1 Chronicles 11:13
He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that the enemy's approach wasn't met with immediate panic, but with a calculated threat to a specific, valuable resource – the barley field. This detail reveals how wars aren't just about people and territory, but also about the very sustenance and livelihood of a community. The focus shifts from grand strategy to the very real fear of losing what keeps them alive.
This verse is part of a larger account detailing David's mighty warriors and their heroic deeds. Just before this, we hear about Eleazar, who stood his ground against the Philistines. This passage highlights Shammuah's courage in a moment of intense battle, where others were fleeing, showcasing his loyalty and bravery as a key part of David's army during a critical conflict.
Imagine this: the enemy is charging, and everyone else is running for their lives. What makes someone stand their ground?
This verse highlights Eleazar, one of David's mighty men, who stood his ground when panic set in. The scene is tense: the Philistines are ready for battle, and a field of barley, normally a sign of provision, becomes a place of retreat for the Israelite soldiers.
The Power of One
While the others fled from the Philistines, Eleazar's loyalty and courage didn't waver. His faithfulness in this perilous moment demonstrates a deep trust in God and commitment to his leader, David. It's a powerful reminder that even when the crowd scatters, one person's resolute stand can make a profound difference.
A field of ripe barley is usually a symbol of abundance and God's provision. So why did it become a place of escape?
The detail about the 'plot of ground full of barley' is fascinating. In ancient Israel, barley was a staple crop, representing sustenance and the blessings of God.
From Blessing to Battleground
However, in this context, the enemy's presence transforms the scene. The field, which should have been a source of security, becomes a point of vulnerability. The men fled from the Philistines, and the barley field was where this flight happened. It shows how easily our blessings can become the backdrop for fear and retreat when God is not our primary focus.
Understand the original words
Pelishti · Hebrew Proper Noun
An ancient, nomadic people group who were frequent adversaries of Israel. In the Bible, they represent the constant spiritual and physical opposition that the people of God faced in the Promised Land.
This event highlights the constant danger Israel faced from the Philistines during David's rise to power, underscoring the courage of David's warriors like Eleazar in critical moments of battle.
c. 1000 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David as king over Israel, but Saul remains on the throne, leading to a period of conflict and David living as a fugitive.
c. 1000 BC
Philistines Possess Land
The Philistines, a seafaring people from the Aegean, have become a major threat to Israel, often controlling key territories and engaging in frequent warfare.
c. 1000 BC
David Reigns in Hebron
After Saul's death, David is first made king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, consolidating his power base while the rest of Israel remains divided.
c. 1000 BC
David Crowned King Over All Israel
The elders of Israel come to David in Hebron and anoint him king over the entire united nation, marking the beginning of his reign over all twelve tribes.
c. 1000 BC
This passage tells the same story about Eleazar, highlighting his valiant stand for David when the Philistines attacked, emphasizing the bravery displayed in the face of overwhelming odds.
1 Chronicles 11:10This verse immediately precedes the one you provided and introduces the mighty warrior Eleazar, setting the stage for his courageous actions described in verse 13.
1 Samuel 17:10This passage shows another instance where the Philistines threatened Israel with a massive army, mirroring the tension and danger present when David's men faced them at Pas-dammim.
Joshua 1:9This verse speaks of being strong and courageous, echoing the spirit of Eleazar who stood firm when others fled, demonstrating that God is with those who are brave in His service.
It's easy to overlook that the enemy's approach wasn't met with immediate panic, but with a calculated threat to a specific, valuable resource – the barley field. This detail reveals how wars aren't just about people and territory, but also about the very sustenance and livelihood of a community. The focus shifts from grand strategy to the very real fear of losing what keeps them alive.
This verse is part of a larger account detailing David's mighty warriors and their heroic deeds. Just before this, we hear about Eleazar, who stood his ground against the Philistines. This passage highlights Shammuah's courage in a moment of intense battle, where others were fleeing, showcasing his loyalty and bravery as a key part of David's army during a critical conflict.
This verse is part of a larger account detailing David's mighty warriors and their heroic deeds. Just before this, we hear about Eleazar, who stood his ground against the Philistines. This passage highlights Shammuah's courage in a moment of intense battle, where others were fleeing, showcasing his loyalty and bravery as a key part of David's army during a critical conflict.
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Philistines Gather at Pas-dammim
The Philistine army masses in the valley of Pas-dammim (also known as Ephes-dammim), a strategic location between their territory and the Israelite stronghold of Socoh.
c. 1000 BC
David's Mighty Men
David's elite warriors, known for their incredible bravery and skill, are identified. Eleazar, one of these men, distinguishes himself in the battle described in this passage.
"He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines." — It's easy to overlook that the enemy's approach wasn't met with immediate panic, but with a calculated threat to a specific, valuable resource – the barley field. This detail reveals how wars aren't…
