1 Chronicles 20 4

1 Chronicles 20:4 kjv

And 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.

1 Chronicles 20:4 nkjv

Now it happened afterward that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines, at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the sons of the giant. And they were subdued.

1 Chronicles 20:4 niv

In the course of time, war broke out with the Philistines, at Gezer. At that time Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaites, and the Philistines were subjugated.

1 Chronicles 20:4 esv

And after this there arose war with the Philistines at Gezer. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants, and the Philistines were subdued.

1 Chronicles 20:4 nlt

After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. As they fought, Sibbecai from Hushah killed Saph, a descendant of the giants, and so the Philistines were subdued.

1 Chronicles 20 verses

1 Chronicles 20 4 Meaning

This verse describes a specific military engagement during David's reign, where a formidable Philistine warrior named Sippai, identified as one of the descendants of the giant Rapha (Rephaites), was killed by Sibbecai the Hushathite, one of David's mighty men, at the location of Gezer. The victory ultimately led to the Philistines being subdued, indicating a significant defeat and submission of this long-standing enemy of Israel. It highlights God's continued faithfulness in granting victory to His people through His chosen servants.

1 Chronicles 20 4 Context

First Chronicles chapter 20 narrates a series of victories by David's military leaders and mighty men against the Philistines, specifically highlighting the slaying of various "giants" or descendants of Rapha. This chapter directly follows an account of David's conquest of Rabbah (Ch. 20:1-3) and the census, showcasing the expansion and consolidation of David's kingdom. Historically, the Philistines were a constant and significant threat to Israel's control over its own land, challenging their very existence.

These specific encounters demonstrate the ongoing conflict, where individual prowess, empowered by God, leads to strategic victories. The verse also serves as a parallel to 2 Samuel 21:18-22, indicating a known and important historical event for the chronicler's audience. For the post-exilic audience, this detailed record of victories served as a reminder of God's past faithfulness in overcoming overwhelming foes, bolstering hope for their future, and validating the legitimacy and divine support of the Davidic dynasty. The defeat of these powerful "giants" symbolizes God's ultimate power over any human or spiritual opposition.

1 Chronicles 20 4 Word analysis

• And it came to pass after this: Signifies a chronological progression of events, connecting this battle to the earlier campaigns of David, reinforcing the narrative flow of David's reign.
• that there arose war: Indicates a renewed outbreak of hostilities, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the Philistines even during David's strong rule.
• at Gezer: (Hebrew: גֶּזֶר, Gezer) A strategically important Canaanite city, frequently contested, located in the Shephelah (foothills) between the Judean mountains and the Philistine plain. Its control was crucial for securing the western approaches to Judah.
• with the Philistines: (Hebrew: פְּלִשְׁתִּים, Pelishtim) Israel's historical and often formidable adversaries, primarily settled in the southwest coastal plain. Their persistent presence and military might were a major obstacle to Israel's national security and expansion.
• at which time Sibbecai the Hushathite: (Hebrew: סִבְּכַי הַחֻשָׁתִי, Sibbekay haChushati) One of David's renowned mighty men, part of the "Thirty" (2 Sam 23:27; 1 Chr 11:29). His inclusion emphasizes the valor and divine enablement of David's trusted warriors, not just David himself. Hushathite refers to his origin from Hushah, likely in Judah.
• slew Sippai: (Hebrew: סִפַּי, Sippay) The individual Philistine warrior. In 2 Samuel 21:18, this giant is named "Saph" (סָף, Saph). This is a minor textual variant, possibly a scribal alteration or phonetic difference in naming the same person, commonly observed between Samuel and Chronicles.
• that was of the children of the giant: (Hebrew: יְלִידֵי הָרָפָא, Yĕliydey HaRapha) Literally, "born of Rapha" or "descendants of the Rephaites." The Rephaites were an ancient race of formidable, unusually tall people, often associated with powerful pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan, sometimes referred to as Anakim or Emim. Their continued presence signifies the remnant of these legendary foes that Israel was commanded to dispossess.
  • Significance: The defeat of such "giants" has profound theological and symbolic significance. It reasserts God's power over seemingly insurmountable physical strength, echoes the initial conquest of Canaan where giants were encountered, and establishes the invincibility of God's chosen nation when acting according to His will. It may also contain a subtle polemic against any pagan belief that ascribed power or divine favor to sheer physical might or size, contrasting it with Yahweh's spiritual strength.
• and they were subdued: (Hebrew: וַיִּכָּנְעוּ, Vayikane'u) Implies complete defeat, submission, and subjugation. This indicates a decisive victory beyond just killing one individual, asserting Israel's dominance over the Philistines in that engagement. It signifies a significant blow to their power and influence, contributing to the security of David's kingdom.

1 Chronicles 20 4 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's specific mention of "giants" and the repetition of these encounters in chapter 20 serve to underscore God's unwavering support for the Davidic dynasty. It connects David's reign back to the initial conquest narratives where "giants" (Anakim, Rephaim) were a key obstacle to Israel's settlement in Canaan, indicating a complete and comprehensive victory in the promised land.
• The slight variation in the giant's name (Sippai in Chronicles, Saph in Samuel) is a well-known example of textual differences between the books, which are usually minor and do not alter the core theological message or historical event.
• The fact that these powerful individuals are consistently defeated by specific Israeli champions rather than mass slaughter in battle lends a dramatic, almost symbolic, quality to the conflicts, portraying them as crucial contests won by divine enablement.
• Gezer itself was a significant archaeological site, demonstrating its importance as a military and strategic point. The constant conflicts over such key cities underscore the struggle for control of the land promised to Israel.

1 Chronicles 20 4 Commentary

1 Chronicles 20:4, though concise, powerfully conveys the divine backing for King David's reign through the victories achieved by his loyal mighty men. It emphasizes that Israel's triumph over the formidable Philistines, specifically over "giants," was not merely a matter of human military strength, but a demonstration of God's faithfulness in subduing enemies and securing His covenant people's inheritance. The individual heroics of Sibbecai in slaying Sippai, a descendant of the notorious Rephaites, mirror David's own earlier triumph over Goliath, validating that the divine power seen in David was now extended to his key leaders. This highlights the ongoing theme in Chronicles: God empowering His people to overcome obstacles that are humanly impossible. These victories against "giants" would have encouraged the post-exilic community that God could still overcome their seemingly overwhelming challenges and re-establish their land and sovereignty.