King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 19:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 19:15 in the King James Version says “And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entere... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 19:15 · KJV


Context

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.

14

So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.

15

And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

16

And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. river: i.that is, Euphrates Shophach: or, Shobach.2Sam.10.16

17

And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological 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.

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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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God fights for His people challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Spiritual warfare and Christ's triumph 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 · 17 words
וּבְנֵ֨י1 of 17

And when the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֤וֹן2 of 17

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

רָאוּ֙3 of 17

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּי4 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַיָּנ֣וּסוּ5 of 17

they likewise fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אֲרָ֔ם6 of 17

that 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

וַיָּנ֣וּסוּ7 of 17

they likewise fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

גַם8 of 17
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֗ם9 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִפְּנֵי֙10 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אַבְשַׁ֣י11 of 17

Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

אָחִ֔יו12 of 17

his brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיָּבֹ֥א13 of 17

and entered

H935

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

הָעִ֑ירָה14 of 17

into the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיָּבֹ֥א15 of 17

and entered

H935

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

יוֹאָ֖ב16 of 17

Then Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃17 of 17

to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


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 19:15 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 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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