King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 19:11 Mean?
“And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon. Abishai: Heb. Abshai”
1 Chronicles 19:11 · KJV
Context
9
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.
10
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. the battle: Heb. the face of the battle was choice: or, young men
11
And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon. Abishai: Heb. Abshai
12
And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
13
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTheological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Ammonite war - David's continued conquests. The Hebrew term מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) - war/battle is theologically significant here, pointing to God fights for His people. 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 fights for His people. 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: Spiritual warfare and Christ's triumph.
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 fights for His people. 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: Spiritual warfare and Christ's triumph.
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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 Ammonite war - David's continued conquests 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.
The historical setting of Ammonite war - David's continued conquests 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
- How does this verse's emphasis on God fights for His people challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
- What does Spiritual warfare and Christ's triumph teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
- In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוְאֵת֙1 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יֶ֣תֶר2 of 11
“And the rest”
H3499properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
הָעָ֔ם3 of 11
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נָתַ֕ן4 of 11
“he delivered”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיַ֖ד5 of 11
“unto the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אָחִ֑יו7 of 11
“his brother”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וַיַּ֣עַרְכ֔וּ8 of 11
“and they set themselves in array”
H6186to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
לִקְרַ֖את9 of 11
“against”
H7125an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
בְּנֵ֥י10 of 11
“the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
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 19:11 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 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge