1And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.

 2And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city.

 3And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

 4And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

 5And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.

 6And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot and he also was the son of the giant.

 7But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.

 8These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

COMMENTARY by Dave Burnette

Written By: God through Inspiration

Penned By: Ezra

Date Penned: (430 BC)

Overview: A History of God's Chosen People (c. 1-29)

Theme: The Reign of David (c. 10-29)

Message: God Continues to Give Victory Over Israel's Enemies (v. 1-8)

1 Chronicles 20 Commentary

(20:1) David Tarried at Jerusalem - This verse briefly mentions that David remained in Jerusalem while Joab led the army into battle. Second Samuel 11 records that this decision led to David's sin with Bathsheba, but Chronicles intentionally omits that account to emphasize God's covenant purposes and the continued establishment of David's kingdom. Even so, the reminder is clear: believers should remain faithful to the responsibilities God has given them, for spiritual idleness often opens the door to temptation.

(20:1-3) God Completes What He Begins - Joab completed the conquest of Rabbah, bringing the long conflict with Ammon to its conclusion. God's purposes are accomplished through faithful perseverance. Difficult battles may take time, but those who continue trusting and obeying the Lord will ultimately see His faithfulness fulfilled.

(20:2) Victory Brings Responsibility - David received the crown and the treasures of Rabbah, but these victories were possible only because God had granted success. Every blessing, promotion, or achievement should lead us to greater gratitude and stewardship rather than pride. The Lord entrusts His blessings to those who will use them for His glory.

(20:4-8) New Victories Require New Faith - Although Goliath had long been defeated, other giants still remained. Israel continued facing battles against formidable enemies, yet God continued giving victory. One spiritual victory does not eliminate future battles. Believers must continue walking by faith, knowing that the God who delivered them yesterday remains faithful today.

(20:4-8) Others Rose to Greatness - David was no longer the only giant-slayer. Men such as Sibbechai, Elhanan, and Jonathan won victories over the descendants of the giants. David's leadership had inspired and developed courageous men who trusted God for themselves. One mark of godly leadership is raising up others who are equipped to serve and accomplish great things for the Lord.

(20:5) Every Giant Can Fall - Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, possessed the same intimidating appearance as his famous brother, yet he too fell before God's people. No enemy is too great when God fights for His children. Whether the giants are fear, temptation, discouragement, or opposition, God's power remains greater than every obstacle.

(20:6-7) Do Not Be Intimidated by Appearances - The giant at Gath was physically unusual and terrifying, having six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. His appearance did not determine the outcome of the battle. Jonathan trusted God rather than fearing outward strength. Satan often magnifies problems to make them appear unbeatable, but faith looks beyond appearances to God's unlimited power.

(20:8) God Gives Victory Through His People - The chapter concludes by stating that these giants "fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants." David's victories became Israel's victories because he had developed faithful warriors who shared his confidence in God. Healthy spiritual leadership multiplies faithful servants who continue God's work long after the leader's own victories.

(20:4-8) The Battle Belongs to the Lord - The repeated victories over the Philistine giants remind us that the same God who empowered David against Goliath continued to empower Israel's warriors. The names of the enemies changed, but God's power did not. Whatever "giants" believers face today, the Lord remains faithful to strengthen those who trust Him, for "if God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).