1 Chronicles 19:8
New International Version
On hearing this, David sent Joab out with the entire army of fighting men.

New Living Translation
When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all his warriors to fight them.

English Standard Version
When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.

Berean Standard Bible
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.

Berean Literal Bible
And David heard, and he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men.

King James Bible
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

New King James Version
Now when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.

New American Standard Bible
When David heard about it, he sent Joab and all the army, the mighty men.

NASB 1995
When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army, the mighty men.

NASB 1977
When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army, the mighty men.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David heard of it, and he sent Joab and all the army, the mighty men.

Amplified Bible
When David heard about it, he sent Joab and all the army of courageous men.

Berean Annotated Bible
On hearing this, David (beloved) sent Joab (YHWH is father) and the entire army of mighty men.

Christian Standard Bible
David heard about this and sent Joab and all the elite troops.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David heard about this and sent Joab and the entire army of warriors.

American Standard Version
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

Contemporary English Version
David heard what was happening, and he sent out Joab with his army.

English Revised Version
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After David heard about this, he sent Joab and all the elite troops.

Good News Translation
When David heard what was happening, he sent out Joab and the whole army.

International Standard Version
In response, David sent out Joab and his entire army of elite soldiers.

NET Bible
When David heard the news, he sent Joab and the entire army to meet them.

New Heart English Bible
When David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty men.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.

World English Bible
When David heard of it, he sent Joab with all the army of the mighty men.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David hears, and sends Joab, and all the host of the mighty men,

Berean Literal Bible
And David heard, and he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men.

Young's Literal Translation
And David heareth, and sendeth Joab, and all the host of the mighty men,

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will hear, and he will send Joab and all the army of strong ones.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the army of valiant men:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when David had heard this, he sent Joab and the entire army of strong men.

New American Bible
When David heard of this, he sent Joab and his whole army of warriors against them.

New Revised Standard Version
When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the warriors.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David heard and he sent Yuab and all the armies of mighty men.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David heard, and sent Joab and all the host of mighty men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Messengers Disgraced
7So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, as well as the king of Maacah with his troops, who came and camped near Medeba while the Ammonites came from their cities and marched out for battle. 8On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. 9The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance to the city, while the kings who had come stayed by themselves in the open country.…

Cross References
On hearing this,

2 Samuel 10:7
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.

2 Chronicles 20:3
Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.

1 Kings 20:12
Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city.
David sent Joab

2 Samuel 11:1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 8:16
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

1 Chronicles 18:15
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
and the entire army of mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:8
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.

1 Chronicles 11:10
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:22
For at that time men came to David day after day to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God.
1 Chronicles 18:5-6
When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men. / 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 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.

2 Samuel 8:3-6
David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. / 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. / When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men. …

1 Kings 11:15-16
Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. / Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom.

2 Samuel 8:13-14
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. / He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Chronicles 18:12-13
Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. / He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Samuel 21:15-17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”


Treasury of Scripture

And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

Joab

1 Chronicles 11:6,10
And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief…

2 Samuel 23:8
These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

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Army David Entire Fighting Fighting-Men Heard Heareth Hearing Host Joab Jo'ab Mighty
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












On hearing this
This phrase indicates a response to a report or news. In the context of 1 Chronicles 19, David hears about the Ammonites hiring Aramean forces to fight against Israel. This reflects the importance of intelligence and communication in ancient warfare. The phrase also highlights David's role as a responsive and strategic leader, attentive to threats against his kingdom.

David sent Joab
Joab, the commander of David's army, is a key military leader throughout David's reign. His role here underscores the trust David places in him. Joab's leadership is significant in the military successes of Israel. This action demonstrates David's reliance on capable leaders to execute his military strategies, a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings.

and the entire army of mighty men
The "mighty men" refers to David's elite warriors, known for their bravery and skill in battle. These men are detailed in other parts of the Bible, such as 2 Samuel 23, where their exploits are recounted. Their involvement indicates the seriousness of the threat and the importance of the battle. This group of warriors symbolizes the strength and unity of Israel under David's leadership, often seen as a type of Christ's spiritual army, the Church, which is called to be strong and courageous in spiritual warfare.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his leadership and military prowess. In this context, he is responding to a threat against Israel.

2. Joab
The commander of David's army, a skilled and strategic military leader. He plays a crucial role in executing David's military decisions.

3. The Army of Mighty Men
A group of elite warriors in David's service, known for their strength and valor. They are often called upon in times of significant military need.

4. The Ammonites
A neighboring nation that had become hostile towards Israel, prompting David's military response.

5. Rabbah
The capital city of the Ammonites, which becomes a focal point in the ensuing conflict.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
David's response to the threat against Israel demonstrates the importance of decisive leadership. Leaders must be prepared to act swiftly and wisely in the face of challenges.

The Role of Community in Battle
The involvement of Joab and the mighty men underscores the necessity of community and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. We are reminded of the value of surrounding ourselves with capable and trustworthy individuals.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as David prepared for physical battle, Christians are called to be prepared for spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
While David took practical steps to address the threat, his ultimate trust was in God's sovereignty. This teaches us to balance action with faith, trusting God to guide and protect us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 19:8?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 19:8 demonstrate David's leadership in times of conflict?

3. What can we learn about God's protection from David's response in 1 Chronicles 19:8?

4. How does David's action in 1 Chronicles 19:8 connect to Ephesians 6:10-18?

5. In what ways can we apply David's readiness for battle to our spiritual lives?

6. How does David's gathering of troops reflect the importance of unity in faith?

7. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Chronicles 19:8?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 19:8 reflect God's role in battles?

9. What is the significance of David's military response in 1 Chronicles 19:8?

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

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

12. Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?

13. Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?

14. In 1 Kings 2:1-9, why does David instruct Solomon to exact vengeance on Joab and Shimei, contradicting previous oaths and seeming to endorse personal revenge?
What Does 1 Chronicles 19:8 Mean
On hearing this

David’s response begins with attentive listening. The moment news reached him that the Ammonites had hired thirty-two thousand chariot fighters from Aram (1 Chron 19:6–7), he took the threat seriously. Earlier, he had shown the same alertness when the Philistines mobilized against him (2 Samuel 5:17–19). Scripture commends this kind of quick, discerning hearing—“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31). David models a shepherd-king who refuses to ignore danger to God’s people.


David sent Joab

Rather than rushing out himself, David delegated to the commander he trusted most. Joab had earned his position by capturing Jerusalem (1 Chron 11:6) and had proven himself a seasoned strategist (2 Samuel 10:9–12). By sending Joab, David acted with wisdom and order:

• He honored God-given leadership structure (Romans 13:1).

• He kept himself available for broader oversight, as he would later do in battles with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:2–4).

• He showed confidence in the gifts God had placed within the body, echoing Exodus 18:21’s pattern of capable men entrusted with weighty tasks.


and the entire army of mighty men

David did not send a token force; he dispatched the elite warriors listed in 1 Chron 11:10–47. This reveals:

• The gravity of the Ammonite-Aramean coalition—David matched strength with strength, much like Gideon confronting Midian (Judges 7:19-22).

• The unity of Israel’s forces; they moved as “one man” (Judges 20:11), reflecting the New-Covenant call for believers to strive side by side (Philippians 1:27).

• Confidence rooted not merely in human prowess but in the Lord who “trains my hands for war” (Psalm 144:1). Joab would soon rally these men with the charge, “Be strong, and let us prove ourselves courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what is good in His sight” (1 Chron 19:13).


summary

1 Chronicles 19:8 shows David’s prompt, ordered, and wholehearted response to a clear threat. Hearing the danger, he delegated to trusted leadership and committed his finest warriors, demonstrating protective care for God’s people and unwavering confidence that ultimate victory rests in the Lord’s hands.

(8) All the host of the mighty men.--So the Hebrew text. The Hebrew margin and Samuel read "all the host," viz., the mighty men. The "mighty men" (gibborim) were a special corps. (Comp. 1Samuel 23:13; 1Samuel 27:8; 2Samuel 2:3; 2Samuel 16:6; 1Kings 1:8.) Either, then, the term has a general sense here, or we must read, "and the mighty men."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On hearing this,
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

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

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙ (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

Joab
יוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

and
וְאֵ֥ת (wə·’êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the entire
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

army
צָבָ֖א (ṣā·ḇā)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

of mighty men.
הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ (hag·gib·bō·w·rîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 19:8 When David heard of it he sent (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 19:7
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