1 Chronicles - Chapter 19

1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 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? 1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 19.8 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. 1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 19.10 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. 1 Chronicles 19.11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon. 1 Chronicles 19.12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. 1 Chronicles 19.13 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.

1 Chronicles : Chapter 19

Reflection on 1 Chronicles Chapter 19

Chapter 19 of the book of 1 Chronicles immerses us in the turmoil of the war against the Ammonites. It raises a vital question: how can an act of kindness lead to conflict? This poignant account highlights David's attempt to show kindness to the king of Ammon, and the tragic consequences that result. Through this chapter, we discover the complexities inherent in diplomacy as well as the crucial importance of honor.

Lessons from 1 Chronicles 19

This biblical passage teaches us about often misinterpreted intentions and the need to place our trust in God. Through this account, we can learn valuable lessons about integrity and faith. We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that shed light on these fundamental principles.

Illuminating Bible Passages

2 Samuel 10:1-19

"Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun succeeded him." This passage serves as a parallel to the events narrated in 1 Chronicles 19, providing additional context for the war against the Ammonites.

Psalms 20:7

"Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." This psalm illustrates the attitude of trust in God during battles, such as those described in 1 Chronicles 19.

Proverbs 15:1

"A calm answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb invites us to reflect on David's initial diplomatic approach, which was unfortunately misinterpreted, leading to disastrous consequences.

Deuteronomy 20:1

"When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you." This law of war reminds Israel of the trust they must have in God in the face of adversity, as illustrated in 1 Chronicles 19. Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a constant help in times of adversity." This psalm resonates deeply with trust in God in times of war, reflecting the essence of the narrative in 1 Chronicles 19. In conclusion, 1 Chronicles chapter 19 invites us to meditate on human nature, misunderstandings, and the importance of trusting God in all circumstances. May these reflections nourish our faith and our understanding of divine honor and goodness.