FocusWorship, promise, and victories
1 Chronicles 19:1
KJVNow it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
- 19:1 Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead.
- 19:2 And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
- 19:3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?
- 19:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.
- 19:5 Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
- 19:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.
- 19:7 So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.
- 19:8 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
- 19:9 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 18:1–20:8): David's commanders, Israel's forces, and the neighboring kings and peoples are involved in the military accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? David’s Messengers Disgraced. Read 1 Chronicles 19:1 through 1 Chronicles 19:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in David’s Messengers Disgraced (1 Chronicles 19:1 to 1 Chronicles 19:9). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 19:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 19:1, 1 Chronicles 19:9, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Other accounts of this event
The war with Ammon and Syria
Parallel accounts
Related passages
- Nahash 1 Sam 11:1-2 1 Sam 12:12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 19
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
1 Chronicles 19:10–19FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The people and their lines
1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44FocusGenealogy and restored community
David's kingship established
1 Chronicles 10:1–12:40FocusSaul's end and support for David
FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.