And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

1 CHRONICLES 5:20KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 5:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 5:20 mean?

1 Chronicles 5:20 describes how the people of Israel were helped by God in battle against the Hagarites and their allies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him. The verse explains that God answered their plea and handed their enemies over to them because of their faith and reliance on Him.

This verse is part of a historical account where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh fought against a group called the Hagarites. The writer is explaining to the reader that the victory was not just due to military strength, but because the people earnestly called out to God during the conflict and put their trust in Him, leading to divine intervention.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 5:20

  • "helped" (עָזַר, `azar): This word means to give aid or support. The verse emphasizes that the Israelites did not win by their own power, but were actively supported by God in the fight.
  • "cried" (זָעַק, za‘aq): This word often describes a desperate or urgent call for help. The Israelites were not just praying quietly; they were earnestly pleading with God in the midst of battle.
  • "intreated" (עָתַר, ‘atar): This word means that God responded favorably or was moved by their plea. It highlights that God was not distant, but listened and acted because of their trust.
  • "trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to rely on or have confidence in someone. The verse points out that the key reason God responded was because the people truly depended on Him, not on their own abilities.

Why 1 Chronicles 5:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the victory was not just a result of military strategy or numbers, but was directly tied to the people's dependence on God and their earnest prayer.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:20 highlights a pattern seen throughout the Bible: when people genuinely seek God and trust Him, He responds to their needs, especially in times of crisis.
  • The verse connects to the broader message of 1 Chronicles, which often emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of either trusting or turning away from Him.

Where else these words appear

“Hagarites” Hebrew H1905 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 5:10 And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east land of Gilead.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.

“intreated” Hebrew H6279 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Exodus 9:28 Intreat the LORD(for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.

“cried” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

“helped” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 20:23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
  • Psalms 107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.