1 Chronicles – Chapter 20

Old Testament7 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of…" — so begins 1 Chronicles 20. The chapter centers on David, Jonathan and Goliath. Across its 7 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of the troops, and wasted the land of the children of Ammon: and went and besieged Rabba. But David stayed at Jerusalem, when Joab smote Rabba, and destroyed it.

2And David took the crown of Melchom from his head, and found in it a talent weight of gold, and most precious stones, and he made himself a diadem of it: he took also the spoils of the city which were very great.

3And the people that were therein he brought out: and made harrows, and sleds, and chariots of iron to go over them, so that they were cut and bruised to pieces: in this manner David dealt with all the cities of the children of Ammon: and he returned with all his people to Jerusalem.

4After this there arose a war at Gazer against the Philistines: in which Sabachai the Husathite slew Saphai of the race of Raphaim, and humbled them.

5Another battle also was fought against the Philistines, in which Adeodatus the son of Saltus a Bethlehemite slew the brother of Goliath the Gethite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

6There was another battle also in Geth, in which there was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand and foot: who also was born of the stock of Rapha.

7He reviled Israel: but Jonathan the son of Samaa the brother of David slew him. These were the sons of Rapha in Geth, who fell by the hand of David and his servants.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 20

And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of the troops, and wasted the land of the children of Ammon: and went and besieged Rabba. But David stayed at Jerusalem, when Joab smote Rabba, and destroyed it.

1 Chronicles 20:1

After this there arose a war at Gazer against the Philistines: in which Sabachai the Husathite slew Saphai of the race of Raphaim, and humbled them.

1 Chronicles 20:4

He reviled Israel: but Jonathan the son of Samaa the brother of David slew him. These were the sons of Rapha in Geth, who fell by the hand of David and his servants.

1 Chronicles 20:7

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, 1 Chronicles was written with the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship in view. Chapter 20 of 29 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 7 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David, Jonathan and Goliath appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army…" It concludes: "He reviled Israel: but Jonathan the son of Samaa the brother of David slew him. These were the sons of Rapha in Geth,…" Read against its original backdrop, Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 7-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of David's legacy and Temple preparation. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of the troops, and…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads 1 Chronicles 20 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1965).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

David5 mentionsJonathan1 mentionGoliath1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of 1 Chronicles—Chapter 20 of 29—opens a particular moment in the story of David's legacy and Temple preparation.

According to Catholic teaching, the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). This chapter especially highlights the fear of the Lord as wisdom, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1965).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2340) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 20 about?

1 Chronicles 20 contains 7 verses. It opens with "And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army…" and closes with "He reviled Israel: but Jonathan the son of Samaa the brother of David slew him. These were the sons of Rapha in Geth,…". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 20?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of the troops, and wasted the land of the…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 20?

This chapter mentions David, Jonathan, Goliath.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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