Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 11:13 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 11:13 describes how one of David’s warriors stood with him at Pasdammim, a place where the Philistines gathered for battle, and how the people fled from the Philistines, leaving a field full of barley exposed to the enemy. The verse highlights a moment of danger and retreat, setting the stage for an act of bravery. This verse is part of a list recounting the mighty deeds of David’s key warriors. The setting is Pasdammim, a border area often fought over by Israel and the Philistines. The mention of a barley field shows that the conflict threatened not just lives but also the food supply, making the defense of the field significant for the community’s survival.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:13

Accepted Answer

פַּסְדַּמִּים (Pasdammim, transliterated "Pasdammim"): This is the name of the location where the battle took place. It was a border area between Israel and the Philistines, known for frequent clashes. פְּלִשְׁתִּים (P'lishtim, transliterated "Philistines"): This word refers to Israel’s main enemy in this period. Their repeated appearance in the story emphasizes the ongoing threat they posed. חֶלְקַת (cheleqat, transliterated "parcel"): This word means a specific piece or portion of land, highlighting that the battle was over a defined, valuable area. שְׂעֹרִים (se'orim, transliterated "barley"): Barley was a staple crop, so its mention underlines the practical stakes of the battle—protecting food resources, not just territory.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 11:13 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse shows that the conflict with the Philistines was not just about military glory but also about protecting everyday life, including food sources like barley fields. The detail that the people fled before the Philistines sets up the courage of David’s warrior, who did not run but stood his ground, making the following verses about his bravery more striking. This moment connects to the larger theme in Chronicles of God’s people facing overwhelming odds and the importance of faithful individuals who stand firm when others retreat.

1 Chronicles 11:13 (KJV)