1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 20:1-3

Military campaigns typically took place in the spring because the weather was good and provisions for an army were plentiful. Joab led the armies to Ammon, besieging Rabbah. This city was the capital of the Ammonites. Ammon was east of the Jordan and Rabbah was about thirty miles from the river Jordan. It was during this capaign, and this battle of Rabbah particularly that we know David stayed home in Jerusalem. This was the first step in his fall to sin with Bathsheba as well as the death of Uriah the Hittite on the front lines.

David made an appearance in Rabbah (2 Sam 12:27-29) just before the fall. David came for the victory. The crown was removed from the King of Ammon and placed on David's head. This is very symbolic of his authority over them and that they were now subject to him. The crown had a talent of gold in it; this is about 75 pounds. I'm sure neither king wore that crown very long. The spoils of war were carried off and the people given manual labor in service to the king.

1 Chronicles 20:4-8

War broke out against the Philistines in Gezer. This was was noteworthy because Sibbechai killed Sippai who was a son or Rephaim. The Rephaim were characterized as being giants (Deut 3:11). Another war against the Philistines broke out later. This war was famous becaue Elhanan killed Lahmi who was the brother of Goliath. Then another war against the Philistines broke out in Gath. This war was noteworthy because of another giant being killed. This man had twenty-four fingers and toes; six on each hand, six on ech foot.

©2016 Doug Ford