1 Chronicles 20:3
1 Chronicles 20:3 in Multiple Translations
David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.
And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
And he brought forth the people that were therein, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. And thus did David unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
And he took the people out of the town and put them to work with wood-cutting instruments, and iron grain-crushers, and axes. And this he did to all the towns of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people went back to Jerusalem.
David made the people there work with saws, iron picks, and axes. He also did the same to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and all his army returned to Jerusalem.
And he caryed away the people that were in it, and cut them with sawes, and with harowes of yron, and with axes: euen thus did Dauid with all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then Dauid and all the people came againe to Ierusalem.
and the people who [are] in it he hath brought out, and setteth to the saw, and to cutting instruments of iron, and to axes; and thus doth David to all cities of the sons of Ammon, and David turneth back, and all the people, to Jerusalem.
He brought out the people who were in it, and had them cut with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so David dealt with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
And the people that were therein he brought out: and made harrows, and sleds, and chariots of iron to go over them, so that they were cut and bruised to pieces: in this manner David dealt with all the cities of the children of Ammon: and he returned with alibis people to Jerusalem.
Then they brought the people out of the city and forced them to work for their army, using saws and iron picks and axes. David’s soldiers did this in all the cities of the Ammon people-group. Then David and all of his army returned to Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 20:3
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1 Chronicles 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 20:3
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 20:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Context — The Capture of Rabbah
3David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.
4Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. 5Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 19:2–5 | And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?” So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. When someone came and told David about his men, he sent messengers to meet them, since the men had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 9:21 | their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. |
| 3 | Judges 8:6–7 | But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?” “Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!” |
| 4 | Psalms 21:8–9 | Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 12:31 | David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Joshua 9:23 | Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” |
| 7 | Judges 8:16–17 | Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth. He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. |
| 8 | Exodus 1:14 | and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. |
1 Chronicles 20:3 Summary
This verse tells us that after David defeated the Ammonites, he made the people work with saws, iron picks, and axes, likely as a way to humble them and assert his authority. This shows us that God is a God of justice and that He will not tolerate rebellion against His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. However, it also reminds us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength, and to be good stewards of the resources and authority that He gives us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48. By studying this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about leadership, trust, and stewardship, and how to apply these principles in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David put the people of the Ammonite cities to work with saws, iron picks, and axes?
David put the people to work with saws, iron picks, and axes as a form of forced labor, likely as a way to humiliate and subjugate them after their defeat, similar to how the Israelites were treated by their enemies in Judges 3:31-4:1. This was also a way for David to assert his authority and control over the conquered cities.
What can we learn from David's treatment of the Ammonite cities?
We can learn that God is a God of justice and that He will not tolerate rebellion against His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. However, we must also remember that our actions should be guided by love, mercy, and compassion, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42 and Luke 6:27-36.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about David's military campaigns and conquests, specifically his battle against the Ammonites, as described in 1 Chronicles 20:1-3. It highlights David's military prowess and his ability to expand Israel's borders, fulfilling God's promise in Genesis 12:2-3 and 15:18-21.
What can we apply from this verse to our own lives?
We can apply the principle of being good stewards of the resources and authority that God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48. We must also remember to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength, as seen in 1 Chronicles 20:3 and Psalm 20:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God gives me authority or influence over others, and what does this verse teach me about being a good leader?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and provision, rather than my own strength, as David did in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of being a good steward of resources and authority in my own life, and how can I seek God's guidance in this area?
- How can I balance the need for justice and discipline with the need for love, mercy, and compassion, as seen in this verse and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 20:3
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 20:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The King Will Be Exalted in Strength by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Psalm 21, which speaks of the joy and gladness that comes from being in the presence of the Lord. The passage emphasizes the tru |
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The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe |
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Joshua - Gibeon: Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel being deceived by the Gibeonites. The enemy sometimes tries to hinder our relationship with Christ by bui |
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The Serpent on a Pole by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of teaching children about the word of God. He starts by explaining the story of the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt for 4 |
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I Was a Slave in Russia - Part 2 by John Noble | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being in a prisoner camp in the Soviet Union. He describes how prisoners from different backgrounds and professions were brough |
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Emblems From Their Bondage and Redemption by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson's sermon 'Emblems From Their Bondage and Redemption' explores the bitter bondage of the Israelites in Egypt as a metaphor for the enslavement of sin and Satan. He emph |






