1 Chronicles 18:4
New International Version
David captured a thousand of his chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all but a hundred of the chariot horses.

New Living Translation
David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.

English Standard Version
And David took from him 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but left enough for 100 chariots.

Berean Standard Bible
David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.

King James Bible
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots.

New King James Version
David took from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. Also David hamstrung all the chariot horses, except that he spared enough of them for one hundred chariots.

New American Standard Bible
David took from him a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and David hamstrung almost all the chariot horses, but left enough of them for a hundred chariots.

NASB 1995
David took from him 1,000 chariots and 7,000 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers, and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for 100 chariots.

NASB 1977
And David took from him 1,000 chariots and 7,000 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers, and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for 100 chariots.

Legacy Standard Bible
And David captured from him 1,000 chariots and 7,000 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers, and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but left enough of them for 100 chariots.

Amplified Bible
David took from him 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers (infantrymen). David also hamstrung [nearly] all the chariot horses [to make them lame and useless], but left enough of them for 100 chariots.

Christian Standard Bible
David captured one thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers from him, hamstrung all the horses, and kept a hundred chariots.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from him, hamstrung all the horses, and kept 100 chariots.

American Standard Version
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hocked all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for a hundred chariots.

Contemporary English Version
David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 chariot drivers, and 20,000 soldiers. And he crippled all but 100 of the horses.

English Revised Version
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David took 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from him. David also disabled all but 100 of their horses so that they couldn't pull chariots.

Good News Translation
David captured a thousand of his chariots, seven thousand cavalry troops, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He kept enough horses for a hundred chariots and crippled all the rest.

International Standard Version
David confiscated 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from him, and hamstrung all of the chariot horses except for a reserve force of 100 chariots.

Majority Standard Bible
David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.

NET Bible
David seized from him 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 infantrymen. David cut the hamstrings of all but a hundred of Hadadezer's chariot horses.

New Heart English Bible
David took from him one thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot-horses, but reserved of them a hundred chariots.

World English Bible
David took from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them enough for one hundred chariots.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David captures from him one thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and David utterly destroys all the chariots, and leaves of them [only] one hundred chariots.

Young's Literal Translation
and David captureth from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and David destroyeth utterly all the chariots, and leaveth of them a hundred chariots only.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will take from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand men on foot: and David will root up every chariot, and David will leave from them a hundred chariots.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and he houghed all the chariot horses, only a hundred chariots, which he reserved for himself.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then David seized one thousand of his four-horse chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand men on foot. And he hamstrung all the chariot horses, except for one hundred four-horse chariots, which he reserved for himself.

New American Bible
David captured from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but left one hundred for his chariots.

New Revised Standard Version
David took from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand cavalry, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but left one hundred of them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David took from him a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen, and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them a hundred chariots.So Hanun took David's servants and shaved half of their beards and half of their heads and cut off their garments in the midst as far as their buttocks, and sent them away.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David seized from him one thousand double horse chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and David overthrew all the two horse chariots and he left of them a hundred double horse chariots.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for a hundred chariots.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David took of them a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand infantry: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but there were reserved of them a hundred chariots.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Triumphs
3As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. 4David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. 5When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 8:4
David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.

Psalm 60:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!

1 Kings 10:26
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 1:14
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 10:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there.

1 Kings 4:26
Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses.

2 Chronicles 9:25
Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

Joshua 11:6
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots.”

Joshua 11:9
Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned up their chariots.

2 Samuel 8:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Samuel 8:14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Chronicles 19:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army.

1 Chronicles 19:6-7
When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. / So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, as well as the king of Maacah with his troops, who came and camped near Medeba while the Ammonites were mustered from their cities and marched out for battle.

1 Chronicles 19:16-19
When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. ...

1 Chronicles 20:1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.


Treasury of Scripture

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots.

seven thousand

2 Samuel 8:4
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.

seven hundred

Deuteronomy 17:16
But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

Joshua 11:6,9
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire…

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

an hundred chariots

1 Kings 4:2
And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,

1 Kings 10:26
And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

Jump to Previous
Captured Captureth Chariot Chariot-Horses Chariots Cut David Destroyeth Enough Foot Footmen Hamstrung Hocked Horsemen Horses Houghed Hundred Leg-Muscles Reserved Seven Soldiers Thousand Twenty Utterly War-Carriages
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Captured Captureth Chariot Chariot-Horses Chariots Cut David Destroyeth Enough Foot Footmen Hamstrung Hocked Horsemen Horses Houghed Hundred Leg-Muscles Reserved Seven Soldiers Thousand Twenty Utterly War-Carriages
1 Chronicles 18
1. David subdues the Philistines and the Moabites
3. He smites Hadarezer and the Syrians
9. Tou sends Hadoram with presents to bless David
11. The presents and the spoil David dedicates to God
13. He put garrisons in Edom
14. David's officers














David captured from him a thousand chariots
This phrase highlights David's military prowess and strategic victories. Chariots were a significant military asset in ancient warfare, symbolizing power and technological advancement. The capture of a thousand chariots indicates a substantial victory over the enemy, likely the Arameans, as mentioned in the broader context of 1 Chronicles 18. This victory demonstrates God's favor upon David, fulfilling the promise of establishing his kingdom.

seven thousand charioteers
The capture of seven thousand charioteers underscores the scale of the victory. Charioteers were skilled warriors, and their capture would have been a significant blow to the enemy's military capabilities. This detail emphasizes the completeness of David's triumph and the weakening of his adversaries, aligning with God's plan to establish Israel as a dominant power in the region.

and twenty thousand foot soldiers
The mention of twenty thousand foot soldiers further illustrates the magnitude of the victory. Foot soldiers formed the backbone of ancient armies, and their capture would have severely diminished the enemy's ability to wage war. This overwhelming victory is a testament to David's leadership and God's providence, as seen in other biblical accounts of Israel's military successes.

and he hamstrung all the horses
Hamstringing horses was a common practice in ancient warfare to incapacitate them without killing. This action prevented the enemy from quickly rebuilding their chariot forces. It reflects David's strategic foresight and adherence to God's instructions, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:16, where kings of Israel were advised not to multiply horses for themselves, ensuring reliance on God rather than military might.

except a hundred he kept for the chariots
By keeping a hundred horses, David maintained a limited chariot force for his own use. This decision reflects a balance between military necessity and obedience to divine commands. It also symbolizes restraint and trust in God's provision, as David did not seek to amass excessive military power, aligning with the biblical principle of relying on God rather than human strength.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and his heart for God. In this passage, he is leading Israel to victory over their enemies.

2. Hadadezer
The king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom. He is the adversary defeated by David in this account.

3. Zobah
A region in Aram (modern-day Syria), which was a significant power during David's reign. The defeat of Zobah was crucial for Israel's security and expansion.

4. Chariots and Horses
Symbols of military strength in ancient times. David's decision to hamstring the horses reflects a strategic move to weaken the enemy's future military capabilities.

5. Foot Soldiers
Represent the manpower and military force of Hadadezer, which David successfully subdued.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
David's actions reflect adherence to God's instructions regarding military practices. We are reminded to prioritize God's commands over worldly strategies.

Trust in God's Provision
By not relying on captured horses and chariots, David demonstrates trust in God's provision and protection. We should place our trust in God rather than in material or worldly resources.

Strategic Wisdom
David's decision to hamstring the horses shows strategic wisdom in ensuring long-term security. We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in making decisions that affect our future.

Victory through God's Strength
David's victories are attributed to God's strength and favor. We should acknowledge God's role in our successes and give Him the glory.(4) A thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen.--Hebrew text of Samuel, "a thousand and seven hundred horsemen." The territory of Zobah lay somewhere in the great plain of Aram. Hadadezer would, therefore, be strong in chariots and horses, and our reading is probably correct. (Comp. 1Chronicles 19:18.)

Houghed.--Hamstrung--i.e., cut the sinews of the hind legs, so as to disable them.

Chariot horses.--The same Hebrew term has just been rendered chariots. It means also chariot soldiers.

David reserved a hundred chariots, with their horses, probably for his own use. Horses were always a luxury in Israel. (Comp. Isaiah 2:7.) Solomon recruited his stud from Egypt. (Comp. the prohibition, Deuteronomy 17:16.)

Verse 4. - The parallel place (2 Samuel 8:4) omits, probably by error merely, the word "chariots," and reads for our seven thousand, "seven hundred." As the form of expression in the last two clauses of our present verse is the same in both cases, it is more natural to render, David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved a hundred, i.e. a hundred horses unhoughed; he houghed all but a hundred. Our Authorized Version, in the parallel, gets over the difficulty by inserting "for," i.e. enough for, "a hundred chariots."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
David
דָּוִ֨יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

captured
וַיִּלְכֹּד֩ (way·yil·kōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

from him
מִמֶּ֜נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

a thousand
אֶ֣לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

chariots,
רֶ֗כֶב (re·ḵeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

seven
וְשִׁבְעַ֤ת (wə·šiḇ·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

thousand
אֲלָפִים֙ (’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

charioteers,
פָּֽרָשִׁ֔ים (pā·rā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry

and twenty
וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים (wə·‘eś·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

thousand
אֶ֖לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

foot soldiers,
רַגְלִ֑י (raḡ·lî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7273: A footman

and he hamstrung
וַיְעַקֵּ֤ר (way·‘aq·qêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6131: To pluck up, to hamstring, to exterminate

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the horses
הָרֶ֔כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

except a hundred
מֵ֥אָה (mê·’āh)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 3967: A hundred

he kept
וַיּוֹתֵ֥ר (way·yō·w·ṯêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve

for the chariots.
רָֽכֶב׃ (rā·ḵeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 18:4 David took from him one thousand chariots (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 18:3
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