King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 19:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 19:16 in the King James Version says “And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 19:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen , and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

Read 1 Chronicles 19 full chapter

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 · 19 words
וַיַּ֣רְא1 of 19

“saw”

H7200

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

אֲרָ֔ם2 of 19

“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

כִּ֣י3 of 19
H3588

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

נִגְּפוּ֮4 of 19

“that they were put to the worse”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃5 of 19

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֒6 of 19

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙7 of 19

“they sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מַלְאָכִ֔ים8 of 19

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

וַיּוֹצִ֣יאוּ9 of 19

“and drew forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת10 of 19
H853

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

אֲרָ֔ם11 of 19

“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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר12 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מֵעֵ֣בֶר13 of 19

“that were beyond”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַנָּהָ֑ר14 of 19

“the river”

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

וְשׁוֹפַ֛ךְ15 of 19

“and Shophach”

H7780

shophak, a syrian

שַׂר16 of 19

“the captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צְבָ֥א17 of 19

“of the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הֲדַדְעֶ֖זֶר18 of 19

“of Hadarezer”

H1928

hadarezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃19 of 19

“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

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 19:16 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 19:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 10:16Zechariah 14:1-3Micah 4:11-12Isaiah 8:9Psalms 2:1

Places in This Verse

EuphratesRiver · Modern: Euphrates River · 31.00°N, 47.44°E44 verses across 16 books
Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 19 →

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