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1 Chronicles 20:3

1 Chronicles 20:3 in Multiple Translations

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.

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

And he brought forth the people that were therein, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. And thus did David unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

And he took the people out of the town and put them to work with wood-cutting instruments, and iron grain-crushers, and axes. And this he did to all the towns of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people went back to Jerusalem.

David made the people there work with saws, iron picks, and axes. He also did the same to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and all his army returned to Jerusalem.

And he caryed away the people that were in it, and cut them with sawes, and with harowes of yron, and with axes: euen thus did Dauid with all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then Dauid and all the people came againe to Ierusalem.

and the people who [are] in it he hath brought out, and setteth to the saw, and to cutting instruments of iron, and to axes; and thus doth David to all cities of the sons of Ammon, and David turneth back, and all the people, to Jerusalem.

He brought out the people who were in it, and had them cut with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so David dealt with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

And the people that were therein he brought out: and made harrows, and sleds, and chariots of iron to go over them, so that they were cut and bruised to pieces: in this manner David dealt with all the cities of the children of Ammon: and he returned with alibis people to Jerusalem.

Then they brought the people out of the city and forced them to work for their army, using saws and iron picks and axes. David’s soldiers did this in all the cities of the Ammon people-group. Then David and all of his army returned to Jerusalem.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 20:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Chronicles 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֶת הָ/עָ֨ם אֲשֶׁר בָּ֜/הּ הוֹצִ֗יא וַ/יָּ֨שַׂר בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֜ה וּ/בַ/חֲרִיצֵ֤י הַ/בַּרְזֶל֙ וּ/בַ/מְּגֵר֔וֹת וְ/כֵן֙ יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה דָוִ֔יד לְ/כֹ֖ל עָרֵ֣י בְנֵי עַמּ֑וֹן וַ/יָּ֧שָׁב דָּוִ֛יד וְ/כָל הָ/עָ֖ם יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הָ/עָ֨ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בָּ֜/הּ Prep | Suff
הוֹצִ֗יא yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
וַ/יָּ֨שַׂר sûwr H7787 to saw Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֜ה mᵉgêrâh H4050 saw Prep | N-fs
וּ/בַ/חֲרִיצֵ֤י chârîyts H2757 incision Conj | Prep | N-mp
הַ/בַּרְזֶל֙ barzel H1270 iron Art | N-ms
וּ/בַ/מְּגֵר֔וֹת mᵉgêrâh H4050 saw Conj | Prep | N-fp
וְ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 right Conj | Part
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דָוִ֔יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
בְנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 Ammon N-proper
וַ/יָּ֧שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֛יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 20:3

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֨ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ֜/הּ "" Prep | Suff
הוֹצִ֗יא yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וַ/יָּ֨שַׂר sûwr H7787 "to saw" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to saw or cut, although its exact meaning is uncertain. In the Bible, it is translated as 'cut' in some versions.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to saw 1a) (TWOT) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cut. See also: 1 Chronicles 20:3.
בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֜ה mᵉgêrâh H4050 "saw" Prep | N-fs
A megirah is a type of saw, specifically used for cutting stone. It is mentioned in the Bible as a tool used for construction and craftsmanship, and is translated as saw or axe in the KJV.
Definition: saw (for stone cutting)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: axe, saw. See also: 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Kings 7:9; 1 Chronicles 20:3.
וּ/בַ/חֲרִיצֵ֤י chârîyts H2757 "incision" Conj | Prep | N-mp
Charits refers to a sharp cutting instrument, like a threshing-sledge or a harrow. It can also mean a slice or something cut.
Definition: a cut, thing cut, sharp instrument, sharp cutting instrument, harrow, hoe
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, harrow. See also: 1 Samuel 17:18; 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Chronicles 20:3.
הַ/בַּרְזֶל֙ barzel H1270 "iron" Art | N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
וּ/בַ/מְּגֵר֔וֹת mᵉgêrâh H4050 "saw" Conj | Prep | N-fp
A megirah is a type of saw, specifically used for cutting stone. It is mentioned in the Bible as a tool used for construction and craftsmanship, and is translated as saw or axe in the KJV.
Definition: saw (for stone cutting)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: axe, saw. See also: 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Kings 7:9; 1 Chronicles 20:3.
וְ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 "right" Conj | Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
דָוִ֔יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בְנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 "Ammon" N-proper
Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.
וַ/יָּ֧שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
דָּוִ֛יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 20:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 19:2–5 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?” So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. When someone came and told David about his men, he sent messengers to meet them, since the men had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.”
2 1 Kings 9:21 their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.
3 Judges 8:6–7 But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?” “Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!”
4 Psalms 21:8–9 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them.
5 2 Samuel 12:31 David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.
6 Joshua 9:23 Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”
7 Judges 8:16–17 Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth. He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
8 Exodus 1:14 and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh.

1 Chronicles 20:3 Summary

This verse tells us that after David defeated the Ammonites, he made the people work with saws, iron picks, and axes, likely as a way to humble them and assert his authority. This shows us that God is a God of justice and that He will not tolerate rebellion against His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. However, it also reminds us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength, and to be good stewards of the resources and authority that He gives us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48. By studying this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about leadership, trust, and stewardship, and how to apply these principles in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David put the people of the Ammonite cities to work with saws, iron picks, and axes?

David put the people to work with saws, iron picks, and axes as a form of forced labor, likely as a way to humiliate and subjugate them after their defeat, similar to how the Israelites were treated by their enemies in Judges 3:31-4:1. This was also a way for David to assert his authority and control over the conquered cities.

What can we learn from David's treatment of the Ammonite cities?

We can learn that God is a God of justice and that He will not tolerate rebellion against His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. However, we must also remember that our actions should be guided by love, mercy, and compassion, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42 and Luke 6:27-36.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger narrative about David's military campaigns and conquests, specifically his battle against the Ammonites, as described in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3. It highlights David's military prowess and his ability to expand Israel's borders, fulfilling God's promise in Genesis 12:2-3 and 15:18-21.

What can we apply from this verse to our own lives?

We can apply the principle of being good stewards of the resources and authority that God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48. We must also remember to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:3 and Psalm 20:7-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when God gives me authority or influence over others, and what does this verse teach me about being a good leader?
  2. In what ways can I trust in God's power and provision, rather than my own strength, as David did in this verse?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply the principle of being a good steward of resources and authority in my own life, and how can I seek God's guidance in this area?
  4. How can I balance the need for justice and discipline with the need for love, mercy, and compassion, as seen in this verse and other scriptures?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 20:3

See Gill "1 Chronicles 20:1".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 20:3

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3

1 Chronicles 20:2 And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and [there were] precious stones in it; and it was set upon David’ s head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. 1 Chronicles 20:3 And he brought out the people that [were] in it, and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. Ver. 2,3.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3

(3) And he brought.—Better, “And the people that were in it he brought out, and sawed with the saw, and with the iron threshing-drags (Isaiah 41:15), and with the axes.”Sawed.—The Hebrew is an old word, only found here. Samuel reads, by change of one letter, “set them in,” or “among,” the saws, &c. With the axes.—So Samuel. Our Hebrew text repeats the word “saw” in the plural, owing to a scribe’s error. The two words differ by a single letter. Samuel adds, “and made them pass through the brick-kiln,” or “Moloch’s fire” (2 Kings 23:10). Even so dealt David.—Literally, And so David used to do. These cruelties were enacted again at the taking of every Ammonite city. There needs no attempt to palliate such revolting savagery; but according to the ideas of that age it was only a glorious revenge. As David treated Ammon, so would the Ammonites have treated Israel, had the victory been theirs. (Comp. their behaviour to the Gileadites, Amos 1:13; comp. also the atrocities of Assyrian conquerors, Hosea 10:14; and of the Babylonians Psalms 137:7-9.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3

Verse 3. He brought out the people] See this transaction particularly explained in the notes on the parallel places, 2 Samuel 12:30-31.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 20:3

3. and cut them with saws] Read (cp. 2 Samuel 12:31, R.V. mg.) and put them with saws, i.e. put them to work with saws, etc. Cp. 2 Chronicles 2:17-18; Joshua 9:21-23. The implements mentioned here and in the parallel passage of 2 Sam. suggest task-work, not massacre. The Ammonites were reduced to bondage like that of Israel in Egypt. The exceptionally harsh treatment of the Ammonites was doubtless due to the exceptional insults which David’s ambassadors had received from them. A very different spirit towards Ammon is shewn in Deuteronomy 2:19. 4–8 (= 2 Samuel 21:18-22). Philistine champions slain This section is the last in which the Chronicler notices David’s wars. It is taken from 2 Samuel 21, where, however, it is preceded by an account (2 Samuel 21:15-17) of David’s narrow escape in an encounter with a Philistine. Between the two sections of this chapter the Chronicler omits the account of the rebellions of Absalom and of Sheba, and the story of the Gibeonite vengeance on the house of Saul (2 Samuel 13:1 to 2 Samuel 21:14).

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 20:3

SermonDescription
Paul Washer The King Will Be Exalted in Strength by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Psalm 21, which speaks of the joy and gladness that comes from being in the presence of the Lord. The passage emphasizes the tru
Jonathan Edwards The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe
Stephen Kaung Joshua - Gibeon: Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel being deceived by the Gibeonites. The enemy sometimes tries to hinder our relationship with Christ by bui
Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith The Serpent on a Pole by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of teaching children about the word of God. He starts by explaining the story of the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt for 4
John Noble I Was a Slave in Russia - Part 2 by John Noble In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being in a prisoner camp in the Soviet Union. He describes how prisoners from different backgrounds and professions were brough
A.B. Simpson Emblems From Their Bondage and Redemption by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson's sermon 'Emblems From Their Bondage and Redemption' explores the bitter bondage of the Israelites in Egypt as a metaphor for the enslavement of sin and Satan. He emph

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