1 Chronicles 11 13

1 Chronicles 11:13 kjv

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 11:13 nkjv

He was with David at Pasdammim. Now there the Philistines were gathered for battle, and there was a piece of ground full of barley. So the people fled from the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 11:13 niv

He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 11:13 esv

He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 11:13 nlt

He was with David when the Philistines gathered for battle at Pas-dammim and attacked the Israelites in a field full of barley. The Israelite army fled,

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 13 Meaning

This verse sets the stage for a profound act of individual courage within David's mighty army. It describes a critical confrontation at Pas Dammim where the formidable Philistines had assembled for battle. Crucially, the verse notes a "plot of ground full of barley" and then highlights the desperate situation by stating that the general Israelite "troops fled from the Philistines," emphasizing the widespread panic and establishing the challenging context for the heroism that is about to unfold.

1 Chronicles 11 13 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 11, which introduces David as king over all Israel and immediately proceeds to list his most esteemed warriors—his "mighty men." This section emphasizes the divine empowerment and human loyalty that fortified David's reign. The Chronicler's narrative frequently highlights valor, divine favor, and the integrity of David's kingdom, contrasting it with the disunity and failures seen in Saul's reign.

Historically, the Philistines were a persistent and formidable enemy, controlling key coastal plains and repeatedly clashing with Israel for territorial dominance and economic control. "Pas Dammim" (literally, "Boundary of Blood") was a strategic border region, often a scene of intense conflict (e.g., Valley of Elah in 1 Samuel 17). The detailed mention of a "plot of ground full of barley" reflects the immediate threat to Israel's agricultural produce, which was vital for sustenance. The flight of the troops underscores the severe and overwhelming nature of the Philistine threat, setting up the incredible courage demonstrated by the few.

1 Chronicles 11 13 Word analysis

• He: Refers to Eleazar, son of Dodai the Ahohite, introduced in the preceding verse (1 Chr 11:12) as one of the three "mighty ones" with David. This links the extraordinary bravery directly to one of David's top warriors.
• was with David: Indicates personal proximity and unwavering loyalty to King David, highlighting shared experiences in warfare under divine appointment.
• at Pas Dammim: (פַּס דַּמִּים, Pas Dammim, "Boundary of Blood") A geographical location well-known as a site of intense military confrontation between Israel and the Philistines. Its name aptly conveys the violent nature of the boundary.
• when the Philistines: (פְלִשְׁתִּים, Pelishtim) The long-standing, powerful enemies of Israel. Their repeated incursions and military strength presented a constant threat to Israel's security and existence.
• were gathered there for battle: Implies a large, organized, and purposeful assembly of the enemy army, signifying a major and serious military offensive rather than a mere skirmish.
• There was a plot of ground: Indicates a specific, relatively small area. The focus shifts from the broad battlefield to this localized point of conflict, which holds significant value.
• full of barley: (שְׂדֵה הַשְּׂעוֹרִים, S'deh Ha-Se'orim, "field of barley") Barley was a foundational staple crop, particularly crucial for sustenance, often associated with the basic provisions for the general population and livestock. Defending such a field implies protecting the vital resources and livelihood of the people, not just strategic fortresses.
• and the troops fled from the Philistines: (וְהָעָם נָס מִפְּנֵי פְלִשְׁתִּים, v'ha'am nas mi'p'nei P'lishtim, "and the people/army fled from the face of Philistines") This pivotal phrase portrays the widespread panic and fear among the Israelite forces, emphasizing the overwhelming odds and setting a stark contrast for the heroic stand that follows. It highlights the desperate circumstances from which singular valor emerged.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He was with David at Pas Dammim": Establishes the mighty man's loyalty to David and positions him directly in a historically charged and perilous battle zone, signifying his commitment to the kingdom's defense alongside its divinely chosen king.
• "when the Philistines were gathered there for battle": Clearly defines the imminent and direct threat facing Israel, emphasizing the organized aggression of their long-standing enemy and setting the critical context for the impending conflict.
• "There was a plot of ground full of barley": This detail points to a seemingly humble, yet economically vital, agricultural target. It suggests that the ensuing heroic stand was not merely for territory but for the basic sustenance and welfare of the nation. It elevates the significance of the "everyday" elements worth fighting for.
• "and the troops fled from the Philistines": This crucial phrase paints a vivid picture of the general despair and rout of the Israelite army. It accentuates the solitary nature of the valor shown by "him" by contrasting it with the collective fear and flight, thereby magnifying the hero's exceptional courage and faith.

1 Chronicles 11 13 Bonus section

While 1 Chronicles 11:13 explicitly states "a plot of ground full of barley," and from the context of verse 12 seems to refer to Eleazar, it is frequently compared to 2 Samuel 23:11-12 where a very similar event is described involving Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite, who defends a "field full of lentils" or "barley" depending on the textual variant and interpretation across translations. Scholars often debate whether these are two distinct events, different mighty men involved in similar acts, or variations of the same event transmitted through different sources available to the Chronicler and the Deuteronomistic historian. Regardless, the common thread is the profound individual courage displayed by a mighty man defending an essential agricultural field when the main army had retreated. The Chronicler's primary goal in listing these heroes is not always precise individual attribution for every specific exploit, but rather to present David's kingdom as supported by a powerful, faithful, and divinely aided cadre of warriors. This focus emphasizes the broader theme of heroic, God-empowered loyalty within David's reign.

1 Chronicles 11 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:13 serves as a prelude to a significant act of valor among David's mighty men. It meticulously crafts the desperate atmosphere surrounding a battle at Pas Dammim. The narrative's focus on "a plot of ground full of barley" rather than a more conventional strategic target highlights the essential nature of what was being threatened: the very food source and economic lifeblood of the nation. The striking detail that "the troops fled from the Philistines" emphasizes the gravity of the situation, showcasing widespread fear and disorder within the Israelite ranks. This retreat by the general army underscores the extraordinary courage and commitment of the mighty man who would subsequently stand firm. His resolute stand, amidst the flight of others, reflects a deep-seated loyalty not just to David, but fundamentally to the welfare of God's people and the land promised to them. This account elevates faithful perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds as a central tenet of godly leadership and military service within Israel's divinely ordained monarchy. It presents an inspiring example of a believer who did not succumb to panic but, by God's grace, demonstrated exceptional fortitude.