
| 20:5 | The giant is described as a descendant of the Rephaim, a group of giants in the Old Testament, highlighting the significance of his defeat. |
| 20:6 | Jonathan, the son of Shagee the Bethlehemite, strikes down the giant, demonstrating God's power and protection over His people. |
| 20:7 | The giant's defeat serves as a reminder of God's presence and protection over His people, highlighting His sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles. |
| 20:8 | The chapter concludes with a summary of the Philistines' defeat, emphasizing God's power and protection over His people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the giant's defeat in 1 Chronicles 20?
The giant's defeat serves as a reminder of God's power and protection over His people, highlighting His sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:4-8.
How does the chapter highlight God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles?
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:1-8.
What can we learn from David's trust in God during times of war and conflict?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's power and protection, even in the face of overwhelming odds, as seen in David's trust in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 20:1 → 2 Samuel 12:26-31 | The siege of Rabbah is also described in 2 Samuel 12:26-31, highlighting God's power and protection over His people. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 20:4 → 1 Samuel 17:1-58 | The defeat of the giant is reminiscent of David's victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-58, demonstrating God's power and protection over His people. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 20:6 → Psalm 108:1 | The giant's defeat is celebrated in Psalm 108:1, which praises God for His power and protection over His people. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 20:8 → John 16:33 | The chapter's emphasis on God's power and protection is echoed in John 16:33, where Jesus promises that we will overcome the world through Him. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 20:1-3 → Romans 8:28 | The chapter's theme of God's sovereignty and guidance is reflected in Romans 8:28, which promises that all things work together for good for those who love God. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 → 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 | The giant's defeat serves as a reminder of God's power and protection over His people, highlighting His sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 20:1 → Psalm 2:1-12 | The siege of Rabbah is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people, highlighting His faithfulness and protection over them, as seen in Psalm 2:1-12. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 20:6 → Hebrews 11:32-34 | The giant's defeat is celebrated in Hebrews 11:32-34, which praises the faith and courage of those who trust in God, as seen in Jonathan's victory over the giant. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 20:8 → Revelation 20:1-10 | The chapter's emphasis on God's power and protection is echoed in Revelation 20:1-10, which promises that God will ultimately triumph over evil and establish His kingdom. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 20:1-8 → Isaiah 40:1-31 | The chapter's theme of God's sovereignty and guidance is reflected in Isaiah 40:1-31, which promises that God will comfort and redeem His people, highlighting His power and protection over them. |
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Reading Between the Lines by Tim Dilena | This sermon delves into the story of David and Bathsheba, highlighting the dangers of sin and the importance of responding to conviction before facing consequences. It emphasizes t |
|
For Our People and for the Cities of God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a passage from the Bible where Joab speaks to his brother about teamwork in battle. The speaker identifies six principles for successful tea |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20
In this chapter, we see the mighty hand of God at work in the military campaigns of King David. The siege of Rabbah and the defeat of the giant serve as reminders of God's power and protection over His people. Through these accounts, Matthew Henry highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, even in the midst of human conflict and uncertainty. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the timeless truth that our strength and victory come from God, and that we can trust in His power and provision, even in the face of overwhelming odds, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:1-8. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
David's trust in God
Throughout the chapter, we see David's unwavering trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This trust is evident in 1 Chronicles 20:1, where David besieges Rabbah, and in 1 Chronicles 20:6, where Jonathan defeats the giant.
The role of God's providence
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and guidance in the outcomes of the battles, demonstrating His power and protection over His people. This is seen in 1 Chronicles 20:4-8, where the Philistines are defeated.
The importance of faith and obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3, where David's obedience leads to victory.