1 Chronicles 20

New International Reader's Version

Joab Captures the City of Rabbah

20 In the spring, Joab led Israel’s army out. It was the time when kings march out to war. Joab destroyed the land of Ammon. He went to the city of Rabbah. He surrounded it and got ready to attack it. But David remained in Jerusalem. Later, Joab attacked Rabbah and completely destroyed it. ² David took the gold crown off the head of the king of Ammon. The crown weighed 75 pounds. It had jewels in it. It was placed on David’s head. He took a huge amount of goods from the city. ³ He brought out the people who were there. He made them work with saws and iron picks and axes. David did that to all the towns in Ammon. Then he and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.

Israel Goes to War Against the Philistines

⁴ War broke out at Gezer against the Philistines. At that time Sibbekai killed Sippai. So the Philistines were brought under Israel’s control. Sibbekai was a Hushathite. Sippai was from the family line of Rapha.

⁵ In another battle against the Philistines, Elhanan killed Lahmi. Elhanan was the son of Jair. Lahmi was the brother of Goliath. Goliath was from the city of Gath. Lahmi’s spear was as big as a weaver’s rod.

⁶ There was still another battle. It took place at Gath. A huge man lived there. He had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. So the total number of his toes and fingers was 24. He was also from the family line of Rapha. ⁷ He made fun of Israel. So Jonathan killed him. Jonathan was the son of David’s brother Shimea.

⁸ Those Philistine men lived in Gath. They were from the family line of Rapha. David and his men killed them.