Old Testament
1 Chronicles 20:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, David, the king of Israel, takes a significant trophy from his victory over the Ammonites.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
David took the crown from the head of the Ammonite king and found that it weighed a talent of gold and was set with precious stones. The crown was placed on David's head, and he carried off a massive amount of plunder from the city.
And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David’s head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, David, the king of Israel, takes a significant trophy from his victory over the Ammonites. The crown he seizes is not just a symbol of power; it weighs a talent of gold and is adorned with precious stones, showcasing its value. By placing the crown on his own head, David signifies his triumph and the transfer of authority. This act also represents the spoils of war, as he brings back a large amount of plunder from the city. The crown and the riches symbolize not only victory but also God's favor upon David. It’s a reminder that success often comes with tangible rewards, and that leadership carries both responsibility and honor. David's actions reflect the importance of recognizing and celebrating achievements, while also understanding the weight of leadership. This story encourages us to embrace our victories and the blessings that come with them, while remaining humble and grateful for the journey that brought us there. Each victory can be a stepping stone to greater things.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 20:2 to your life
When we achieve something significant, it's important to acknowledge our hard work and the support we've received. Celebrate your victories, but remember to stay humble. Use your successes to inspire others and to reflect on the journey that led you there. Every achievement is a chance to grow and give back to your community. Embrace the blessings that come your way with gratitude and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 20:2 mean?
1 Chronicles 20:2 describes David taking the crown from the defeated Ammonite king, symbolizing his victory and authority. The crown's weight and precious stones highlight its value, and David's act of wearing it signifies his triumph and the spoils of war.
What is the significance of the crown in 1 Chronicles 20:2?
The crown in 1 Chronicles 20:2 represents not only the power of the Ammonite king but also David's victory and legitimacy as a leader. Its weight and adornments emphasize the wealth and glory associated with kingship.
What does the phrase 'exceeding much spoil' mean in 1 Chronicles 20:2?
The phrase 'exceeding much spoil' refers to the large amount of plunder that David took from the city after his victory. This indicates the wealth and resources gained through military success.
What can we learn from David's actions in 1 Chronicles 20:2?
David's actions in 1 Chronicles 20:2 teach us about the importance of recognizing achievements and the responsibilities that come with leadership. It encourages us to celebrate victories while remaining humble and grateful.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Genealogies (Chs 1–9)
The record begins with the line from Adam to Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The descendants of Japheth are listed, followed by the descendants of Ham, which include Nimrod, a mighty one in the earth, and the ancestors of the Philistines. The line of Shem is traced down to Abram, who is Abraham. The sons of Abraham—Ishmael and Isaac—are named, along with the sons of Abraham’s concubine Keturah. The generations of Ishmael are listed, followed by the descendants of Isaac’s son Esau, including the dukes and early kings of Edom.
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