1 Chronicles 5:20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were deliuered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battell, and he was intreated of them, because they put their trust in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20 (KJV)

Historical Context: 1 Chronicles provides a historical account of Israel’s genealogies and events. Chapter 5 concentrates on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half‑tribe of Manasseh, who settled east of the Jordan River and faced neighboring peoples such as the Hagarites (also called Hagrites). Verses 18‑20 record that the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half‑tribe of Manasseh fought the Hagarites, together with the groups Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. The narrative describes the Israelites’ military actions, their defeat of the Hagarites, and the capture of spoil, while also noting that the people cried out to God during the battle.

Trusting in God’s Deliverance: The passage emphasizes that the Israelites’ trust in God led to divine assistance. As they cried to God and placed their confidence in Him, He heard their prayers and intervened, granting them victory and delivering the Hagarites into their hands. This outcome reflects the broader theological theme in 1 Chronicles that God favors those who remain faithful, supporting them in conflict and rewarding their reliance on Him.

The Importance of Prayer: Although the specific verses do not detail a prayer response, the Israelites’ cry to God illustrates the biblical principle that God listens to the pleas of His people. The broader scriptural witness affirms that sincere petitions invoke God’s attention and can result in deliverance. Prayer therefore remains an essential means of communicating with God, seeking guidance, strength, and rescue.

Application for Believers Today: The combined account encourages believers to trust in God amid difficult circumstances, whether confronting physical adversaries or spiritual struggles. When challenges arise, the faithful are urged to turn to God in earnest prayer, confident that He hears and can act on behalf of those who place their confidence in Him. This passage reassures us that divine help is available to those who earnestly seek it and remain steadfast in faith.