King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 18:5 in the King James Version says “And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. Damascus: Heb. Darmesek”

1 Chronicles 18:5 · KJV

Context

3

And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates. Hadarezer: or, Hadadezer

4

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen : David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots. seven: or, seven hundred

5

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. Damascus: Heb. Darmesek

6

Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus ; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

7

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Read 1 Chronicles 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's military victories - kingdom expansion. The Hebrew term יְשׁוּעָה (yeshuah) - salvation/victory is theologically significant here, pointing to God gives victory to His anointed. 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 gives victory to His anointed. 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: Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan.

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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's military victories - kingdom expansion 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 gives victory to His anointed challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan 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 · 14 words
וַיָּבֹא֙1 of 14

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַּֽאֲרָ֔ם2 of 14

“And when the Syrians”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

דַּרְמֶ֔שֶׂק3 of 14

“of Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

לַעְז֕וֹר4 of 14

“to help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

לַֽהֲדַדְעֶ֖זֶר5 of 14

“Hadarezer”

H1928

hadarezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 14

“king”

H4428

a king

צוֹבָ֑ה7 of 14

“of Zobah”

H6678

zoba or zobah, a region of syria

וַיַּ֤ךְ8 of 14

“slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

דָּוִיד֙9 of 14

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּֽאֲרָ֔ם10 of 14

“And when the Syrians”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

עֶשְׂרִֽים11 of 14

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁנַ֥יִם12 of 14

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֶ֖לֶף13 of 14

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִֽישׁ׃14 of 14

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 19:61 Kings 11:23-242 Samuel 8:5-6Isaiah 8:9-101 Samuel 14:471 Chronicles 18:3

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
ZobahRegion · Modern: Brital · 33.94°N, 36.15°E14 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 18 →

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