These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to Yahweh’s word.
Parallel Translations
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These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to Yahweh’s word.
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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.
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(12-24) And these are the numbers of the heads of them that were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
Cross-references (10)
Passages linked to 1 Chronicles 12:23 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 2 Samuel 2:3-4 David brought up his men who were with him, every man with his household. They lived in the cities of Hebron. The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.”
- 1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to Yahweh’s word concerning Israel.
- 1 Samuel 16:1 Yahweh said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided a king for myself among his sons.”
- 1 Samuel 16:3 Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. You shall anoint to me him whom I name to you.”
- Psalms 89:19-20 Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people. I have found David, my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil,
- 1 Samuel 16:12-13 He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. Yahweh said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the middle of his brothers. Then Yahweh’s Spirit came mightily on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
- 2 Samuel 3:18 Now then do it; for Yahweh has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’ ”
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and spoke, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. Yahweh said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’ ” So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed David king over Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 10:14–11:3 and didn’t inquire of Yahweh. Therefore he killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. Yahweh your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’ ” So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to Yahweh’s word by Samuel.
- Psalms 2:6 “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
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John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 1Ch 12:23 And these [are] the numbers of the…
1Ch 12:23 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.
Ver. 23. And came to David to Hebron.] Seven years after Saul’s death. They should have come sooner; but better late than never. Nunquam sero, si serio.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Whereby he had settled the crown upon David after…
Whereby he had settled the crown upon David after Saul’s death.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain We have here an account of those who were…
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting the settlement of David upon the throne, after the death of Ishbosheth. We read (Ch1 11:1, and before Sa2 5:1) that all the tribes of Israel came, either themselves or by their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king; now here we have an account of the quota which every tribe brought in ready armed to the war, in case there should be any opposition, Ch1 12:23. We may observe here,
I. That those tribes that lived nearest brought the fewest - Judah but 6800 (Ch1 12:24), Simeon but 7100 (Ch1 12:25); whereas Zebulun, that lay remote, brought 50,000, Asher 40,000, and the two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan 120,000. Not as if the next adjacent tribes were cold in the cause; but they showed as much of their prudence in bringing few, since all the rest lay so near within call, as the others did of their zeal in bringing so many. The men of Judah had enough to do to entertain those that came from afar.
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II. The Levites themselves, and the priests (called here the Aaronites), appeared very hearty in this cause, and were ready, if there were occasion, to fight for David, as well as pray for him, because they knew he was called of God to the government, Ch1 12:26-28.
III. Even some of the kindred of Saul came over to David (Ch1 12:29), not so many as of the other tribes, because a foolish affection for their own tribe, and a jealousy for the honour of it, kept many of them long in the sinking interest of Saul's family. Kindred should never over-rule conscience. Call no man Father to this extent, but God only.
IV. It is said of most of these that they were mighty men of valour (Ch1 12:25, Ch1 12:28, Ch1 12:30), of others that they were expert in war (Ch1 12:35, Ch1 12:36), and of them all that they could keep rank, Ch1 12:38. They had a great deal of martial fire, and yet were governable and subject to the rules of order - warm hearts but cool heads.
V. Some were so considerate as to bring with them arms, and all instruments for war (Ch1 12:24, Ch1 12:33, Ch1 12:37), for how could they think that David should be able to furnish them?
VI. The men of Issachar were the fewest af all, only 200, and yet as serviceable to David's interest as those that brought in the greatest numbers, these few being in effect the whole tribe. For, 1. They were men of great skill above any of their neighbours, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. They understood the natural times, could discern the face of the sky, were weather-wise, could advise their neighbours in the proper times for ploughing, sowing reaping, etc. Or the ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore they are said to call the people to the mountain (Deu 33:19), for almanacs were not then so common as now. Or, rather, the political times; they understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. It is the periphrasis of statesmen that they know the times, Esth. 1. 13. Those of that tribe were greatly intent on public affairs, had good intelligence from abroad and made a good use of it. They knew what Israel ought to do: from their observation and experience they learned both their own and others' duty and interest. In this critical juncture they knew Israel ought to make David king. It was not only expedient, but necessary; the present posture of affairs called for it. The men of Issachar dealt mostly in country business, and did not much intermeddle in public affairs, which gave them an opportunity of observing others and conversing with themselves. A stander-by sees sometimes more than a gamester. 2. They were men of great interests; for all their brethren were at their commandment. The commonality of that tribe having bowed their shoulder to bear (Gen 49:15), the great men had them at their beck. Hence we read of the princes of Issachar, Jdg 5:15. They knew how to rule, and the rest knew how to obey. It is happy indeed when those that should lead are intelligent and judicious, and those who are to follow are modest and obsequious.
VII. It is said of them all that they engaged in this enterprise with a perfect heart (Ch1 12:38), and particularly of the men of Zebulun that they were not of double heart, Ch1 12:33. They were, in this matter, Israelites indeed, in whom was no guile. And this was their perfection, that they were of one heart, Ch1 12:38. None had any separate interests, but all for the public good.
VIII. The men of Judah, and others of the adjacent tribes, prepared for the victualling of their respective camps when they came to Hebron, Ch1 12:39, Ch1 12:40. Those that were at the least pains in travelling to this convention, or congress of states, thought themselves obliged to be at so much the more charge in entertaining the rest, that there might be something of an equality. A noble feast was made (was made for laughter, Ecc 10:19) upon this occasion, for there was joy in Israel, Ch1 12:40. And good reason; for when the righteous bear rule the city rejoices. Thus, when the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul: and provision is made for the feasting of it, not as here for two or three days, but for the whole life, nay, for eternity.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Moreover, they that were nigh,.... To Hebron, or bordered…
Moreover, they that were nigh,.... To Hebron, or bordered on the tribe of Judah:
even unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali; as far as to those tribes, and including them:
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brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules; all which were creatures used to carry burdens:
and on oxen; who, though commonly employed in ploughing, yet, on this occasion, might be made use of either in drawing wagons laden with provisions, such as follow, or in carrying loads on their backs; though, as Tully (g) observes, their backs show they were not formed to receive and carry burdens:
and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly, that is, food made of flour, pastries, besides bread, before mentioned, with dried figs, pressed and made into cakes, and clusters of grapes dried, and of liquids, wine and oil, which make cheerful, and beef and mutton in great plenty:
for there was joy in Israel; that their civil wars were ended; that they were united into one kingdom again; and had a king over them according to their hearts' desire, the darling of the people, of whom they had raised expectations; being a valiant, prudent, and good man, who studied the good both of church and state, and, above all, was one of God's choosing, appointing, and anointing: greater joy there will be, when David's son and antitype, Zion's King, reigns, when he shall be King over all the earth, and there will be one Lord, and his name one, Psa 97:1.
(g) De Natura Deorum, l. 2. prope finem.
Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 13
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Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 23. And came to David to Hebron] That…
Verse 23. And came to David to Hebron] That is, after the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. See 2Sa 4:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain 1Ch 12:23-24. According to the word of the Lord…
1Ch 12:23-24. According to the word of the Lord — Whereby he had settled the crown on David after Saul’s death. Six thousand, &c. — Who came hither in the name of their brethren: for that whole tribe adhered to David.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Rather, “These are the numbers of the men, ready…
Rather, “These are the numbers of the men, ready equipped for the host, that came to David, etc.”
In the list which follows such points as
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(1) The large mumber sent by the trans-Jordanic tribes;
(2) The large numbers from Zebulon, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, all tribes somewhat remote, and generally speaking undistinguished;
(3) The small size of the contingent from Judah, which is generally represented as numerically superior to every other tribe, and which might have been expected to be especially zealous on behalf of its own prince and tribesman; throw some doubt upon the numbers, which may be suspected of having in some instances undergone corruption.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain THE ARMIES THAT CAME TO HIM AT HEBRON. (1Ch.…
THE ARMIES THAT CAME TO HIM AT HEBRON. (1Ch. 12:23-40)
these are the numbers of the bands . . . that came to David to Hebron--after the death of Ish-bosheth (see on Sa2 5:1).
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to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord-- (Ch1 10:14; Ch1 11:3, Ch1 11:10). The account commences with the southern tribes, Levi being associated with Judah and Simeon, as the great majority of the leading men in this tribe resided in Judah; and, after recounting the representatives of the northern tribes, it concludes with those on the east of Jordan.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL…
LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 1Ch_12:23-40.
This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1Ch_11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.
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23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ראשׂי) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Jdg_7:16; Jdg_7:20; Jdg_9:34; 1Sa_11:11.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 23–40 (cp. 2Sa_5:1). The Forces which came to Hebron…
23–40 (cp. 2Sa_5:1). The Forces which came to Hebron to make David King
23. of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came] R.V. of the heads of them that were armet for war, which came (“heads” = “persons”).
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain II. THE NUMBER OF THE WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID…
II. THE NUMBER OF THE WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING IN HEBRON AFTER SAUL’S DEATH (1Ch_12:23-40).
(23) And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war.—Literally, And these are the numbers of the heads of the equipped for warfare. “Heads” may mean (1) polls, or individuals, as in Jdg_5:30, though “skull” (gulgôleth) is more usual in this sense; or (2) it may mean “totals,” “bands,” as in Jdg_7:16. The latter seems preferable here. The Vulg. and LXX. render “chiefs of the army”; but no chiefs are named in the list, except those of the Aaronites (1Ch_12:27-28); and we cannot suppose, on the strength of a single ambiguous term in the heading, that the character of the entire list has been altered by the chronicler. The Syriac version omits the whole verse.
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And came to David.—“And” is wanting in the Heb. “They came to David at Hebron,” &c., is a parenthesis, unless the relative has fallen out.
To turn the kingdom.—Literally, to bring it round out of the direct line of natural heredity (1Ch_10:14).
According to the word.—Literally, mouth (1Ch_11:3; 1Ch_11:10). What Jehovah had spoken by Samuel was virtually the word of his own mouth.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain The bands; rather, the chief men, or captains, by…
The bands; rather, the chief men, or captains, by one or the other of which words this same term has been several times hitherto rendered in the immediate context (yet see Jud_1:9:37, 44, and 5:30 for yet a third signification). There follow (vers. 24-37) the numbers of each tribe (the full thirteen being enumerated) who "came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel." The large numbers of some of the joyful pilgrims to Hebron, as for instance of the trans-Jordanic tribes, the very small number that came of the tribe of Judah (in fact, lowest but one, i.e. Benjamin, and yet nearest home), and of some others, help to invest with doubt the numerals of this passage, although it is not at all difficult to suggest some very passable explanations of these phenomena. This doubt is not lessened by the total, which, according to this list, must make a figure between three hundred and forty thousand and three hundred and fifty thousand men. To the host have to be added, as we are expressly told, the "asses, camels, mules, and oxen," which carried the "bread, meat, meal, cakes of figs and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep in abundance," for the consumption of the host during their "three days" "stay "with David," and their journeys to and fro. In the presence of such numbers, and the celebration of such an occasion, Hebron must indeed have beheld the reflection of its own probable meaning, of the "fellowship" or "community" of society. To turn the kingdom of Saul to him. (so 1Ch_10:14) The phrase is not a common one. According to the word of the Lord (so 1Ch_11:3; 1Sa_16:1, 1Sa_16:12, 1Sa_16:13)
Vers. 23-31, 33-40.
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Joy in (the) Israel (of God).
A right joyous scene was that described in the concluding verses of this chapter, Never, probably, in the three and thirty years of his subsequent life did David sit down to his table in the royal palace at Jerusalem with so much gladness of heart as he did this day at Hebron. Never, probably, did the thousands of Israel gather at such a jubilant assembly as when they met "to make David king," and were with him "three days eating and drinking" (vers. 38, 39). The event justified their joy. They had every promise of national peace, prosperity, security. They were on the eve of a new era, in which their race would take a position and enjoy a heritage to which it had long looked forward, which had been long delayed, but which should now meet and crown their brightest hopes. They had four elements of strength; four sources, therefore, of satisfaction.
1. Large numbers. (Vers. 24-37.) "Six thousand eight hundred; seven thousand one hundred," etc. in all more than three hundred and thirty thousand.
2. Discipline and equipment. The bands were "ready armed" (vers. 23, 24, 37, 38); many were "mighty men of valour" (ver. 30); many were "expert in war" (vers. 33, 35, 36).
3. Enthusiasm. "They were not of double heart;" they were undivided, single- minded, thorough (vers. 33, 38).
4. Wisdom. For they were doing the right thing for their country"s we] fare; they were acting "according to the word of the Lord" (ver. 23). Here was the strongest of all reasons for congratulation and joy, the surest pledge of national prosperity. That there may be "joy in the Israel of God," in the Christian Church, that there may be a sense of assured victory and of security, there need be these four elements of strength; they are all of value, though not of equal worth.
I THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS IN THE CAUSE OF CHRIST. A great multitude of men may be of very little account; a miscellaneous assembly is not an army. Nevertheless, it is better that the people of the Lord should be counted by thousands rather than by hundreds. There is more heart to praise God when the church is filled than when it is scantily attended. Many labourers are better than few in the harvest-field of Christian toil. (Mat_9:37, Mat_9:38)
II THERE IS GREATER STRENGTH IN DISCIPLINE AND CONSEQUENT PREPAREDNESS. Ten men well armed and "expert in war" will do more than ten times their number unarmed or ill armed and without knowledge of the way to strike; this is true in moral as well as in material contests, in Christian effort as well as in the "science of war." Christ has need, not only of those who, untrained, do the best they can at the moment, but of those also who, by careful discipline of mind and heart, have "bought up the opportunity," and can do well can speak nobly, can devise skilfully, can execute admirably in the day of conflict.
III THERE IS EQUAL STRENGTH IN ENTHUSIASM. Not to "have a heart and a heart" (ver. 33, margin), but to be of one undivided mind, one fixed, ardent, resolute soul; to be fired by an earnest purpose; to be eager for the work; to be inspired by an impelling, exalting devotion to the great King; this is the source of power; this will carry everything before it. And yet is there one other element of more essential moment still.
IV THE GREATEST SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND SECURITY IS IN A WISE OBEDIENCE, Everything will fail, however large the number, careful the culture, fervent the spirit, if there be not the "doing of the will of the Father who is in heaven if the commandment of Christ be disregarded. "Should it be according to his mind," it will be well; otherwise the brightest hopes will disappear in the darkness. In all our projects, methods, enterprises for the extension of his kingdom, we must proceed "according to the Word of the Lord" (ver. 23). Then will the issue be like that at Hebron on this gladsome occasion. We do not feast now as then, "three days eating and drinking," but we have, or may have, our joyous times, when the work and the will of the Lord are done, when a sense of unity and security is in the soul, and we look forward to a bright and victorious future in the service of the Son of David. C.
Vers. 23-40.
David"s mighty men: description and character.
What is the character of these followers of David? Are they mere followers? Nay, in very deed they are soldiers, warriors to the very death. They fight David"s battles. They stand in the breach, in the forefront. They "loved not their lives to the death," "warring a good warfare" in the service of him who loved them and attachment to whom has drawn them out. Mark their character: "men of valour;" "ready armed;" "expert in war;" "famous in the house of their fathers;" not double-hearted;" of "one heart;" of "perfect heart;" men who could "keep rank;" who could use "all instruments of war;" who "could use both hands;" who were "swift as roes; "who had "faces like lions;" and "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." Blessed and noble warriors gathered round the exiled David! No wonder it is called "a great host, like the host of God. " It is such the true David seeks now. These are the men who do honour to our exiled "King of kings and Lord of lords." These are they who shall reign in glory with him ere long. They are men who sit not down at ease because they are just saved from hell. They do not make salvation from everlasting death their end, but their beginning their motive, their power, their strength for the fight. They know what the Spirit meant when he said, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne." Thank God, we have such men in the Church now, though very few. Reader, are you one of them? Oh, rest not satisfied with being just saved! Aim at these features. Be not of "double heart." Aim at "one-heartedness at a perfect heart. Be "ready armed." Be able to "keep rank," to walkwith those who walk with God. Use "both hands every affection, every desire, every aim, every pound. Let everything, little and great, in your hourly history be consecrated to God. Have a "face like a lion" against all evil, and stand up for Christ. Be as "swift as a roe" for everything that concerns your Saviour"s glory and the blessing of others. "Run swiftly" the race set before you, "looking unto Jesus." And ask God that, when the Church is trembling, and truth is failing, and hearts on all sides are quaking, and the true Israel of God knoweth not what to do, you may have "understanding of the times, to know what you ought to do. W. Vers. 23-40.
The hearts of all men are in God"s hands.
When the proper time came for the promise made to David to be fulfilled, no efforts were needed to secure the throne. One difficulty after another faded away. One section after another of the people came to offer their allegiance. And the signs of God"s gracious moving of men"s hearts towards David in due time were seen, in the devotion of themselves and their wealth and property to his service. The men of might came, and offered him their weapons, their skill, and their lives. The men of understanding came, and offered him their counsel and powers of rule and magistracy. The men of wealth came, and offered abundant provisions for the host thus gathering round David (ver. 40). Compare the consecration of property in the early Pentecostal days. Often in life we are made to feel that the circumstances of life are in God"s hands, and we recognize his wonder-working in the removal of our difficulties and the opening of our path; but even when we seem to be hindered by the action of our fellowmen, we do not see that their hearts are in God"s hands, and that, in answer to our prayer and in fulfilment of his purposes, he can move men"s feelings and sway them as he may please. Yet this is the fuller and truer view of life; until we can worthily realize this we do not truly say, "Our times are in thy hands." "He maketh the wrath of man praise him, and the remainder of wrath he can restrain.
I A MAN"S HEART CONTROLS HIS USE OF HIS THINGS. TO the Divine view, "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." By the term "heart" is included a man"s plans, purposes, and feelings. It may stand for his disposition. Then illustrate how all conduct, relations, and uses of property, etc., are toned by the heart of the covetous, the selfish, the prejudiced, the envious, the suspicious, or the unforgiving man. It is hopeless work to try and change the fixed habits of any man"s life. Our hope lies in change of heart, and that will ensure the needed change in the outward relations. Therefore our Lord proposes, in his redemptive work, to recover and set fight the very heart of men. His law is thus expressed: "Ye must be born again.
II A MAN"S HEART IS OPEN TO DIVINE INFLUENCES. We often feel how difficult it is, as we say, to get at a man. Do what we will, we seem to be outride him. Now, the heart is just the sphere that is always open to Divine influence. It may please God to withdraw and hold himself aloof from a man; but if he pleases to enter, no man can shut his heart"s door against him. He may enter for conviction and for judgment, as well as for persuasion and guidance. If men"s attitude towards us is a cause of trouble, we may be comforted by the assurance that the Master of all human hearts, who is our God, permits it only as long as he pleases, and will change it when he thinks best. With this assurance, no wrong-doing of our fellow-men need unduly distress us.
III A MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DEALING WITH GOD"S INWARD LEADINGS. This, indeed, is his deepest responsibility. He has an inward voice; he is hound to heed it above all. He has Divine impulses; does he crush them or follow them? Heart-hardening chiefly comes in one way, by resisting the Divine lead; or, in New Testament phraseology, "quenching the Spirit;" "resisting the Holy ("host." Divine impulses may be
(1) resisted;
(2) covered over with self-interests;
(3) neglected; or
(4) watched for; and
(5) followed.
IV HEART-IMPULSES, DULY FOLLOWED, FIND EXPRESSION IN CONDUCT; as all these men came, bringing themselves and all they had to David, when they were under Divine constrainings. So we shall be ready to give self and wealth to all holy uses, if we are inwardly moved of God. Illustrate from the Lord Jesus: "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." St. Paul"s "The love of Christ constraineth us." Learn what is the sphere of our prayer for others viz, that God would move their hearts; and what is our hope in doing Christian work, it is "touched hearts. R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain The Companies that Came to David at Hebron
The Companies that Came to David at Hebron
v. 23. And these are the numbers of the bands, the sums or masses of the warriors armed for military service, that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, after the seven and a half years of his rule in that capital, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord.
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v. 24. The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war, both fully equipped and properly trained.
v. 25. of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.
v. 26. of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.
v. 27. And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, not the high priest, but the chief of their warriors, probably the father of Benaiah, 1Ch 11:22; and with him were three thousand and seven hundred.
v. 28. And Zadok, a young man mighty of valor, 2Sa 8:17, probably the same man whom Solomon afterward made high priest, 1Ki 2:26, and of his father’s house twenty and two captains.
v. 29. And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand, for many members of this tribe were still anxious to have the crown remain in the family of Saul; for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
v. 30. And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous throughout the house of their fathers; they were distinguished in general, in their father-houses, for their warlike bravery.
v. 31. And of the half-tribe of Manasseh, the western half, eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
v. 32. And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do, eminent for their knowledge of astronomical and physical science. The heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. So the learned classes of the nation also declared in favor of David.
v. 33. of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, disciplined in keeping rank, having enjoyed more military drill than the average tribe of the nation, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank, execute all maneuvers according to military lore; they were not of double heart, they were not double-minded, but gave their undivided allegiance to David.
v. 34. And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
v. 35. And of the Danites, expert in war, twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.
v. 36. And of Asher such as went forth to battle, expert in war, well acquainted with military drill, forty thousand.
v. 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, fully fitted out with the usual equipment of soldiers, an hundred and twenty thousand.
v. 38. All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, their minds fully made up in favor of David, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king, the desire was unanimous.
v. 39. And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brethren had prepared for them, the festivities were distinguished by liberality and magnificence, as befitted the occasion, for some 339,000 men, with 1,222 chiefs and heads, were entertained.
v. 40. Moreover, they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, the northern parts of the country west of Jordan, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, these two fruits in the dried form, and pressed into cakes, being considered dainty additions to the average meal, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly; for there was joy in Israel. Festivities also on a large scale, if conducted in the fear of the Lord, meet with His approval, while a morbid asceticism does not please Him.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 General Information:
General Information:
This begins the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)
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to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him
The men making David king in place of Saul is spoken of as if they gave possession of Saul's kingdom to David. AT: "to make David king in place of Saul" (See: Metaphor)
carried out Yahweh's word
"made Yahweh's word true" or "fulfilled Yahweh's word"
6,800, armed for war
"six thousand eight hundred, armed for war" (See: Numbers)
From the Simeonites
"From Simeon" or "From the tribe of Simeon"
7,100 fighting men
"seven thousand one hundred fighting men" (See: Numbers)
translationWords
David
Hebron
kingdom
word of God
Judah
shield
spear
Simeon
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 12:23-40 The succession of a king was often a…
12:23-40 The succession of a king was often a contentious matter, particularly when the new king represented a different family lineage. The gathering of all twelve tribes at Hebron, including some of Saul’s relatives (12:29), to confirm David’s rule showed that the animosity of the war among different tribes following Saul’s death had been overcome (12:23-37). The Chronicler stresses the unity among the tribes with the declaration that they all, without reservation, had the single purpose of making David the king over all Israel (12:38).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.