1 Chronicles 19:9
New International Version
The Ammonites came out and drew up in battle formation at the entrance to their city, while the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.

New Living Translation
The Ammonite troops came out and drew up their battle lines at the entrance of the city, while the other kings positioned themselves to fight in the open fields.

English Standard Version
And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.

Berean Standard Bible
The 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.

King James Bible
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

New King James Version
Then the people of Ammon came out and put themselves in battle array before the gate of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

New American Standard Bible
The sons of Ammon came out and drew up in battle formation at the entrance of the city; and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

NASB 1995
The sons of Ammon came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Ammon came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the sons of Ammon came out and arranged themselves for battle at the entrance of the city. But the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

Amplified Bible
The Ammonites came out and lined up in battle formation at the entrance of the city [Medeba], while the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.

Christian Standard Bible
The Ammonites marched out and lined up in battle formation at the entrance of the city while the kings who had come were in the field by themselves.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Ammonites marched out and lined up in battle formation at the entrance of the city while the kings who had come were in the field by themselves.

American Standard Version
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

Contemporary English Version
The Ammonite troops marched to the entrance of the city and prepared for battle, while the Syrian troops took their positions in the open fields.

English Revised Version
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Ammonites formed a battle line at the entrance of the city, while the Arameans from Zobah and Rehob and the kings who had come remained by themselves in the open country.

Good News Translation
The Ammonites marched out and took up their position at the entrance to Rabbah, their capital city, and the kings who had come to help took up their position in the open countryside.

International Standard Version
The Ammonites went out in battle formation in front of the entrance to the city while the kings who had come stayed by themselves in the open fields.

Majority Standard Bible
The 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.

NET Bible
The Ammonites marched out and were deployed for battle at the entrance to the city, while the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

New Heart English Bible
The people of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city: and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that had come were by themselves in the field.

World English Bible
The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city; and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the sons of Ammon come out and set in array [for] battle at the opening of the city, and the kings who have come [are] by themselves in the field.

Young's Literal Translation
and the sons of Ammon come out and set battle in array at the opening of the city, and the kings who have come are by themselves in the field.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Ammon will go forth and set the battle in array at the entrance of the city: and the kings that came by themselves into the field.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Ammon came out and put their army in array before the gate of the city : and the kings, that were come to their aid, stood apart in the field.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the sons of Ammon, going out, set up a battle line before the gate of the city. But the kings who had come to their aid stood separately in the field.

New American Bible
The Ammonites marched out and lined up for battle at the entrance of the city, while the kings who had come to their help remained apart in the open field.

New Revised Standard Version
The Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Amon went out and made war before the gate, and those Kings and their armies camping by themselves in the fields.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Ammon came out and put the battle in array at the gate of the city; and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Ammon came forth, and set themselves in array for battle by the gate of the city: and the kings that were come forth encamped by themselves in the plain.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Messengers Disgraced
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
2 Samuel 10:8
The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.

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 18:17
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.

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 11:24
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.

2 Samuel 8:5
When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men.

2 Samuel 8:13
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

2 Samuel 12:26-31
Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress. / Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, “I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city. / Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, lay siege to the city, and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city, and it will be named after me.” ...

Psalm 2:1-3
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”

Psalm 83:5-8
For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. ...

Isaiah 7:1-2
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

Isaiah 8:9-10
Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”

Jeremiah 46:9
Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.

Ezekiel 38:4-6
I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. / Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets, / as well as Gomer with all its troops, and Beth-togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.

Matthew 24:6-7
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

put the battle

1 Samuel 17:2
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

2 Samuel 18:4
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

2 Chronicles 13:3
And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.

the kings

2 Samuel 10:8
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.

1 Kings 20:1,24
And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it…

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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














The Ammonites marched out
The phrase "The Ammonites marched out" indicates a deliberate and organized movement of troops. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with Israel. Their marching out signifies a proactive stance in warfare, suggesting confidence and readiness. Historically, the Ammonites were known for their military prowess and strategic locations east of the Jordan River. This movement reflects their intent to confront Israel directly, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare where battles were often premeditated and ceremonial.

and arrayed themselves for battle
"Arrayed themselves for battle" implies a strategic positioning and preparation for combat. The Hebrew root word here suggests an orderly arrangement, akin to setting troops in ranks. This preparation was crucial in ancient warfare, where the formation could determine the outcome of the battle. The Ammonites' readiness to engage highlights their determination and the seriousness of the conflict. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to be prepared and vigilant.

at the entrance to the city
The "entrance to the city" was a strategic location, often the most fortified part of ancient cities. It served as both a defensive stronghold and a point of control for access. By positioning themselves here, the Ammonites aimed to protect their city while also challenging the Israelites. This location choice underscores the importance of gates in biblical times, symbolizing authority and power. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the need to guard the 'gates' of their lives against spiritual adversaries.

while the kings who had come to help
The phrase "while the kings who had come to help" indicates alliances and coalitions, a common practice in ancient warfare. These kings were likely vassals or allies of the Ammonites, showing the regional politics and the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern societies. This coalition reflects the biblical theme of unity, albeit for a cause against God's people. It serves as a reminder of the power of alliances, both for good and ill, and the importance of choosing one's allies wisely.

were in the field by themselves
"were in the field by themselves" suggests a separation between the Ammonite forces and their allies. This separation could indicate a tactical decision, perhaps to flank the enemy or to provide a reserve force. It also highlights the autonomy of these allied kings, who, while supportive, maintained their distinct identity and command. In a spiritual context, this separation can symbolize the need for discernment and the understanding that not all who appear to be allies share the same goals or values.

(9) Before the gate of the city.--Literally, in the outlet of the city. Samuel has "in the outlet of the gate." The city appears to have been Medeba (1Chronicles 19:7).

And the kings that were come.--Samuel repeats the names: "And Aram-zobah and Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maachah."

Were.--Rather, put the battle in array (to be supplied from the former sentence).

In the field.--In the open country, or plain (mishor) of Medeba (Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:16), where there was room for the movements of cavalry and chariots.

Verse 9. - The kings. Compare this and ver. 19 with ver. 19 of the parallel chapter, and also with ver. 8 (2 Samuel 10:19, 8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Ammonites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

marched out
וַיֵּצְאוּ֙ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

and arrayed themselves
וַיַּֽעַרְכ֥וּ (way·ya·‘ar·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

for battle
מִלְחָמָ֖ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

at the entrance
פֶּ֣תַח (pe·ṯaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

of the city,
הָעִ֑יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

while the kings
וְהַמְּלָכִ֣ים (wə·ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had come
בָּ֔אוּ (bā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

stayed by themselves
לְבַדָּ֖ם (lə·ḇad·dām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

in the open country.
בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃ (baś·śā·ḏeh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 19:9 The children of Ammon came out (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 19:8
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