King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:14 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:14 in the King James Version says “And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance. set: or, stood deliverance: or, salvation”

1 Chronicles 11:14 · KJV

Salvation

Context

12

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.

13

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. Pasdammim: also called, Ephesdammim I.Sam.17.1.

14

And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance. set: or, stood deliverance: or, salvation

15

Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim. three: or, three captains over the thirty

16

And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

Read 1 Chronicles 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David established as king and mighty men. The Hebrew term בְּרִית (berit) - covenant is theologically significant here, pointing to God's sovereign choice of leadership. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's sovereign choice of leadership. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: David as type of Christ, the Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David established as king and mighty men occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God's sovereign choice of leadership challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does David as type of Christ, the Messianic King teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֤וּ1 of 11

“And they set”

H3320

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

בְתוֹךְ2 of 11

“themselves in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַחֶלְקָה֙3 of 11

“of that parcel”

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

וַיַּצִּיל֔וּהָ4 of 11

“and delivered”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

וַיַּכּ֖וּ5 of 11

“it and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים7 of 11

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיּ֥וֹשַׁע8 of 11

“saved”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 11

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תְּשׁוּעָ֥ה10 of 11

“deliverance”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

גְדוֹלָֽה׃11 of 11

“them by a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 144:102 Samuel 23:101 Samuel 14:232 Kings 5:11 Samuel 19:5Psalms 18:50

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