I Chronicles 12: Mighty Warriors Rally to David

I Chronicles 12 Scripture
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1

Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.

2

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.

3

The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,

4

And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,

5

Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

6

Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,

7

And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

8

And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

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, Machbanai the eleventh.

14

These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

15

These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

16

And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.

17

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.

18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

19

And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.

20

As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.

21

And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

22

For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.

23

And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord.

24

The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.

25

Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.

26

Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.

27

And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;

28

And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father’s house twenty and two captains.

29

And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

30

And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.

31

And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

32

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

33

Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.

34

And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.

35

And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

36

And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.

37

And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

39

And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.

40

Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.

I Chronicles 12 Commentary
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I Chronicles 12 details a pivotal moment in David's journey to kingship, showcasing the diverse and formidable warriors who rallied to his side while he was still in exile, hiding from Saul. This chapter is a testament to God's hand at work, drawing together a united force ready to establish David as the rightful king. It's also a powerful illustration of discernment, loyalty, and the importance of understanding the times.

Divine Revelation and Unwavering Allegiance (I Chronicles 12:1-22)

Even while David was in the desert stronghold, banned from Saul's presence (I Chronicles 12:1, 8, 16), his reputation and God's favor preceded him. Amasai, chief of the Thirty, exemplifies this. So convinced was he that God was with David, that he and his men pledged their loyalty (I Chronicles 12:18). How did Amasai gain such insight? The text suggests a direct revelation, the Spirit enveloping him with the assurance that David was God's chosen leader. This divine confirmation transformed a small band of warriors into a formidable force, reflecting the army of God (I Chronicles 12:22).

A Diverse Army United in Purpose (I Chronicles 12:23-40)

While chapter 11 highlighted mighty men primarily from David's tribe of Judah, I Chronicles 12 reveals a broader coalition. Fighting men from various Israelite tribes, including Benjamin, Gad, and Manasseh, came to serve David. This highlights the widespread recognition of David's divinely appointed role, transcending tribal affiliations.

Among these, the Issacharites stand out for their unique gift: they "understood the times and knew what Israel should do" (I Chronicles 12:32). This reveals that somebody raised these men to be observant of the times, and to be ready to serve God. They were ready to serve. This implies a deep understanding of God's will and its application to the specific circumstances of the nation. They serve as a powerful example of living a life fully submitted to God's kingdom purposes.

Parents, take note! We must teach our children to be observant about the dangerous times we live in and to follow God’s path of wisdom. May we raise up followers of Christ of whom it is one day said, “They understood the times and knew what the church should do.”

The chronicler emphasizes the unity of purpose that bound these diverse warriors together: to make David king (I Chronicles 12:38). Just as a football team with diverse roles becomes a unified force when pursuing a common goal, so God's people are truly united when His kingdom purposes become theirs. True unity, as the apostle Paul affirms, is a spiritual issue (Ephesians 4:3).

Understanding the Significance for Today

I Chronicles 12 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment is crucial: Like the Issacharites, we must cultivate discernment to understand the times and know how to respond according to God's will.
  • Loyalty to God's chosen leaders: Recognizing and supporting those whom God has raised up for leadership is essential for advancing His kingdom.
  • Unity in purpose: Overcoming divisions and uniting around God's purposes is vital for effective service and witness.
  • God uses diverse gifts: Just as warriors from different tribes brought unique skills and strengths to David's army, God uses the diverse gifts and talents of believers to accomplish His purposes in the world.

I Chronicles 12 serves as a powerful reminder that God is always at work, raising up individuals and uniting them for His glory. By learning from the example of these mighty warriors, we can be better equipped to serve God faithfully in our own generation.