1 Chronicles 19:15
New International Version
When the Ammonites realized that the Arameans were fleeing, they too fled before his brother Abishai and went inside the city. So Joab went back to Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
And when the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they also ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem.

English Standard Version
And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, Joab’s brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab went back to Jerusalem.

Berean Literal Bible
And the sons of Ammon saw that Aram was fleeing, and fled they also before Abishai his brother and entered the city. And Joab went to Jerusalem.

King James Bible
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

New King James Version
When the people of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fleeing, they also fled before Abishai his brother, and entered the city. So Joab went to Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans had fled, they also fled from his brother Abshai and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abshai his brother and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abshai his brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled. So they themselves also fled before Abshai his brother and came into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abishai, Joab’s brother, and entered the city [Medeba]. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Berean Annotated Bible
When the Ammonites (tribal) saw that the Arameans (exalted) had fled, they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai (my father is a gift), and they entered the city. So Joab (YHWH is father) went back to Jerusalem (city of peace).

Christian Standard Bible
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they likewise fled before Joab’s brother Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab went to Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they likewise fled before Joab’s brother Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab went to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
When the Ammonite troops saw that the Syrians had run away, they ran from Abishai's soldiers and went back into their own city. Joab then returned to Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they, too, fled from Joab's brother Abishai and went into the city. So Joab returned to Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
When the Ammonites saw the Syrians running away, they fled from Abishai and retreated into the city. Then Joab went back to Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
When the Ammonites saw the Arameans retreating, they also retreated from Joab's brother Abishai back to the city and Joab left for Jerusalem.

NET Bible
When the Ammonites saw the Arameans flee, they fled before Joab's brother Abishai and withdrew into the city. Joab went back to Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
When the people of Ammon saw that the Arameans had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab went back to Jerusalem.

World English Bible
When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the sons of Ammon have seen that Aram has fled, and they flee—they also—from the face of his brother Abishai, and go into the city. And Joab comes to Jerusalem.

Berean Literal Bible
And the sons of Ammon saw that Aram was fleeing, and fled they also before Abishai his brother and entered the city. And Joab went to Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
and the sons of Ammon have seen that Aram hath fled, and they flee -- they also -- from the face of Abishai his brother, and go in to the city. And Joab cometh in to Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Ammon saw that Aram fled, and they will flee also themselves from the face of Abishai his brother, and they will come into the city. And Joab will come to Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Ammon seeing that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled from Abisai his brother, and went into the city: and Joab also returned to Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the sons of Ammon, seeing that the Syrians had fled, also themselves fled from Abishai, his brother, and they entered into the city. And now Joab returned to Jerusalem.

New American Bible
And when the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before his brother Abishai, and entered their city. Joab then came to Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, Joab’s brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Amon saw that the Edomites had fled, and they fled also from before Abishi his brother, and they came to the city and Yuab returned to Jerusalem.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Arameans were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians fled, and they also fled from before Abesai, and from before Joab his brother, and they came to the city: and Joab came to Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
14So Joab and his troops advanced to fight the Arameans, who fled before him. 15When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab went back to Jerusalem. 16When 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.…

Cross References
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled,

2 Samuel 10:14-15
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem. / When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they regrouped.

Joshua 10:10-11
And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. / As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites.

2 Kings 7:6-7
For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.
they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai,

2 Samuel 23:18
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.

1 Chronicles 11:20
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.

1 Chronicles 18:12
Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
and they entered the city.

1 Kings 20:30
The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.

Joshua 10:20-21
So Joshua and the Israelites continued to inflict a terrible slaughter until they had finished them off, and the remaining survivors retreated to the fortified cities. / The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites.

Judges 9:51
But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower.
So Joab went back to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 11:1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem.

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.
2 Samuel 10:14
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 18:1-13
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. / As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. …

2 Samuel 8:1-14
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. …

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 when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

they likewise

Leviticus 26:7
And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Jump to Previous
Abishai Abi'shai Abshai Ammon Ammonites Aram Aramaeans Arameans Children City Entered Face Fled Flee Fleeing Flight Inside Jerusalem Joab Jo'ab Jo'ab's Likewise Syrians Themselves
Jump to Next
Abishai Abi'shai Abshai Ammon Ammonites Aram Aramaeans Arameans Children City Entered Face Fled Flee Fleeing Flight Inside Jerusalem Joab Jo'ab Jo'ab's Likewise Syrians Themselves
1 Chronicles 19
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun, are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, are overcome by Joab and Abishai
16. Shobach, making a new supply of the Syrians, is slain by David












When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled
The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. Their alliance with the Arameans, a powerful group from the region of modern-day Syria, was strategic. The Arameans' retreat signaled a turning point in the battle, causing fear and demoralization among the Ammonites. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of forming coalitions for military strength, and the psychological impact of seeing allies retreat.

they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai
Abishai, the son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, was a prominent military leader under King David. His reputation and leadership were significant enough to cause the Ammonites to flee. This highlights the importance of strong leadership and the influence of key figures in biblical narratives. The flight of the Ammonites also demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel victory over its enemies when they are faithful.

and they entered the city
The Ammonites retreated to their fortified city, likely Rabbah, their capital. Fortified cities were common in the ancient world, providing refuge and a defensive advantage. This action underscores the strategic importance of cities in warfare and the reliance on fortifications for protection.

So Joab went back to Jerusalem
Joab, the commander of David's army, returned to Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. This return signifies the completion of the immediate military campaign and a temporary cessation of hostilities. Jerusalem, as the city of David, represents the heart of Israelite governance and worship, emphasizing the centrality of the city in Israel's national identity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ammonites
A group of people descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they are at war with Israel.

2. Arameans
Allies of the Ammonites in this battle, known for their military strength.

3. Abishai
Joab's brother, a commander in King David's army, known for his bravery and loyalty.

4. Joab
The commander of David's army, a skilled military leader and strategist.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, representing the center of political and spiritual life for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the odds, Israel's victory was assured because of God's sovereignty. Believers are reminded to trust in God's control over all circumstances.

Unity and Leadership
Joab and Abishai demonstrate effective leadership and unity. In the body of Christ, unity and strong leadership are essential for overcoming challenges.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
The Israelites faced a formidable alliance but stood firm. Christians are called to be courageous, knowing that God is with them.

The Futility of Opposing God's People
The flight of the Ammonites and Arameans illustrates the futility of opposing God's chosen people. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God defends His own.

Return to the Source
Joab's return to Jerusalem signifies a return to the source of strength and guidance. Christians should regularly return to God in prayer and worship for renewal and direction.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 19:15?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 19:15 demonstrate God's sovereignty over Israel's enemies?

3. What can we learn about leadership from Joab's actions in this chapter?

4. How does this verse connect to God's promises to protect Israel?

5. How should we respond when facing opposition, as seen in 1 Chronicles 19:15?

6. What role does faith play in overcoming challenges, according to this passage?

7. What historical context surrounds 1 Chronicles 19:15 and its depiction of military retreat?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 19:15 reflect on God's role in Israel's military victories?

9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in 1 Chronicles 19:15?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 19?

11. Can archaeological evidence substantiate the extensive alliances and conflicts described in 1 Chronicles 19, or is there a lack of supporting records?

12. Why do 1 Chronicles 19 and 2 Samuel 10 present slight variations in numbers and details of the battles, and which version is more historically accurate?

13. Why does 1 Chronicles 19:2-3 portray the Ammonite advisers interpreting David's gesture as hostility, while other ancient sources rarely mention such extreme suspicion?

14. In 2 Samuel 10:8-9, is there any extrabiblical record indicating the precise locations and numbers of soldiers involved in these battles?
What Does 1 Chronicles 19:15 Mean
When the Ammonites saw

• The Ammonite army is watching the battlefield, not their own god. Fear springs from sight, not faith (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:12).

• Their security rested on hired Aramean mercenaries; once that prop collapses, panic sets in (Psalm 33:16–17).


that the Arameans had fled

• Joab’s charge routed the Arameans first (1 Chronicles 19:14). When the professional fighters bolt, morale evaporates (2 Samuel 10:13).

• God often lets false confidences crumble to expose hearts (Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 31:1).


they too fled before Joab’s brother Abishai

• Abishai, who once guarded David’s life (1 Samuel 26:6–9), now guards Israel’s flank. His steadfast courage contrasts with the Ammonites’ flight (2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 11:20).

• The text stresses “before Abishai,” reminding us that one man standing in faith can unnerve multitudes (Leviticus 26:8).


and they entered the city

• The Ammonites retreat behind walls, trading an open field for a fortress (2 Samuel 10:14).

• “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Their scramble is more about conscience than strategy.


So Joab went back to Jerusalem

• Joab does not press a siege; the immediate objective—relieving pressure on Israel—is complete. He awaits David’s lead, respecting the king’s authority (2 Samuel 11:1).

• Victory belongs to the Lord, and Joab returns home rather than glorifying himself on foreign soil (1 Chronicles 18:6; Psalm 115:1).


summary

1 Chronicles 19:15 shows a domino effect: when God topples one proud pillar, every false support collapses. The Arameans flee, the Ammonites crumble, and Israel’s leaders calmly regroup. The verse underlines two timeless truths: worldly alliances cannot stand against the Lord, and courageous faith—modeled by Joab and Abishai—steadies God’s people until the battle is the Lord’s and victory is secure.

(15) And when the children of Amnion saw.--The Hebrew construction is quite different from that of 1Chronicles 19:6. Render, Now the sons of Ammon had seen that Aram was routed.

They likewise.--An explanatory addition to the text, as read in Samuel. So also "his brother."

Then Joab came . . .--Abridged. (Comp. Samuel.)

Verse 15. - Then Joab came to Jerusalem. This is equivalent to saying that, for what he deemed sufficient reasons, Joab did not stay to besiege the Ammonites in the city, within the wails of which they had taken refuge, nor to pursue the Syrians. Hence we find these latter soon made bold to rally and to get additional aid.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When the Ammonites
וּבְנֵ֨י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

saw
רָאוּ֙ (rā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the Arameans
אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

had fled,
נָ֣ס (nās)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

they
הֵ֗ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

too
גַם־ (ḡam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

fled
וַיָּנ֣וּסוּ (way·yā·nū·sū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

before
מִפְּנֵי֙ (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

Joab’s brother
אָחִ֔יו (’ā·ḥîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Abishai,
אַבְשַׁ֣י (’aḇ·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name

and they entered
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the city.
הָעִ֑ירָה (hā·‘î·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

So Joab
יוֹאָ֖ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

went back
וַיָּבֹ֥א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 19:15 When the children of Ammon saw that (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 19:14
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