1 Chronicles 20:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David puts the conquered Ammonites to hard labor with iron tools, deals so with all their cities, and returns to Jerusalem.
What Does 1 Chronicles 20:3 Mean?
The captured people are set to forced labor with saws, iron implements, and axes, and David imposes the same on every Ammonite city. The long war that began with Ammon's insult to David's envoys ends in their complete subjugation, and the army returns home to Jerusalem.
The chronicler records the cost of conflict without glory or relish. Pride and provocation set this war in motion, and its end is heavy. Scripture lays such things plainly before us, neither hiding the hardness of a fallen world nor excusing it. We are left longing for the reign foretold by the prophets, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and the Prince of Peace shall break the bow and make wars to cease.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Chronicles 20:3
What does 1 Chronicles 20:3 mean?
David puts the conquered Ammonites to hard labor with iron tools, deals so with all their cities, and returns to Jerusalem.