1 Chronicles 20:4 Ulasan

Here is a repetition of the story of David's wars, I. With the Ammonites, and the taking of Rabbah (Ch1 20:1-3). II. With the giants of the Philistines (Ch1 20:4-8).

The Philistines were nearly subdued (Ch1 18:1); but, as in the destruction of the Canaanites by Joshua the sons of Anak were last subdued (Jos 11:21), so here in the conquest of the Philistines the giants of Gath were last brought down. In the conflicts between grace and corruption there are some sins which, like these giants, keep their ground a great while and are not mastered without much difficulty and a long struggle: but judgment will be brought forth unto victory at last. Observe, 1. We never read of giants among the Israelites as we do of the giants among the Philistines - giants of Gath, but not giants of Jerusalem. The growth of God's plants is in usefulness, not in bulk. Those who covet to have cubits added to their stature do not consider that it will but make then more unwieldy. In the balance of the sanctuary David far outweighs Goliath. 2. The servants of David, though men of ordinary stature, were too hard for the giants of Gath in every encounter, because they had God on their side, who takes pleasure in abasing lofty looks, and mortifying the giants that are in the earth, as he did of old by the deluge, though they were men of renown. Never let the church's friends be disheartened by the power and pride of the church's enemies. We need not fear great men against us while we have the great God for us. What will a finger more on each hand do, or a toe more on each foot, in contest with Omnipotence? 3. These giants defied Israel (Ch1 20:7) and were thus made to pay for their insolence. None are more visibly marked for ruin that those who reproach God and his Israel. God will do great things rather than suffer the enemy to behave themselves proudly, Deu 32:27. The victories of the Son of David, like those of David himself, are gradual. We see not yet all things put under him; but it will be seen shortly: and death itself, the last enemy, like these giants, will be triumphed over.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 20 Agrees with various passages in the second book of Samuel; Ch1 20:1 with Sa2 11:1 and Ch1 20:2 with Sa2 12:30 and the rest, to the end of it, with Sa2 21:15. What differences there are, are observed in the notes on those passages, which see. Also see Ch1 21:1.

Joab smites the city of Rabbah; and David puts the crown of its king upon his own head, and treats the people of the city with great rigour, Ch1 20:1-3. First battle with the Philistines, Ch1 20:4. Second battle with the Philistines, Ch1 20:5. Third battle with the Philistines, Ch1 20:6, Ch1 20:7. In these battles three giants are slain, Ch1 20:8.

RABBAH BESIEGED BY JOAB, SPOILED BY DAVID, AND THE PEOPLE TORTURED. (Ch1 20:1-3) at the time when kings go out to battle--in spring, the usual season in ancient times for entering on a campaign; that is, a year subsequent to the Syrian war. Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country . . . of Ammon--The former campaign had been disastrous, owing chiefly to the hired auxiliaries of the Ammonites; and as it was necessary, as well as just, that they should be severely chastised for their wanton outrage on the Hebrew ambassadors, Joab ravaged their country and invested their capital, Rabbah. After a protracted siege, Joab took one part of it, the lower town or "city of waters," insulated by the winding course of the Jabbok. Knowing that the fort called "the royal city" would soon fall, he invited the king to come in person, and have the honor of storming it. The knowledge of this fact (mentioned in Sa2 12:26) enables us to reconcile the two statements--"David tarried at Jerusalem" (Ch1 20:1), and "David and all the people returned to Jerusalem" (Ch1 20:3).

THREE OVERTHROWS OF THE PHILISTINES AND THREE GIANTS SLAIN. (Ch1 20:4-8) war at Gezer--or Gob (see Sa2 21:18-22). Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 21

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 20 Agrees with various passages in the second book of Samuel; Ch1 20:1 with Sa2 11:1 and Ch1 20:2 with Sa2 12:30 and the rest, to the end of it, with Sa2 21:15. What differences there are, are observed in the notes on those passages, which see. Also see Ch1 21:1.