What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 11:13? He was with David at Pas-dammim • The “he” is Eleazar son of Dodai, one of David’s three mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:9; 1 Chronicles 11:12). • Pas-dammim lies in Judah near the Elah Valley, the same region where David earlier fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1). • Standing beside David places Eleazar in the heart of God’s chosen line of leadership, echoing Ruth 1:16-17 in its loyalty and Hebrews 13:7 in its call to imitate faithful leaders. • The verse assures us that God raises up valiant supporters for His anointed purposes, fulfilling 1 Samuel 22:1-2, where those in distress gathered to David. when the Philistines gathered there for battle • Philistine hostility had plagued Israel since the days of Samson (Judges 13-16) and continued through Saul (1 Samuel 14:52). • Their gathering “for battle” signals a deliberate, organized threat, like the earlier mustering at Socoh before Goliath’s challenge (1 Samuel 17:1). • The scene underscores the perpetual conflict between God’s people and persistent enemies—a pattern Paul spiritualizes in Ephesians 6:12, reminding believers that opposition is normal when advancing God’s kingdom. At a place with a field full of barley • Chronicles says “barley,” while the parallel in 2 Samuel 23:11 mentions “lentils.” Both are spring crops; they could occupy adjoining plots or represent two stages of the same engagement. Scripture often summarizes events from complementary angles, as with the four Gospel accounts. • Barley fields meant livelihood and daily bread (Ruth 2:23). Defending them protected Israel’s sustenance, mirroring Nehemiah 4:14, where families fight for “brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and homes.” • The detail reminds us God values every part of life, not only temples and thrones. Even a simple crop field can become a stage for divine victory. the troops fled from the Philistines • Fear overcame the wider army, echoing 1 Samuel 17:24 when Israel “fled from him [Goliath] in great fear.” • By recording the retreat, the text highlights the contrast of Eleazar’s courage. He and David refuse to yield, much like Jonathan and his armor-bearer who attacked another Philistine garrison while others hid (1 Samuel 14:6-13). • Their stand anticipates God’s promise in Joshua 23:10: “One of you shall put a thousand to flight.” Human strength fails, yet those who trust the Lord can turn a rout into triumph (Psalm 20:7-8). summary Eleazar’s presence beside David at Pas-dammim during a Philistine assault, in a barley field everybody else deemed expendable, spotlights the power of loyal faith. While ordinary troops scattered, one man partnered with God’s anointed and protected the everyday provisions of the people. The verse calls us to stand firm in seemingly small places, confident that the Lord still wins great victories through courageous obedience. |
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