1 Chronicles 19:18
New International Version
But they fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand of their foot soldiers. He also killed Shophak the commander of their army.

New Living Translation
But again the Arameans fled from the Israelites. This time David’s forces killed 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army.

English Standard Version
And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of 7,000 chariots and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death also Shophach the commander of their army.

Berean Standard Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army.

King James Bible
But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

New King James Version
Then the Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven thousand charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers of the Syrians, and killed Shophach the commander of the army.

New American Standard Bible
And the Arameans fled from Israel, and David killed of the Arameans seven thousand charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers; and he put Shophach the commander of the army to death.

NASB 1995
The Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.

NASB 1977
And the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.

Amplified Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.

Christian Standard Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach, commander of the army.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed 7,000 of their charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach, commander of the army.

American Standard Version
And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

Contemporary English Version
the Syrians ran from Israel. David killed 7,000 chariot troops and 40,000 regular soldiers. He also killed Shophach, their commander.

English Revised Version
And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Arameans fled from Israel, and David killed 7,000 chariot drivers and 40,000 foot soldiers. David also killed Shophach.

Good News Translation
and the Israelites drove the Syrian army back. David and his men killed seven thousand Syrian chariot drivers and forty thousand foot soldiers. They also killed the Syrian commander, Shobach.

International Standard Version
The Arameans retreated from Israel, and David's forces killed 7,000 Aramean charioteers, 40,000 soldiers, and Shophach, the commander of their army.

NET Bible
The Arameans fled before Israel. David killed 7,000 Aramean charioteers and 40,000 infantrymen; he also killed Shophach the commanding general.

New Heart English Bible
The Arameans fled before Israel; and David killed of the Arameans the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shobach the captain of the army.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men who fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army.

World English Bible
The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed of the Syrian men seven thousand charioteers and forty thousand footmen, and also killed Shophach the captain of the army.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Aram flees from the face of Israel, and David slays seven thousand charioteers and forty thousand footmen of Aram, and he has put Shophach head of the host to death.

Young's Literal Translation
and Aram fleeth from the face of Israel, and David slayeth of Aram seven thousand charioteers, and forty thousand footmen, and Shophach head of the host he hath put to death.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Aram will flee from the face of Israel; and David will kill from Aram seven thousand chariots and forty thousand footmen; and he killed Shophach chief of the army.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the Syrian fled before Israel: and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and Sophach the general of the army.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the Syrians fled from Israel. And David killed of the Syrians seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand men on foot, and Shophach, the leader of the army.

New American Bible
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their chariot fighters and forty thousand of their foot soldiers; he also put to death Shophach, the commander of the army.

New Revised Standard Version
The Arameans fled before Israel; and David killed seven thousand Aramean charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers, and also killed Shophach the commander of their army.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Edomites fled from before the sons of Israel, and David put to the sword among the Edomites seven thousand double horse chariots, and four thousand footmen, and Shubak, General of the army of Hedarezar, was killed there.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the Arameans fled before Israel; and David slew of the Arameans the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Syrians fled from before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand riders in chariots, and forty thousand infantry, and he slew Sophath the commander-in-chief of the forces.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
17When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. 18But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. 19When Hadadezer’s subjects saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Arameans were unwilling to help the Ammonites anymore.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 10:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there.

1 Chronicles 18:4
David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.

1 Chronicles 18:5
When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men.

1 Chronicles 18:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Chronicles 18:9-10
When King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer king of Zobah, / he sent his son Hadoram to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Tou. Hadoram brought all kinds of articles of gold and silver and bronze,

1 Chronicles 18:12
Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

1 Chronicles 18:13
He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Chronicles 20:1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.

1 Kings 11:23-25
And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, / and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control. / Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel.

Psalm 60:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!

Psalm 108:9-10
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” / Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?

Isaiah 9:4
For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

Isaiah 10:26
And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt.

Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Matthew 12:20
A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.


Treasury of Scripture

But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

fled before Israel

1 Chronicles 19:13,14
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…

Psalm 18:32
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalm 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

2 Samuel 10:18
And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

horsemen

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Aram Aramaeans Arameans Army Captain Charioteers Chariots David Death Face Fled Fleeth Foot Footmen Forty Fought Head Host Israel Killed Seven Shophach Slew Soldiers Sword Syrians Thousand
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Aram Aramaeans Arameans Army Captain Charioteers Chariots David Death Face Fled Fleeth Foot Footmen Forty Fought Head Host Israel Killed Seven Shophach Slew Soldiers Sword Syrians Thousand
1 Chronicles 19
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun, are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, are overcome by Joab and Abishai
16. Shobach, making a new supply of the Syrians, is slain by David














But the Arameans fled before Israel
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were a significant power in the ancient Near East. Their flight before Israel signifies a decisive victory for David's forces. This event is part of a series of military campaigns led by David to secure Israel's borders and establish dominance over neighboring nations. The Arameans' retreat highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel victory over its enemies, as seen in earlier scriptures such as Deuteronomy 28:7. This victory also demonstrates the effectiveness of David's leadership and God's favor upon Israel during his reign.

and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers
The mention of charioteers indicates the advanced military technology and tactics employed by the Arameans. Chariots were a formidable component of ancient warfare, often giving armies a significant advantage. The destruction of seven thousand charioteers underscores the scale of the victory and the effectiveness of Israel's forces under David's command. This victory can be seen as a divine intervention, as Israel, traditionally not known for its chariotry, overcame a technologically superior force. This mirrors other biblical accounts where God grants victory against overwhelming odds, such as Gideon's triumph over the Midianites in Judges 7.

and forty thousand foot soldiers
The large number of foot soldiers killed further emphasizes the magnitude of the defeat suffered by the Arameans. This substantial loss would have significantly weakened their military capabilities and deterred future aggression against Israel. The scale of the victory is reminiscent of other Old Testament battles where God grants Israel overwhelming success, such as the defeat of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 7. It also serves as a testament to David's military prowess and the strength of his army, which was unified and empowered under his leadership.

He also killed Shophach the commander of their army
The death of Shophach, the commander, is a critical blow to the Aramean forces. In ancient warfare, the loss of a leader often led to disarray and demoralization among the troops. Shophach's death signifies the complete dismantling of the Aramean military structure and leadership. This mirrors the biblical theme of God overthrowing the enemies of His people by removing their leaders, as seen in the defeat of Sisera in Judges 4. The removal of Shophach can also be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual forces of evil, as prophesied in passages like Isaiah 9:4-7, where the Messiah is depicted as a conquering king who brings peace and justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and leadership. In this passage, he leads Israel to victory against the Arameans.

2. Arameans
A group of people from the region of Aram, often in conflict with Israel. They are defeated by David's forces in this event.

3. Shophach
The commander of the Aramean army, who is killed in the battle against Israel.

4. Israel
The nation led by King David, victorious in this battle against the Arameans.

5. Battle
The event where the Arameans fled and were defeated by the Israelites, showcasing God's favor upon Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battle
The victory of Israel over the Arameans highlights God's control over nations and battles. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in their own struggles.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's role as a leader demonstrates the importance of godly leadership. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and reliance on God.

The Consequences of Opposition
The defeat of the Arameans serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's people. It encourages believers to align themselves with God's purposes.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite facing a formidable enemy, David's faithfulness to God leads to victory. Christians are encouraged to remain faithful in the face of challenges.

The Importance of Obedience
David's success is tied to his obedience to God. Believers are reminded that obedience to God's commands brings blessings and success.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 19:18?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 19:18 demonstrate God's power over Israel's enemies?

3. What lessons on obedience can we learn from Israel's victory in this verse?

4. How does this victory connect to God's promises in Deuteronomy 20:4?

5. How can we apply Israel's reliance on God to our daily challenges?

6. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness to His people?

7. Why did David's army kill 47,000 Arameans in 1 Chronicles 19:18?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 19:18 reflect God's justice and mercy?

9. What historical evidence supports the battle described in 1 Chronicles 19:18?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 19?

11. Can archaeological evidence substantiate the extensive alliances and conflicts described in 1 Chronicles 19, or is there a lack of supporting records?

12. How do we reconcile the discrepant figures between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 regarding the number of charioteers and horsemen defeated by David?

13. Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?

14. If David truly hamstrung nearly all the horses (1 Chronicles 18:4), how does this align with the best military practices of the time and known historical evidence?
What Does 1 Chronicles 19:18 Mean
But the Arameans fled before Israel

• The Arameans (Syrians) had been hired by the Ammonites to fight David’s army (1 Chron 19:6–7; 2 Samuel 10:6).

• When Joab and Abishai split Israel’s forces and charged, the Arameans “fled before Israel” (v. 14). Their retreat shows how God fought for His people, just as He had in earlier victories (Exodus 14:24-25; Joshua 10:10; 2 Chron 14:12).

• The flight of a professional army testifies to divine intervention and fulfills the promise that one Israelite could chase a thousand when the LORD was with them (Deuteronomy 32:30; Joshua 23:10).


and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers

• Scripture records literal numbers: 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 infantry. Chronicles emphasizes personnel (“charioteers”), while the parallel account notes “700 chariots and 40,000 horsemen” (2 Samuel 10:18). Both statements are true—counting either the crews or the chariots.

• Chariots were the ancient equivalent of armored vehicles (Exodus 14:7; 1 Kings 10:26). Defeating them highlights God’s power over intimidating technology (Deuteronomy 20:1; Psalm 20:7).

• The scale of the victory rivals earlier triumphs: David had already hamstrung 1,000 chariot teams and killed 22,000 Arameans in a previous battle (1 Chron 18:4-6). God now extends that victory, fulfilling 2 Samuel 7:9: “I have cut off all your enemies before you.”

• This judgment also protects Israel’s neighbors from future Syrian aggression, foreshadowing the Messiah’s ultimate conquest of evil (Psalm 72:9-11; Revelation 19:11-16).


He also killed Shophach the commander of their army

• Removing the general ends the Aramean coalition (cf. Judges 4:17-22; 2 Kings 9:24). A broken leadership structure means long-term peace for Israel (1 Chron 17:10).

• The personal defeat of Shophach underscores that no human leader can stand against the LORD’s anointed (Psalm 2:2-6; 1 Samuel 17:45-47).

• After this blow, the Arameans made peace with David and served him (1 Chron 19:19), illustrating Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”


summary

1 Chronicles 19:18 records a decisive, God-given victory: the hired Aramean army panicked and fled, David’s forces destroyed their elite chariot corps and vast infantry, and their commander fell. The passage demonstrates the LORD’s faithfulness to defend His covenant people, the certainty of His promises, and the futility of opposing His rule. Believers today can trust the same sovereign God to overcome every adversary and to secure ultimate peace through His King.

(18) Seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen.--Heb., seven thousand chariotry (rekeb), &c. Samuel reads, "seven hundred chariots, and forty thousand horse-men." Such deviations seem to indicate independent sources. We can hardly choose between the two accounts; but "horsemen" may be more correct than "footmen." (See 1Chronicles 18:4-5.)

And killed Shophach . . .--Abridged statement. (Comp. 2Samuel 10:18.)

Verse 18. - Seven thousand men which fought in chariots. The parallel passage has the men of seven hundred chariots. There could not be ten fighting men to a chariot. The reading of Samuel is more likely to be correct than our present reading. Forty thousand footmen. The parallel place shows "horsemen."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the Arameans
אֲרָם֮ (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

fled
וַיָּ֣נָס (way·yā·nās)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

before
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י (mil·lip̄·nê)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and David
דָּוִ֜יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

killed
וַיַּהֲרֹ֨ג (way·ya·hă·rōḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

seven
שִׁבְעַ֤ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

thousand
אֲלָפִים֙ (’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

of their charioteers
רֶ֔כֶב (re·ḵeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

and forty
וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים (wə·’ar·bā·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural
Strong's 705: Forty

thousand
אֶ֖לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

foot soldiers.
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

He also killed
הֵמִֽית׃ (hê·mîṯ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

Shophach
שׁוֹפַ֥ךְ (šō·w·p̄aḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7780: Shophach -- an Aramean (Syrian) general

the commander
שַֽׂר־ (śar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of their army.
הַצָּבָ֖א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 19:18 The Syrians fled before Israel (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 19:17
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