1 Chronicles 20:7
and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David's brother Shimei killed him.
and when he taunted Israel,

The Philistine’s defiance was directed against Israel and its God, provoking a response from David’s household. His challenge reflected the continuing hostility between Israel and the Philistine giants.

1Sa 17:10 Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel…
1Sa 17:26 David asked the men who were standing with him,……
1Sa 17:36 Your servant has killed lions and bears;…

Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei

Jonathan was David’s nephew, the son of his brother Shimei. His victory shows that members of David’s family continued to serve Israel in its wars against the Philistines.

2Sa 21:21 and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s…
2Sa 13:3 Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab…
1Ch 2:13-15 Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn;…

killed him.

Jonathan’s defeat of the giant ended the threat and demonstrated God’s protection of Israel through the courage and strength He gave to its warriors.

1Sa 17:49-51 Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone,…
2Sa 21:19 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob…
2Sa 21:22 So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of Shimea, who was David's brother. Jonathan is noted for his bravery and loyalty to Israel, as he killed a Philistine giant who taunted Israel.

2. Shimea
David's brother, making Jonathan David's nephew. Shimea is part of the family lineage that played significant roles in Israel's history.

3. David
The King of Israel, known for his leadership, military prowess, and heart for God. His family members, including Jonathan, were involved in defending Israel.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often facing threats from surrounding nations, including the Philistines.

5. Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, known for their giants and military strength. They often taunted and challenged Israel.
Teaching Points
Courage in the Face of Taunting
Jonathan's action teaches us the importance of standing firm in faith when faced with ridicule or opposition. Like Jonathan, believers are called to trust in God's strength rather than be intimidated by the world's challenges.

Family Legacy of Faith
The involvement of David's family in defending Israel highlights the impact of a godly legacy. Families today can strive to pass down faith and courage to future generations.

God's Empowerment
The victory over the Philistine giant is a reminder that God empowers His people to accomplish His purposes. Believers can rely on God's strength to overcome personal and spiritual battles.

The Role of Lesser-Known Heroes
Jonathan, though not as famous as David, played a crucial role in Israel's history. This encourages believers to recognize and value the contributions of those who may not be in the spotlight but are vital to God's work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jonathan's victory over the Philistine giant inspire you to face your own "giants" or challenges in life?

2. In what ways can you contribute to building a legacy of faith within your family or community, similar to David's family?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by God to overcome a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can you encourage and support the "lesser-known heroes" in your church or community who faithfully serve without recognition?

5. What other biblical examples of courage and faith can you draw upon to strengthen your resolve in facing opposition or ridicule for your beliefs?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, where David, like Jonathan, faced a Philistine giant who taunted Israel. This connection highlights the recurring theme of God empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable foes.

2 Samuel 21:15-22
This passage recounts other battles with Philistine giants, showing a pattern of God's deliverance through David's family and warriors.

Psalm 18:32-34
David's psalm of praise for God's strength and deliverance, applicable to Jonathan's victory as well.
The Capture of RabbahJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 20:1-8
The Loss of a CrownJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 20:1-8
The Wasting of the Ammonites, and David's Wars with the GiantsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 20:1-8
Little Things and GreatW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 20:4-8
Strong in Body, and Strong in GodR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 20:6, 7
People
Ammonites, David, Elhanan, Goliath, Jair, Joab, Jonathan, Lahmi, Milcom, Rapha, Rephaites, Shimea, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Sippai
Places
Gath, Gezer, Jerusalem, Rabbah
Topics
Brother, David, David's, Death, Defied, Jonathan, Killed, Reproacheth, Shame, Shimea, Shim'e-a, Slew, Smite, Smote, Taunted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 20:6-7

     5893   insults

Library
Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence.
ISAIAH, i. 11.--"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." These words were at first addressed to the Church of God. The prophet Isaiah begins his prophecy, by calling upon the heavens and the earth to witness the exceeding sinfulness of God's chosen people. "Hear, O heavens, and give ear O earth: for the Lord hath spoken; I have nourished and brought up children,
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Letter vi. In My Last Two Letters I have Given the State of the Argument as It...
My dear friend, In my last two Letters I have given the state of the argument as it would stand between a Christian, thinking as I do, and a serious well-disposed Deist. I will now endeavour to state the argument, as between the former and the advocates for the popular belief,--such of them, I mean, as are competent to deliver a dispassionate judgment in the cause. And again, more particularly, I mean the learned and reflecting part of them, who are influenced to the retention of the prevailing
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 20:7 NIV
1 Chronicles 20:7 NLT
1 Chronicles 20:7 ESV
1 Chronicles 20:7 NASB
1 Chronicles 20:7 KJV

1 Chronicles 20:7 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 20:6
Top of Page
Top of Page