All these were men of war, who could order the battle array, and 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. They were there with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brothers had supplied provisions for them. Moreover those who were near to them, as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, on camels, on mules, and on oxen: supplies of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel.
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1 Chronicles 12:38-40 sits inside this longer paragraph.
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. The children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand eight hundred, armed for war. Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war: seven thousand one hundred. Of the children of Levi: four thousand six hundred. Jehoiada was the leader of the household of Aaron; and with him were three thousand seven hundred, and Zadok, a young man mighty of valor, and of his father’s house twenty-two captains. Of the children of Benjamin, Saul’s relatives: three thousand, for until then, the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to Saul’s house. Of the children of Ephraim: twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers’ houses. Of the half-tribe of Manasseh: eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name, to come and make David king. Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their command. Of Zebulun, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all kinds of instruments of war: fifty thousand who could command and were not of double heart. Of Naphtali: one thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty-seven thousand. Of the Danites who could set the battle in array: twenty-eight thousand six hundred. Of Asher, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array: forty thousand. On the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and of the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all kinds of instruments of war for the battle: one hundred twenty thousand. All these were men of war, who could order the battle array, and 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. They were there with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brothers had supplied provisions for them. Moreover those who were near to them, as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, on camels, on mules, and on oxen: supplies of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel.
Parallel Translations
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All these were men of war, who could order the battle array, and 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.
They were there with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brothers had supplied provisions for them.
Moreover those who were near to them, as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, on camels, on mules, and on oxen: supplies of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel.
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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.
And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.
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.
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(12-39) All these, being men of war, that could order the battle array, came with a whole 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.
(12-40) And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brethren had made preparation for them.
(12-41) Moreover they that were nigh unto them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, victual of meal, cakes of figs, and clusters of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel.
Cross-references (25)
- 1 Samuel 25:18 (v40) Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two containers of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five seahs of parched grain,…
- Genesis 49:8-10 (v38) “Judah, your brothers will praise you. Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies. Your father’s sons will bow down before you. Judah is…
- 1 Kings 8:61 (v38) “Let your heart therefore be perfect with Yahweh our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as it is today.”
- Genesis 26:30 (v39) He made them a feast, and they ate and drank.
- 2 Samuel 6:19 (v39) He gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bread, dates, and…
Show all 25 cross-references
- 2 Samuel 16:1 (v40) When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two…
- 2 Chronicles 30:12 (v38) Also the hand of God came on Judah to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by Yahweh’s word.
- Psalms 110:3 (v38) Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your…
- Proverbs 11:10 (v40) When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
- Proverbs 29:2 (v40) When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
- Ezekiel 11:19 (v38) I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a…
- Genesis 31:54 (v39) Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his relatives to eat bread. They ate bread, and stayed all night in the mountain.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (v38) 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…
- 2 Samuel 17:27-29 (v40) When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and…
- 2 Samuel 19:42 (v39) All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter?…
- 1 Kings 1:40 (v40) All the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth shook with their sound.
- 1 Kings 11:4 (v38) When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as the heart of…
- 2 Kings 11:20 (v40) So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword at the king’s house.
- 2 Kings 20:3 (v38) “Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your…
- 1 Chronicles 12:17-18 (v38) David went out to meet them, and answered them, “If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you…
- 1 Chronicles 12:33 (v38) Of Zebulun, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all kinds of instruments of war: fifty…
- Psalms 101:2 (v38) I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 (v40) “Behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he will reign as king and deal wisely, and will…
- Luke 19:37-38 (v40) As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God…
- Revelation 19:5-7 (v40) A voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!” I heard…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (13 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv38–39 So that his whole host were three hundred twenty…
So that his whole host were three hundred twenty and two thousand, two hundred twenty and two.
Or, fight in their array.
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Or, with a good courage.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv38, 40 1Ch 12:38 All these men of war, that could…
1Ch 12:38 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.
Ver. 38. Were of one heart to make David king.] So were those primitive Christians, and are now the reformed churches, to set up the Lord Christ.
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 On vv38, 40 To wit, after the death of Abner and Ish-bosheth.
To wit, after the death of Abner and Ish-bosheth.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On v39 Verse 39. They were with David three days] These…
Verse 39. They were with David three days] These were the deputies of the different people mentioned here: it is not possible that all the thousands mentioned above could have feasted with David for three days; and yet it appears there was even of these a great number, for the men of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, who were nearest to this place of rendezvous, had brought all the necessaries for such a feast. From the whole it appears most evident that the great majority of the tribes of Israel wished to see the kingdom confirmed in the hands of David; nor was there ever in any country a man more worthy of the public choice. As a statesman, warrior, hero, poet, and divine, he stands unrivalled in the annals of the world: by him alone were the Israelites raised to a pitch of the highest splendour; and their name became a terror to their enemies, and a praise in the earth. But, alas, how are the mighty now fallen!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v40 1Ch 12:40. They that were nigh them — That…
1Ch 12:40. They that were nigh them — That lived not far from Hebron, the place where they now were. Unto Issachar, &c. — This is added by way of amplification and explication, to show that this was not to be understood of those Israelites only who lived in the neighbourhood of Hebron, but of those also who lived at some distance, yet were nearer to Hebron than some of the other tribes here named. And on oxen — Which, though not commonly used in this manner, nor very fit for such purposes, yet were now employed, because the quantity of provisions which they brought was very great, as the number of the people at Hebron were, and of horses they had few in Israel, and most of their asses, camels, and mules, here mentioned, were probably used to carry men, women, and children, to this great, and public, and happy solemnity. For there was joy in Israel — Partly because their civil wars were wholly ended, and they were all united under one king; and partly because they had now a king of eminent valour and piety, and therefore expected to be saved from all their enemies and calamities, as indeed they were. Such was the joy and feasting when David was made king. And when the throne of the Son of David is set up in any soul, there is great joy in that soul; and provision is made for the feasting of it, not as here, merely for two or three days, but for the whole life, nay, for eternity.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On v40 Nephthali. All, both far and near, contributed to regale…
Nephthali. All, both far and near, contributed to regale the deputies. (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv38–39 all the rest also of Israel were of one…
all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king--that is, entertained a unanimous desire for his elevation.
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 On vv38–40 38. The rest also of Israel were of one…
38. The rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king — That is, they made no opposition, and raised no remonstrance. How much so-ever some lacked sympathy for David, and mourned over the lost cause of Saul, all were convinced in their hearts that David was the divinely chosen king.
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 On vv38–40 38. men of war, that could keep rank] R.V.…
38. men of war, that could keep rank] R.V. being men of war, that could order the battle array.
with a perfect heart] i.e. with whole, undivided heart.
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 On vv38–40 (38) Conclusion of the list of 1Ch_12:23-37.
(38) Conclusion of the list of 1Ch_12:23-37.
All these men of war.—Rather, All the above, being men of war, forming line of battle with whole heart, came to Hebron to make David king. The phrase “forming line of battle,” repeats the verb of 1Ch_12:3, and supplies its proper object (‘ôdĕrê ma’drãkhah, aciem struentes). The Hebrew indicates a stop at “line of battle;” it is better to put it after “with whole heart” (comp. 1Ch_12:33). “They formed in line with fearless intrepidity;” literally, corde integro.
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And all the rest also of Israel, who did not appear personally at Hebron.—” The rest (shçrîth) is a term used here only. The Hebrew says, “the remainder of Israel (was) one heart,” i.e., was unanimous. (Comp. 2Ch_30:12.)
Allowing the average for Issachar, the total of the warriors assembled at Hebron was upwards of 300,000. This will not surprise us if we bear in mind that in those days every able-bodied man was, as a matter of course, trained in the use of arms, and liable to be called out for the king,s wars. Thus “man” and “warrior” were almost convertible terms. The present gathering was not a parade of the entire strength of the nation; coύnp. the 600,000 warriors of the Exodus, and the 1,300,000 of David’s census. The main difficulty—that of the relative proportions of the various tribal contingents—has been considered in the preceding Notes. The suggestions there made are, of course, uncertain, the fact being that we really do not know enough of the condition of the tribes at that epoch to justify us in pronouncing upon the relative probability of the numbers here assigned to them. That being so, it is a hasty and uncritical exaggeration to say that “it is absolutely inconceivable that the tribes near the place of meeting, notably that of Judah, should have furnised so small a contingent, while the figures are raised in direct proportion to the distance to be traversed” (Reuss).
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 On vv38–40 Too often the counsels of Israel were divided, and…
Union.
Too often the counsels of Israel were divided, and their true interest frustrated by party spirit, by envy, by faction. The occasion before us was one of national harmony and co-operation. To make David king the people were of one heart. A lesson this as to the spirit and the attitude becoming in the Church of Christ.
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I THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN UNITY. The unity to be desired is not nominal or formal, but real. This unity consists of:
1. Submission to one Lord. As Israel did homage and rendered obedience to one king, David, so we, as Christians, are bound to be subject to the authority of our rightful Prince, even Christ, David"s Son and David"s Lord.
2. Acknowledgment of one faith. The unity of the faith is real. All who are Christ"s receive the truth of Christ, and hold it fast for his sake. A common principle, a common sympathy, a common aim, impart unity to those who cherish them.
3. Reception of one baptism. The same Spirit descends, in copious showers, upon all the followers of Jesus Christ, making them partakers of the same purity and the same spiritual life.
II THE PROOFS AND SIGNS OF UNITY. Unity consists in one attitude towards Heaven, but it declares itself by certain palpable manifestations amongst Christians. Especially mutual love, confidence, and helpfulness, and common sacrifices of prayer and praise, and common labours for the world"s enlightenment and salvation.
III THE BLESSED RESULTS OF UNITY. These are:
1. Happiness. Discord is fruitful of misery; harmony of felicity and joy. A united Church is a happy Church.
2. Strength. Lunion fait la force. Israel under David was powerful, because all were of one mind and heart. So in the Church of the living God. A united Church is a strong Church. Its enemies cannot reproach or despise it.
3. Efficiency. Christ, the great Head and High Priest of the Church, saw this. Hence the language of his prayer: "That they all may be one that the world may know that thou hast sent me." Oh that the whole world were "of one heart" in acknowledging Jesus as King of kings, in crowning him Lord of all! T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v38 All these men of war.
1Ch_12:38-40
All these men of war.
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The joyous entertainment
.
I. The cause of joy.
1. United under one king.
2. A king chosen of God.
3. Universal loyalty to the chosen king.
II. The manifestation of joy.
1. In unity of purpose.
2. In sincerity of feeling.
3. In social fellowship.
III. The extent of the joy. (J. Wolfendale.)
For there was Joy in Israel.--
The manifestation of Christ a cause of great joy
The man who was the darling of the people, and from whose administration they had raised expectations, being now, by Divine appointment, made king over all the tribes, there was joy in Israel. There is abundant reason for much greater joy in the spiritual Israel, on account of Davids illustrious son, the King Messiah, the Saviour of His people (Zec_9:9; Isa_25:9).
I. The cause of joy of Israel, with relation to the King Messiah, the son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. This coming in the flesh is a matter of joy, as He then appeared King of Israel, and the Saviour thereof. Salvation is the source, the foundation of spiritual joy in Israel.
(1) This salvation is--
(a) From sin;
(b) From wrath to come;
(c) From eternal death;
(d) From every spiritual enemy.
(2) It is to be had freely.
(3) It is a great salvation.
(4) It is a salvation in which the glory of God is greatly concerned.
2. The spiritual coming of Christ in the hearts of His people at conversion is another event that causes joy in Israel.
3. In the latter day, when Christ will be more manifest, and, like David, will be King over all the house of Israel, and over the whole world, then there will be joy and gladness.
II. Where and among whom is this joy? Not only in Israel but in the whole world. Christ is not the God of the Jews only.
III. The nature of this joy.
1. It is spiritual.
2. It is the joy of our Lord.
3. It is the joy of faith.
4. It is a joy that the world knows nothing of.
6. It is unspeakable.
6. It is a joy to be continually exercised.
7. This joy will be at last full and complete. (J. Gill, D. D.)
What is essential to constitute a happy people
Professor Fairbairn says you cannot have a happy world without having happy men; you may have good health, good business, good children, good balance at the bank, life insured. So far so good, and yet ii the soul be unadjusted there is no peace. You may place an organ that is out of tune in a magnificent cathedral, but you have no harmony, and the discord is the more striking because of its lofty nave, its painted windows, and chiselled arches. But you take that organ well tuned and richly toned into a plain Methodist chapel, with its brick walls and flat ceiling, and you shall have the sweetest harmony. There can be no peace till the soul is brought in harmony by the grace of God. Peace is the inner condition of the soul arising from reconciliation to God. (G. Turner.)
The highest joy
I had lived, says the Countess Schimmelmann, all the spoiled child of the Court; so much so that the Crown Priam (afterwards the Emitter) Frederick introduced me to a stranger as the most highly favoured young lady of Germany, and of several other kingdoms besides. These worldly honours had never satisfied me, and the longing for something higher and better became increasingly stronger. My prayers at that time always culminated in the cry, O God, give me but a drop of the love of Christ and a spark of the fire of the Holy Ghost. A short time after, in response to my prayer that I might love Jesus and Jesus only, I heard the Saviour say to me, My child, thy salvation does not depend upon thy love to Me, but upon My love to thee, just as thou art. Then broke upon my heart a sun of joy, in the beams of which I still rejoice, and whose light will shine upon me eternally.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v38 with firm intentions to make David king
with firm intentions to make David king
"determined to make David king"
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They were there with David
"These soldiers were there with David"
three days
"3 days" (See: Numbers)
Israel was celebrating
The word "Israel" represents the people who make up the nation. AT: "the people of Israel were celebrating" (See: Synecdoche)
translationWords
Hebron
David
king
Israel
Issachar
Zebulun
Naphtali
bread
donkey
camel
cow
fig
wine
oil
ewe
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.