1 Chronicles 12
This chapter details the growing support for David as he becomes king, focusing on the warriors who joined him from different tribes of Israel. These mighty men recognized David’s God-given role and rallied to his cause, bringing a variety of skills and military experience. The chapter highlights how God continued to establish David’s leadership through the unity of Israel's tribes.
1 Chronicles 12:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war,
2 armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows with the bow. They were of Benjamin, Saul’s brethren.
3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berachah, and Jehu the Anathothite;
4 Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty and over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;
5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;
These verses describe the first group of warriors who joined David while he was in Ziklag, still fleeing from King Saul. Even though they were from Saul’s tribe of Benjamin, they recognized God’s favor on David. Their skills in archery and stone-slinging were critical for warfare, showing they were seasoned fighters. This shows the growing recognition of David’s leadership across tribal boundaries, as even Saul’s own relatives began to rally to him.
1 Chronicles 12:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Elkanah, Jisshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
7 and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
These verses continue listing the names of the brave warriors from various families. It highlights how support for David came from many clans, including the Korahites, who were descendants of the Levites. Their involvement indicates that David’s cause was gaining momentum, not just among military fighters but also those associated with worship and spiritual service.
1 Chronicles 12:8 (NKJV)
8 Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains.
This verse introduces a group of warriors from the tribe of Gad, who joined David in the wilderness. These men were described as fierce and swift, with lion-like courage and speed that resembled gazelles. Their exceptional skills with the shield and spear made them formidable in battle, further strengthening David’s forces. The description emphasizes their bravery and prowess, contributing to David’s rise as a leader.
1 Chronicles 12:9-13 (NKJV)
9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
13 Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbanai the eleventh.
These verses provide the names of eleven Gadite warriors, each considered elite fighters. Their inclusion in the narrative demonstrates how David’s army was not just growing in numbers but also in quality, as men of great skill and valor were joining him. This gathering of mighty men from various tribes was a significant step toward uniting the kingdom under David.
1 Chronicles 12:14-15 (NKJV)
14 These were from the sons of Gad, captains of the army; the least was over a hundred, and the greatest was over a thousand.
15 These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
These Gadite captains held significant positions in David’s army. Even the least of them commanded 100 men, while the greatest commanded over 1,000. Their military prowess was evident in their ability to cross the flooded Jordan River and defeat enemies on both sides. This further highlights their courage, strength, and commitment to David’s cause despite the challenges they faced.
1 Chronicles 12:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Then some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold.
17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, “If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment.”
18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said:
“We are yours, O David;
We are on your side, O son of Jesse!
Peace, peace to you,
And peace to your helpers!
For your God helps you.”
So David received them, and made them captains of the troop.
Men from Benjamin and Judah came to join David, but he cautiously questioned their motives, seeking assurance that they came in peace. Amasai, moved by the Spirit, assured David of their loyalty. His declaration of peace and support, acknowledging that God was with David, affirmed their commitment. David welcomed them and gave them leadership roles in his army. This event shows David’s wisdom in discerning true allies and God’s continued guidance in building his kingdom.
1 Chronicles 12:19-22 (NKJV)
19 And some from Manasseh defected to David when he was going with the Philistines to battle against Saul. (But they did not help them, for the lords of the Philistines sent him away by agreement, saying, “He may defect to his master Saul and endanger our heads.”)
20 When he went to Ziklag, those of Manasseh who defected to him were Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of the thousands who were from Manasseh.
21 And they helped David against the bands of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and they were captains in the army.
22 For at that time they came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like the army of God.
Some from the tribe of Manasseh defected to David while he was with the Philistines, though he did not fight against Israel. These men from Manasseh helped David fight off raiders and were noted for their valor and leadership. David’s forces were steadily growing day by day until his army was described as being as great as God’s army, symbolizing divine favor and strength in his leadership.
1 Chronicles 12:23-27 (NKJV)
23 Now these were the numbers of the divisions that were equipped for war, and came to David at Hebron to turn over the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord:
24 of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred armed for war;
25 of the sons of Simeon, mighty men of valor fit for war, seven thousand one hundred;
26 of the sons of Levi four thousand six hundred;
27 Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites, and with him three thousand seven hundred.
These verses begin to detail the vast numbers of warriors from different tribes who came to David at Hebron to help him become king, fulfilling God’s word. The tribe of Judah, being David’s own tribe, contributed a large number of soldiers. The tribes of Simeon and Levi also provided thousands of men, reflecting their readiness to support David’s kingship. This gathering represented the unity of Israel’s tribes in transitioning from Saul’s rule to David’s reign.
1 Chronicles 12:28-32 (NKJV)
28 Zadok, a young man, a valiant warrior, and from his father’s house twenty-two captains;
29 of the sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul, three thousand (until then the greatest part of them had remained loyal to the house of Saul);
30 of the sons of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men throughout their father’s house;
31 of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king;
32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.
These verses show the tribes’ growing support for David, including significant contributions from Saul’s own tribe of Benjamin. Ephraim and Manasseh, northern tribes, sent many valiant men, while the sons of Issachar were noted for their wisdom and discernment, knowing the right course of action for Israel. Each tribe contributed leaders and fighters, demonstrating the national recognition of David’s rightful kingship.
1 Chronicles 12:33-37 (NKJV)
33 of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks;
34 of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear;
35 of the Danites who could keep battle formation, twenty-eight thousand six hundred;
36 of Asher, those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation, forty thousand;
37 of the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh from the other side of the Jordan, one hundred and twenty thousand armed for battle with every kind of weapon of war.
These verses provide numbers for the tribes of Zebulun, Naphtali, Dan, Asher, and the trans-Jordan tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. The large numbers reflect the unity and strength of Israel’s support for David. Each group brought warriors skilled in different weapons, emphasizing their preparedness for battle. This formidable force was united behind David, showing God’s hand in establishing his rule over all of Israel.
1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (NKJV)
38 All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king.
39 And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them.
40 Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen—provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel.
These closing verses show the unity of Israel in supporting David as king. The warriors who came to Hebron were of one mind and heart to make him king over all Israel. For three days, they celebrated together, feasting on food brought by their fellow Israelites. This joy and unity were a testament to God’s will being fulfilled as David was anointed king, symbolizing a new era of leadership for Israel.