1 Chronicles 12 commentary

Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David's friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be throughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us.

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, not as here, for a few days, but for the whole life, and for eternity. Happy are those who wisely perceive it to be their duty and interest, to submit to the Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of David; who renounce for his sake all that is not consistent; whose earnest endeavours to do good are directed by the wisdom that God giveth, through acquaintance with his word, experience, and observation. If any man lack this wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

CHAPTER 12

1Ch 12:1-22. The Companies That Came to David at Ziklag.

1-7. Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag--There are three lists given in this chapter, arranged, apparently, according to the order of time when the parties joined the standard of David.

while he yet kept himself close because of Saul--that is, when the king's jealousy had driven him into exile from the court and the country.

Ziklag--(See on 1Sa 27:6). It was during his retirement in that Philistine town that he was joined in rapid succession by the heroes who afterwards contributed so much to the glory of his reign.

8-13. of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David--that is, from the service of Saul and from the rest of the Gadites who remained steadfast adherents of his cause.

into the hold--or fortress, that is, of Ziklag, which was in the wilderness of Judah.

whose faces were like the faces of lions, &c.--A fierce, lion-like countenance (2Sa 1:23), and great agility in pursuit (2Sa 2:18), were qualities of the highest estimation in ancient warfare.

14. one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand--David, while at Ziklag, had not so large an amount of forces as to give to each of these the command of so many men. Another meaning, therefore, must obviously be sought, and excluding was, which is a supplement by our translators, the import of the passage is, that one of the least could discomfit a hundred, and the greatest was worth a thousand ordinary men; a strong hyperbole to express their uncommon valor.

15. These are they that went over Jordan in the first month--that is, in spring, when the swollen river generally fills up the banks of its channel (see on Jos 3:14; Jos 4:19; Jos 5:10).

they put to flight all them of the valleys--This was probably done at the time of their separating themselves and their purpose being discovered, they had to cut their passage through the opposing adherents of Saul, both on the eastern and western banks. The impossibility of taking the fords at such a time, and the violent rapidity of the current, make this crossing of the Jordan--in whatever way these Gadites accomplished it--a remarkable feat.

16. the children of Benjamin and Judah--It is probable that the Benjamites invited the Judahites to accompany them, in order to prevent David being suspicious of them. Their anticipations, as the result showed, were well founded. He did suspect them, but the doubts of David as to their object in repairing to him, were promptly dispelled by Amasai or Amasa, who, by the secret impulse of the Spirit, assured him of their strong attachment and their zealous service from a unanimous conviction that his cause was owned and blessed of God (1Sa 18:12-14).

19-22. there fell some of Manasseh--The period of their accession is fixed as the time when David came with the Philistines against Saul to battle.

but they helped them not--(See on 1Sa 29:4).

23. these are the numbers of the bands ... that came to David to Hebron--after the death of Ish-bosheth (see on 2Sa 5:1).

to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord--(1Ch 10:14; 11:3, 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.

27. Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites--not the high priest, for that was Abiathar (1Sa 23:9), but the leader of the Aaronite warriors, supposed to be the father of Benaiah (1Ch 11:22).

29. Benjamin ... three thousand--This small number shows the unpopularity of the movement in this tribe; and, indeed, it is expressly stated that the mass of the population had, even after Ish-bosheth's death, anxiously endeavored to secure the crown in the family of Saul.

32. children of Issachar, ... that had understanding of the times, &c.--Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military, and had declared for David.

33. Zebulun ... could keep rank--that is, were more disciplined soldiers than the rest.

not of double heart--Though their numbers were large, all were in a high degree well affected to David.

38. all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king--that is, entertained a unanimous desire for his elevation.

39-40. there they were with David three days, eating and drinking--According to the statements made in the preceding verses, the number of armed warriors assembled in Hebron on this occasion amounted to three hundred thousand. Supplies of provisions were abundantly furnished, not only by the people of the neighborhood, but from distant parts of the country, for all wished the festivities to be on a scale of liberality and magnificence suitable to the auspicious occasion.

Came to David to Ziklag - Achish, king of Gath, had given Ziklag to David, as a safe retreat from the wrath of Saul.

And were as swift as the roes - That swiftness was considered to be a grand accomplishment in a warrior, appears from all ancient writings which treat of military affairs.

In the first month - Perhaps this was the month Nisan, which answers to a part of our March and April. This was probably before the snows on the mountains were melted, just as Jordan began to overflow its banks; or if we allow that it had already overflowed its banks, it made their attempt more hazardous, and afforded additional proof of their heroism.

The spirit came upon Amasai - "The spirit of fortitude clothed Amasai, the chief of the mighty men; and he answered, For thy sake, O David, are we come, that we may be with thee, thou son of Jesse.

Prosperity be to thee by night and by day; and prosperity be to thy helpers; for the Word of the Lord is thy assistant." - T.

Like the host of God - "That is, a very numerous army; like the army of the angel of God." - T.

And came to David to Hebron - That is, after the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. See 2Sam 4:5.

Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites - Abiathar was then high priest, and Jehoiada captain over the warriors of the house of Aaron.

Children of Issachar - According to the Targum they were all astronomers and astrologers: "and the sons of Issachar, who had understanding to know the times, and were skilled in fixing the beginnings of years, the commencement of months, and the intercalation of months and years; skillful in the changes of the moon, and in fixing the lunar solemnities to their proper times; skillful also in the doctrine of the solar periods; astrologers in signs and stars, that they might show Israel what to do; and their teachers were two hundred chiefs of the Sanhedrin: and all their brethren excelled in the words of the law, and were endued with wisdom, and were obedient to their command." - T. It appears that in their wisdom, experience, and skill, their brethren had the fullest confidence; and nothing was done but by their direction and advice.

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 splendor; and their name became a terror to their enemies, and a praise in the earth. But, alas, how are the mighty now fallen!

Even - Of Saul's own tribe: who were moved hereto by God's spirit, by the conscience of their duty to David; and by their observation of God's departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David.

Thirty - Who came attended with thirty valiant Benjamites, and was their commander.

The God of our fathers - He calls God, the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs; thus he minds them, not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendents from the same patriarchs, and servants of the same God. And thus he encourages himself to believe, that God would right him, if he was abused. For he was the God of his fathers; therefore a blessing was entailed upon him: and a God to all Israel in particular, as well as a Judge to all the earth.

The Spirit - Not only saving graces, but other heroical and generous motions are ascribed to God's spirit, which here stirred up in him a more that ordinary greatness of mind and resolution.

As - As he returned from the camp of the Philistines to Ziklag.

Against - Against the Amalekites who had taken and burnt Ziklag, whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing.

That time - While he was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron. Like - Innumerable, like the stars or angels, both which are called God's hosts.

Six thousand, &c. - Who came hither in the name of their brethren; for that whole tribe stuck to David.

Jehoida - Not the high - priest, for that was Abiathar, 1Sam 23:6, but one of eminent place under him.

Kept the ward - Endeavoured to keep the crown in Saul's family.

Manasseh - Which was within Jordan: for of the other half beyond Jordan he speaks, ver.37. By name - Who were not ashamed publickly to own David by putting their names to some paper presented to them for that purpose.

The times - They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. And they shewed their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul while he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom: and as they could not join David, while Abner lived, and had the command of the other tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king.

Double heart - They were sincerely loyal, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, while in their hearts they favoured Saul's family. And none had any separate interests, but all were for the public good.

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.

Or, was shut up, or shut out, from his own Land and People; for he speaks not of that time when he was shut up, and hid himself in Caves in the Land of Iudah, but when he was at Ziklag.

Marginal references: 1 Sam▪ 27. 2,; Heb. being shut up.

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 Sauls brethren of Benjamin .

With like nimbleness and certainty. Compare Iudge 3. 15. & 20. 16.

i. e. Of Sauls own Tribe: who were moved hereunto by Gods Spirit and by the Conscience of their Duty to David to whom God had given the Crown in reversion; and by their Observation of Gods departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David and his gracious providence for him.

4 And Ismajah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty , and Jeremlah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,

i. e. Who came attended with 30 valiant Benjamites, and was their Leader and Commander.

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

From Saul to whom they had hitherto adhered; and from their Brethren of their own Tribe who yet maintained Sauls cause; and from their Families and the places where they lived, from whom they went to David.

Or, into the hold of the wilderness; i. e. Either to the Cave of Adullam or Engedi: or rather to Ziklag, as appears from v. 1. which was in the Wilderness of Iudah, which is here called the hold, or the fortress, which name is also given to the City of David, 1 Chron. 11. 7. the Hebrew word being the same both here and there.

Who were full of Courage, and by the Majesty and Fierceness of their Countenances terrified their Adversaries.

As their very Looks daunted their Enemies and put them to flight, so they could easily pursue and overtake and destroy them in their Flight.

Marginal references: Heb. of the host.; Heb. as the roes upon the mountains to make hast.

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

Not that they brought now so many men with them, but either 1. they had hitherto been Captains or Colonels under Saul, or in the established Militia or Bands of their Tribe. Or, 2. they were so afterwards under David, who for their Valour and Fidelity thus advanced them.

Marginal references: † Heb. Or, one that was least could resist an hundred, and the greatest 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 vallies , both toward the east, and toward the west .

To wit, in Saul. time, when▪ it seems the Enemies of the Israelites had made an In[illegible: 1+ letters]oad and done some Mischiefs to the Israelites beyond Iordan, to whose Help these then came.

As it commonly did about that time. See Ios. 3. 15. & 4. 18. Ier. 49. 19. This is noted either as a Description of the Time when this was done, it being usual with Historians to note the Circumstances of great Actions: or as an Aggravation of the Fact. And possibly these being Men of great Nimbleness and Dexterity, did swim over Iordan through their ardent Desire to help their Brethren and to fight with their Enemies.

i. e. The People that lived in the Valleys or Deserts beyond Iordan, who, as it seems, when Saul was engaged against the Philistins, took that Advantage to fall upon the Israelites beyond Iordan.

Either 1. the People that lived more Eastward and remote from Iordan, and those who lived more Westward or nearer to it. Or 2. they made them fly several ways, some Eastward, some Westward, as they saw the way open for them. See Deut. 28. [illegible: 1+ letters], 25.

Marginal references: Heb▪ filled o [illegible: 1+ letters] ▪

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

To the same Hold mentioned▪ v. 8. where see the Notes.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word].

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 .

i. e. [illegible: 1 word]; as that word is oft used in Scripture even of him that speaketh [illegible: 1 word].

I shall ever esteem and love you, and shew this by my [illegible: 1 word] to you hereafter.

Which your Number, and Quality and near Relation to Saul gives me some cause to suspect.

I have done no Injury to Saul, nor to you; but have spared him and you when it was in my Power to have destroyed you.

To wit, by his Hand and Power manifested for me and against you for your Persidiousness.

Marginal references: Heb. before [illegible: 1 word].; Heb. be one.; Or, violence.

18 Then the spirit came upon Amasal , 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 .

Not onely saving Graces, but other heroical and generous Motions are ascribed to Gods Spirit, which here stirred up in him a more than ordinary greatness and presentness of Mind and Resolution.

We have observed Gods singular and gracious Care of thee and Kindness to thee and if we should oppose thee, we should be Fighters against God and his Word and Providence.

i. e Of those Forces which they brought with them. Or, he put them among the heads or officers of his band; i. e. He gave them Commands either now in his small Army, each according to his Quality: or afterwards when he was advanced to the Kingdom: for it is not here expressed when he did this.

Marginal references: Heb. the spirit clothed Amasal. So Judg. 6. 34.

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

i. e. The Manassites here named, and the rest of Davids Forces to whom they had now joyned themselves did not help the Philistins in Battel, as David had pretended to do.

Marginal references: 1 Sam. 29. 4.; Heb. on our heads.

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

As he returned from the Camp of the Philistins to Ziklag, 1 Sam. 29. 11.

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 .

i. e. Against the Amalekites who had taken and burnt Ziklag, whom David and his 600 Men were now pursuing, whom these accompanied in that Expedition. Or, with a band or troop of Souldiers, which they brought along with them to Davids Assistance.

Therefore they readily came to Davids help.

Therefore they brought others along with them.

Marginal references: 1 Sam. 30. 1, 9▪ 10.; Or, with a band.

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 .

i. e. While he was at Ziklag, and in his March to Hebron, and principally at Hebron, as the next Verse explains it.

i. e. Innumerable like the Stars or Angels, both which are called Gods hosts. Oth. the host of God, i. e. a very great Host, great things being so called, as Cedars, Mountains, &c. of God. But the particle of likeness here added excludes this Sence, for it had been very improper to say, a great host like a great host, i. e. like it self.

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 .

Whereby he had settled the Crown upon David after Sauls death.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] or, [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] ▪; [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] ▪; [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] ▪

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

Who came thither in the name of all their Brethren; for that whole Tribe stuck to David at his very first coming to Hebron.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] ▪ [illegible: 1 word]

27 And Jehojada was the leader of the Aaronites , and with him were three thousand and seven hundred.

Not the High-priest, for that was Abiathar, 1 Sam. 23. 6. but one of Eminent place under him, and who had a great Power and interest among his Brethren.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]

28 And Zadok , a young man mighty of valour, and of his fathers house twenty and two captains .

Thought to be the same who was made High-priest in Solomons time, 1 Kings 2. 35. which if true, he was very young at this time.

Whom he brought along with him.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]

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 .

i. e. Indeavoured to keep the Crown in their own Tribe, and in Sauls Family.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] ▪ [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word].; [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] ▪; [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] 8, 3.

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

Which was within Iordan: for of the other half beyond Iordan he speaks v. 37.

Which were not ashamed nor afraid publickly to own David first by putting their Names to some Paper presented to them for that purpose; and then by marching to him to Hebron.

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.

Either 1. skill in the Stars and several Seasons and Changes of the Air; which might be of good use in Husbandry, to which this Tribe was addicted, Gen. 49. 14. Deut. 33. 18. Or rather 2. Political Prudence to discern and embrace the fit Seasons for all Actions, as appears 1. from the following words, to know what not onely their own Tribe but all Israel ought to do. 2. By the great Authority and Command which they had over all their Brethren upon this account, as it here follows. 3. Because this is so considerable a Circumstance in all Humane, and especially in publick Affairs, that the Success or Disappointment of them depends very much upon the right or wrong Timing of them, and therefore this is a very fit expression to signifie their great Prudence. And particularly they shewed this point of their Wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul whilest he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take Possession of the Kingdom: and as they could not joyn themselves to David, whilst Abner lived, and was potent, and had the Command of the other Tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so as soon as he was dead and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their King. 4. By the like use of this Phrase, Esth. 1. 13.

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

For this Tribe being next to that of Issachar, which was generally well-affected to David, were probably very much swayed by their Opinion and Advice.

Or, which were disposed or prepared, or ordered for battel or to fight for David, if occasion so required.

Heb. without an heart and an heart: which may relate either 1. to the whole Body of them, they were all of one heart and one mind towards David, not some for him and others secretly against him, but all with one soul and one consent adhered to him. Or, 2. To the same particular persons, they were each of them sincerely Loyal to David, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, whilst in their hearts they▪ favoured Sauls Family; which possibly some of those who came to Hebron, did. Or this is particularly noted of this Tribe because they lay under some suspicion in this matter; as also some of the other Tribes did; and therefore the like testimony is given to all of them, v. 38.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word], o[illegible: 1+ letters], [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word].; [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] bat [illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] and [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word].

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.

To wit, after the death of Abner and Ishbosheth.

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 .

That lived not far from Hebron, the place where they now were.

This is added by way of amplification and explication, to shew that he did not understand this of those Israelites onely who lived in the Neighbourhood of Hebron, but of those that lived at some distance, yet were nearer to Hebron, than some of the other Tribes here named.

Which, though not commonly used in this manner, nor fit for such Purposes, now they so used, because the quantity of Provisions which they brought was very great, as the Numbers of the People at Hebron were, and Horses they had few in Israel, and most of their Asses, and Camels, and Mules here mentioned probably were used to carry divers Men, or Women and Children, to this great, and publick, and happy Solemnity.

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 Felicity, and therefore expected to be saved from all their Enemies and Calamities, as they were.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word].

1Ch 12:1 The Benjamites who came to David to Ziklag. - 1Ch 12:1. Ziklag was originally allotted to the Simeonites by Joshua (Jos 19:5; 1Ch 4:30), but at a later time came into possession of the Philistines, and was assigned and presented by king Achish to David, who had fled for refuge to him, as a dwelling-place for himself and his followers; see 1Sa 27:1-7. As to its situation, which has not yet been with certainty ascertained, see the discussion on Jos 15:31. In it David dwelt for a year and four months, until he went to Hebron on the death of Saul. During this time it was that the warriors of the tribe of Benjamin mentioned in the succeeding register went over to him, as we learn from the words עצוּר עוד, “he was still held back before Saul,” a concise expression for “while he was still held back before Saul.” This last expression, however, does not signify, “hindered from coming before Saul” (Berth.), but inter Israelitas publice versari prohibitus (J. H. Mich.), or rather, “before Saul, imprisoned as it were, without being able to appear in a manner corresponding to his divine election to be ruler over Israel.” בגב והמּה, and they were among the heroes, i.e., belonged to the heroes, the helpers of the war, i.e., to those who helped him in his former wars; cf. 1Ch 12:17., 21f.

1Ch 12:2-4 קשׁת נשׁקי, “those preparing bows,” i.e., those armed with bows, synonymous with קשׁת דּרכי   (1Ch 8:40); cf. 2Ch 17:17; Psa 78:9. “With the right and left hand practised upon stones,” i.e., to hurl stones, cf. Jdg 20:16; “and in arrows on the bow,” i.e., to shoot therewith. שׁאוּל מאחי, of Saul’s brethren, i.e., of the men of the tribe, not “of his nearer relatives,” and consequently of Benjamin, has been added as an explanation; cf. 1Ch 12:29, where בנימן בּני and שׁאוּל אחי are synonyms. - In 1Ch 12:3. we have the names. הראשׁ, the head, i.e., the leader of this host of warriors; compare 1Ch 5:7, 1Ch 5:12. הגּבעתי, cf. Gibeah of Saul or Benjamin, cf. 1Ch 11:31; and for its situation, see on Jos 18:28. הענתתי, from the priests’ city Anathoth, now Anata; see on Jos 18:24. In 1Ch 12:4 the Gibeonite Ismaiah is called “hero among the thirty, and over the thirty,” - words which can hardly have any other sense than that Ismaiah belonged also to David’s corps of thirty heroes (1 Chron 11), and was (temporarily) their leader, although his name does not occur in 1 Chron 11. It is probable that the reason of the omission was, that at the time when the list was prepared he was no longer alive. הגּדרתי, of Gedera, a city of the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah, which, according to Van de Velde (Reise, ii. S. 166), was probably identical with the village Ghedera, which lies to the left of the road Tel-es-Safieh to Akir, about an hour to the south-west of Jabne. In any case, it corresponds well with the statements of the Onom. As to Gedrus, or Gaedur, see on Jos 15:36. Immediately afterwards in 1Ch 12:7 Gedor is mentioned, a city in the mountains of Judah, to the westward of the road which leads from Hebron to Jerusalem (see on Jos 15:58); and from that fact Bertheau imagines we must conclude that the men of Judah are enumerated as well as the Benjamites. But this conclusion is not valid; for from the very beginning, when the domains and cities were assigned to the individual tribes under Joshua, they were not the exclusive possession of the individual tribes, and at a later period they were still less so. In course of time the respective tribal domains underwent (in consequence of wars and other events) many alterations, not only in extent, but also in regard to their inhabitants, so that in Saul’s time single Benjamite families may quite well have had their home in the cities of Judah.

1Ch 12:5-7 החרוּפי (Keri החריפי) is a patronymic, which denotes either one descended from Haruph, or belonging to the חריף בּני mentioned in Neh 7:34 along with the Gibeonites. The קרחים, Korahites, in 1Ch 12:6 are, without doubt (cf. Delitzsch,Ps. S. 300), descendants of the Levite Korah, one division of whom David made guardian of the thresholds of the tent erected for the ark of the covenant on Zion, because their fathers had been watchers of the entrance of the camp of Jahve, i.e., had in that earlier time held the office of watchers by the tabernacle; see on 1Ch 9:18. The names Elkanah and Azareel are thoroughly Levitic names, and their service in the porter’s office in the holy place may have roused in them the desire to fight for David, the chosen of the Lord. But there is no reason why we should, with Bertheau, interpret the words as denoting descendants of the almost unknown Korah of the tribe of Judah (1Ch 2:43), or, with the older commentators, refer it to some other unmentioned Benjamite who bore this name. The explanation of the connection existing between these Levitic Korahites and the Benjamites, which is presupposed by the mention of them among the Benjamites, may be found in the fact that the Levites received no tribal domain of their own, and possessed only cities for dwelling in in the domains of the other tribes, with whom they were consequently civilly incorporated, so that those who dwelt in the cities of Benjamin were properly reckoned among the Benjamites. At the partition of the land under Joshua, it is true, only the priests received their cities in Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin; while, on the contrary, the Kohathites, who were not priests, among whom the Korahites were, received their cities in the tribal domain of Ephraim, Dan, and half-Manasseh (Josh 21:9-26). But when the tabernacle was transferred from Shiloh to Nob, and afterwards to Gibeon, the Korahite doorkeepers must, without doubt, have migrated to one of the Levitic cities of Benjamin, probably for the most part to Gibeon, and who were reckoned among the Benjamites. As to הגּדור מן,vide 1Ch 12:4. If this be so, there remains no cogent reason for supposing that in our register, besides the Benjamites, men out of other tribes are also introduced. With that there falls away at once Bertheau’s further conclusion, that the author of the Chronicle has considerably abridged the register, and that from 1Ch 12:4 onwards men of Judah also are named, the list of whom must certainly (?) have been originally introduced by special superscription similar to those in 1Ch 12:8, 1Ch 12:16, 1Ch 12:19. His further reason for his conjecture - namely, that our register makes use of the qualificative epithets, “the Gibeathite,” “the Anathothite,” etc., only in a few special cases-is of no force whatever; for we are not justified in assuming that we may expect to find here, as in the register in 1 Chron 11:26-47, such qualificatives after every individual name. The character of our register cannot be arrived at by a comparison with the list of David’s heroes in 1 Chron 11; it should rather be sought for by comparing it with the succeeding list, whose contents are of a similar kind with its own. David’s chosen corps of thirty heroes was much more important for the history of his reign, than the lists of the men who joined themselves to him and fought on his behalf before he ascended the throne. For that reason the thirty heroes are not only mentioned by name, but their descent also is told us, while that more detailed information is not given with regard to the others just mentioned. Only the names of the Gadites and Manassites are mentioned; of the Benjamites and men of Judah, who came to him in the mountain fastness (1Ch 12:16-18), the name of only one, Amasai, is given; while of the Benjamites who came to Ziklag, 1Ch 12:3-7, such qualificative statements are made in reference to only a few individuals, and in these cases the object probably was to distinguish them from other well-known persons of the same name.

1Ch 12:8-13 The Gadites, Benjamites, and men of Judah who joined themselves to David during his sojourn in the mountain fastness. - 1Ch 12:8. David’s sojourn in the mountain hold falls in the first years of his flight from Saul, 1Sa 22:1. מצד, pointed with Pathach instead of with Kamets (מצד, cf. 1Ch 12:16), on account of its intimate connection with מדבּרה, is synonymous with מצוּדה   (1Sa 24:22, etc.). The addition מדבּרה, “towards the wilderness,” shows that מצד denotes a mountain-top or mountain-fortress in the wilderness of Judah. If we compare the account in 1 Sam 22-24, we learn that David at that time did not hide himself in one single definite mountain-fortress, but sought and found resting-places, now here, now there, in the wilderness, on the summits of the hills (cf. בּמּצדות בּמּדבּר,   1Sa 23:14; 1Sa 24:1); so that מצד here is to be understood, as המּצוּדה,   1Sa 24:3, also is, generally of the fastnesses in the mountains of Judah. At that time there gathered round David a great company of discontented and oppressed men, to the number of about 400, - men dissatisfied with Saul’s rule, whose leader he became, and who soon amounted to 600 men (1Sa 22:2 and 1Sa 23:13). To these belong the Gadites, and the men out of Benjamin and Judah, whose adhesion to David is noticed in our verses. נבדּלוּ, they separated themselves from the other Gadites who were on Saul’s side, “strong heroes,” as in Jos 8:3; cf. חיל גּבּורי, 1Ch 5:24; 1Ch 7:2, 1Ch 7:9, etc. למּלחמה צבא אנשׁי, men for service in the host for the war, i.e., combatants practised in war. ורמח צנּה ערכי, preparing shield and spear, i.e., wielding shield and spear, practised in their use: the preparing of these weapons includes the handling of them. Instead of ורמח, Veneta and many of the older copies have וּמגן; but it is not supported by MS authority, and moreover is not congruous with the passage. Lions’ faces their faces, i.e., lion-like in appearance, thoroughly warlike figures; cf. 2Sa 1:23. “As roes running swiftly on the mountains;” cf. 2Sa 2:18. This description of the strength and swiftness of these warriors recalls, as Bertheau remarks, the similar expressions used in the historical books concerning heroes of David’s time. It has manifestly been drawn from the original documents, not added by the chronicler. In 1Ch 12:9-13 the names are enumerated individually. עשׂר עשׁתּי, at the end of a series of ordinal numbers, denotes the eleventh; cf. 1Ch 24:12.

1Ch 12:14-15 הצּבא ראשׁי, heads of the war-host, i.e., chief warriors, not leaders of the host. וגו למאה אחד, “one for a hundred, (viz.) the small and the greater for a thousand,” i.e., the smaller (weaker) could cope with a hundred, the stronger with a thousand men; cf. Lev 26:8. This, which is the only correct interpretation, is that received by Bertheau and the older Jewish commentators. The Vulgate, on the contrary, translates, novissimus centum militibus praeerat et maximus mille, which is inadmissible, for in that case על must have been used instead of ל. The אחד belongs to both the clauses which it precedes, to הקּטן and to הגּדול, and is placed immediately before למאה to emphasize the contrast between one and a hundred. In 1Ch 12:15 we have a proof of their valour, in an account of a bold exploit performed by them. In the first month of the year, that is, in spring, when the Jordan overflows all its banks, they crossed the river and put to flight all the dwellers in the valleys towards the east and towards the west. This happened, probably, when they separated themselves from their brethren and went over to David, when they must have had to cut their way through the adherents of Saul (Berth.). The Piel מלּא with על denotes to make full, to make to run over, in the signification to overflow. The Kethibh גּדיתיו comes from גּדיה elsewhere only the plural גּדתיו, so also here in the Keri. In the dry summer season the Jordan may be crossed by wading at various points (fords); while in spring, on the contrary, when it is so swollen by the melting snows of Lebanon, that in some parts it overflows its banks, it is very dangerous to attempt to cross. See on Jos 3:15. העמקים, “the valleys,” for the inhabitants of the valleys.

1Ch 12:16-17

There came to David in the mountain-fastness also men of Benjamin and Judah (cf. 1Ch 12:8). Their names are not in the lists, possibly because they were not handed down in the historical works made use of by the chronicler. At their head, as we learn from 1Ch 12:18, stood Amasai, chief of the thirty, i.e., of the corps formed of the thirty heroes (see 1Ch 11:11), although his name does not occur in the catalogue, 1 Chron 11. According to this, Amasai must have occupied a very important position under David; but since the name עמשׂי is not elsewhere mentioned in the history of David, the older commentators have conjectured that עמשׂי may have been the same person as עמשׂא, son of Abigail (1Ch 2:17), whom Absalom made captain in Joab’s place, and whom David, after the victory over the rebels, wished to make commander-in-chief in the room of Joab, and whom for that reason Joab afterwards murdered (2Sa 17:25; 2Sa 19:14; 2Sa 20:4, 2Sa 20:8.); or identical with אבשׁי the son of Zeruiah, 1Ch 2:16 and 1Ch 11:20. Of these conjectures the first is much more probable than the second. To meet these men, David went forth from his fastness, and asked them with what purpose they came to him. “If for peace,” to stand by him, “then shall there be to me towards you a heart for union,” i.e., I will be with you of one heart, be true to you. ליחד לבב is plainer than אחד לב, 1Ch 12:38. “But if לרמּותני, to practise deceit against me (to be guilty of a מרמה) for mine enemies (to deliver me to them), although there be no wrong in my hands, the God of our fathers look thereon and punish;” cf. 2Ch 24:22. The God of our fathers, i.e., of the patriarchs (cf. Ezr 7:27; 2Ch 20:6, and Exo 3:13.), who rules in and over Israel, who shields the innocent and punishes the guilty.

1Ch 12:18

Then came the Spirit upon Amasai, so that he proclaimed himself enthusiastic for David and his cause. With לבשׁה רוּח cf. Jdg 6:34. Usually יהוה or אלהים is found with this expression (2Ch 24:20), and here also the Spirit of God is meant; and אלהים is omitted only because all that was of importance here was to show that the resolution announced by Amasai was an effect of higher spiritual influence. לך, to thee, David (do we belong), thine are we. עמּך, “with thee,” sc. will we remain and fight. “Peace be to thee, and peace be to thy helpers; for thy God helpeth thee.” עזרך, He has helped thee in the fortunate combats in which you have heretofore been engaged (1Sa 18:12.), and He will help still further. David thereupon received them and made them captains of his band. הגּדוּד, the warrior-band, which had gathered round David, and were still gathering round him, 1Sa 22:2; 1Sa 27:8, cf. also 1Ch 12:21; 1Sa 30:8, 1Sa 30:15, 1Sa 30:23, etc.

1Ch 12:19-20 The Manassites who went over to David before the last battle of the Philistines against Saul. - על גפל, to fall to one, is used specially of deserters in war who desert their lord and go over to the enemy: cf. 2Ki 25:11; 1Sa 29:3. אל יפּול, in the last clause of the verse, is a synonymous expression. The Manassites went over “when David went with the Philistines against Israel to the war, and (yet) helped them not; for upon advisement (בּעצה, cf. Pro 20:18), the lords of the Philistines had sent him away, saying, 'For our heads, he will fall away to his master Saul.' “ 1Sa 29:2-11 contains the historical commentary on this event. When the lords of the Philistines collected their forces to march against Saul, David, who had found refuge with King Achish, was compelled to join the host of that prince with his band. But when the other Philistine princes saw the Hebrews, they demanded that they should be sent out of the army, as they feared that David might turn upon them during the battle, and so win favour by his treachery with Saul his lord. See the commentary on 1Sa 29:1-11. בּראשׁנוּ, for our heads, i.e., for the price of them, giving them as a price to obtain a friendly reception from Saul (cf. 1Sa 29:4). In consequence of this remonstrance, Achish requested David to return with his warriors to Ziklag. On this return march (“as he went to Ziklag,” cf. with בּלכתּו the ללכת of 1Sa 29:11), and consequently before the battle in which Saul lost his life (Berth.), and not after Saul’s great misfortune, as Ewald thinks, the Manassites whose names follow went over to David. The seven named in 1Ch 12:20 were “heads of the thousands of Manasseh,” i.e., of the great families into which the tribe of Manasseh was divided, and as such were leaders of the Manassite forces in war: cf. Num 31:14 with Exo 18:25, and the commentary on the latter passage.

1Ch 12:21

TheseWe take והמּה to refer to the Manassites named in 1Ch 12:20, like the והמּה of 1Ch 12:1 and the הם אלּה הם eht of 1Ch 12:15. Bertheau, on the contrary, thinks on various grounds that המּה refers to all the heroes who have been spoken of in vv. 1-20. In the first place, it was not the Manassites alone who took part in the conflict with Amalek, for David won the victory with his whole force of 600 men (1Sa 30:9), among whom, without doubt, those named in vv. 1-18 were included. Then, secondly, a clear distinction is made between those who gave in their adhesion to and helped David at an earlier period (1Ch 12:1, 1Ch 12:7, 1Ch 12:22), and those who came to him in Hebron (1Ch 12:23). And finally, the general remark in 1Ch 12:22 is connected with 1Ch 12:21 by the grounding כּי, so that we must regard 1Ch 12:21 and 1Ch 12:22 as a subscription closing the preceding catalogues. but none of these arguments are very effective. The grounding כי in 1Ch 12:22 does not refer to the whole of 1Ch 12:21, but only to the last clause, or, to be more accurate, only to בּצּבא, showing that David had an army. The second proves nothing, and in the first only so much is correct, that not merely the seven Manassites named in 1Ch 12:20 took, part in the battle with Amalek, but also the warriors who had formerly gone over to David; but from that there is not the slightest reason to conclude that this is expressed by והמּה. It is manifest from the context and the plan of the register, that וגו עזרוּ והמּה can only refer to those of whom it is said in 1Ch 12:20 that they went over to David as he was returning to Ziklag. If 1Ch 12:21 and 1Ch 12:22 were a subscription to all the preceding registers, instead of והמּה another expression which would separate the verse somewhat more from that immediately preceding would have been employed, perhaps כּל־אלה. helped David הגּדוּד על, against the detachment of Amalekites, who during David’s absence had surprised and burnt Ziklag, and led captive the women and children (1Sa 30:1-10). This interpretation, which Rashi also has (contra turmam Amalekitarum), and which the Vulgate hints at in its adversus latrunculos, rests upon the fact that in 1Sa 30:8, 1Sa 30:15, the word הגּדוּד, which in general only denotes single detachments or predatory bands, is used of the Amalekite band; whence the word can only refer to the march of David against the Amalekites, of which we have an account in 1Sa 30:9., and not to the combats which he had with Saul. “For they were all valiant heroes, and were שׂרים, captains in the army,” sc. which gathered round David.

1Ch 12:22 “For every day” (בּיום יום לעת, at the time of each day) “came (people) to David to help him, until to a great host, like a host of God,” i.e., until his band grew to a camp like to a host of God. אלהים מחנה, a host which God has formed, and in which the power of God shows itself; cf. hills and cedars of God, Psa 36:7; Psa 80:11. In these concluding remarks to the enumeration by name of the valiant men who during Saul’s lifetime went over to David, there is no exaggeration which would betray an idealizing historian (Movers, S. 270). The greatness of a host of God is to be estimated according to the power and the spirit, not according to the number, of the warriors, so that we need not take the words to mean a host of thousands and tens of thousands. David had at first 400, afterwards 600, valiant warriors, against whom Saul with his thousands could accomplish nothing. The increase in their number from 400 to 600 shows that the host increased from day to day, especially when we keep in mind the fact that after Saul’s defeat considerable bands of fugitives must certainly have gone over to David before he was anointed in Hebron to be king over Judah. The expression is only rhetorical, not idealizing or exaggerating.

1Ch 12:23-40 List of the warriors who made David king in Hebron. - The superscription (1Ch 12:23) runs: “These are the numbers of the bands of the men equipped for war, who came,” etc. החלוּץ is a collective noun, denoting the equipped manhood. ראשׁי signifies here, not principes exercitus, as the Vulgate renders it, heads, i.e., leaders of the army (Berth.), but literally denotes sums, i.e., companies, bands of soldiers, as in Jdg 7:16, Jdg 7:20; Jdg 9:34, Jdg 9:37, Jdg 9:44; 1Sa 11:1; or it may perhaps also be heads for individuals, as ראשׁ in Jdg 5:30. Both these meanings are linguistically certain; so that we cannot say, with Bertheau, that ראשׁי before החלוּץ denotes, according to the well-ascertained use of language, leaders of the army, and that גלגלת would have been used had it been wished to express the number by heads, e.g., 1 Chron 23:3-24. That use of the word is indeed also found, but it cannot be proved to be the only proper one. If we take ראשׁי here to denote leaders, we bring the superscription into irreconcilable contradiction with the contents of the following catalogue, which gives the names of the heads and the number of the warriors (1Ch 12:27.) only in the case of the families of Aaron, and in that of Issachar the number of the princes; while in the case of the other tribes we have only the numbers of the bands or detachments. This contradiction cannot be got rid of, as Bertheau imagines, by the hypothesis that the superscription referred originally to a catalogue which was throughout similar in plan to that which we find in 1Ch 12:26-28, and that the author of the Chronicle has very considerably abridged the more detailed statements of the original documents which he used. This hypothesis is a mere makeshift, in which we have the less need “to take refuge,” as the catalogue has neither the appearance of having been abridged or revised by the author of our Chronicle. It is shown to be a faithful copy of a more ancient authority, both by the characteristic remarks which it contains on the individual tribes, and by the inequality in the numbers. Bertheau, indeed, derives support for his hypothesis “from the inequality of the statements of number, and their relation to each other,” and upon that ground throws doubt upon the accuracy and correctness of the numbers, but in both cases without sufficient warrant. If we place the respective statements together synoptically, we see that there came to David to Hebron -

Of the tribe of: Judah 6,800 men

Of the tribe of: Simeon 7,100 men

Of the tribe of: Levi 4,600 men

With Jehoiada the prince of Aaron 3,700 men

With Zadok and his father's-house 22 שׂרים (captains)

Of the tribe of: Benjamin 3,000 men

Of the tribe of: Ephraim 20,800 men

Of the half-tribe of: Manasseh 18,000 men

Of the tribe of: Issachar 200 chiefs and all their brethren

Of the tribe of: Zebulun 50,000 men

Of the tribe of: Naphtali 37,000 men with 1000 שׂרים

Of the tribe of: Dan 28,000 men

Of the tribe of: Asher 40,000 men

Of two and a half trans-Jordanic tribes 120,000 men

Total 336,600 men with 1222 heads and captains

The total is not objected to by Bertheau, and its correctness is placed beyond a doubt by the recollection that we have here to do not with the representation of the various estates of the kingdom, but with a declaration of the will of the whole nation, who wished to make David their king. We must, if we are to estimate these statements, endeavour to go back in imagination to the circumstances of that time when Israel, although settled in the land, had not quite laid aside the character of a nation of warriors, in which every man capable of bearing arms marched to battle with, and for, his king. Now if the total number of fighting men in Israel was 600,000 in the time of Moses, and if, when the people were numbered in the last year of David’s reign, there were in Israel 800,000, and in Judah 500,000 (2Sa 24:9), - the Levites being excluded in both cases - the 340,000 men of all the tribes, except Issachar, in reference to which no number is given, or after subtracting Judah and Levi, the 324,500 men out of the remaining tribes, is not much more than a half of the men capable of bearing arms in Moses’ time, and about a fourth part of the fighting population towards the end of David’s reign. But the relation of the numbers in the respective tribes, on the contrary, is somewhat surprising, and calls forth from Bertheau the following remarks: “To Judah, David’s tribe, which from the earliest time had been famous for its numbers and its powers, 6800 are assigned; to Zebulun, on the contrary, 50,000; to Naphtali, 1000 princes at the head of 37,000 warriors; to the two and a half East-Jordanic tribes, 120,000 men, etc. How does it happen that Zebulun and Naphtali, for example, two tribes that play no great part in Israel’s history, are so strongly represented, while Judah sends only a relatively small number of warriors?” To this question we answer, that Judah’s being represented by a number of warriors relatively so small, is accounted for simply by the fact that David had already been king over Judah for seven years, and consequently that tribe did not need to make him king by coming with the whole of its warriors, or the majority of them, when the other tribes were doing homage to David, but sent only a small number of its male population to this solemn act, who were witnesses in the name of the whole tribe to the homage proffered by the others. The same remark applies to the tribe of Simeon, whose domain was enclosed by that of Judah, and which had consequently recognised David as king at the same time as the larger tribe. In regard to the numbers of the other tribes, Levi had in the last year of David’s reign 38,000 men from thirty years old and upwards (1Ch 23:3); and when here only 4600 Levites, besides the priestly families, are spoken of, the question arises, whether this number is to be understood to refer to the Levites in all the tribes, or only to those dwelling outside of Judah and Simeon, in the cities assigned to them by Moses and Joshua. The smallness of the number (3000) from the tribe of Benjamin is explained by the remark that the majority of this tribe still held to the house of Saul (1Ch 12:29). The only thing which is at all remarkable about the other numbers is, that the Ephraimites are so few (20,800 men) in contrast to the 180,000 men brought into the field by the half-tribe of Manasseh. But if we consider that Ephraim, which at the first census under Moses at Sinai had 40,500 men, had decreased to 32,500 at the second census in the wilderness of Moab, it is not improbable that at the time now treated of that tribe may not have been very strong in fighting men. For in Saul’s last war with the Philistines, when they had pressed forward so far as Mount Gilboa, and also in Abner’s struggle on behalf of King Ishbosheth for the re-conquest of the territory occupied by them, it probably suffered more, and was more weakened, than any of the other tribes. Perhaps also we may add that Ephraim, owing to its jealousy of Judah, which dates from the time of the judges, was not very much disposed to make David king over all Israel. That Zebulun and Naphtali are here so numerously represented, although they do not otherwise play an important part, is no reason for suspecting that the numbers given are incorrect. Since Zebulun under Moses numbered 57,400 men, and at a later time 60,500, and Naphtali 53,400 and 45,400 men capable of bearing arms respectively on the same occasions (see t. i. 2, S. 192); the first named tribe may easily have sent 50,000, the other 37,000 men to David, as the tribes dwelling in the north had been least affected by the wars which Israel carried on in the second half of the period of the judges and under Saul. Both of these tribes, too, are praised in the song of Deborah as a people ready to risk their lives for their fatherland (Jdg 5:18), and may have very much increased in the succeeding time. And besides all this, the tribes Asher, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are indeed more feebly represented than Zebulun, but more strongly than Naphtali. There therefore remains no reason for doubting the historical accuracy of the numbers given; but it is of course to be understood that the numbers, which are stated only in hundreds, are not the result of an enumeration of the individual persons, but only of an estimate of the various detachments according to the military partition of the tribes.

In regard to להסב מ, cf. 1Ch 10:14; and as to יהוה כּפי, see the remark on יהוה כּדבר,   1Ch 11:3, 1Ch 11:10.

David's Army. (b. c. 1055.)

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 a 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.

We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul (v. 1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is here recorded to their honour.

I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin to him, came over to David, v. 2. What moved them to it we are not told. Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of their tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and slinging, and used both hands alike—ingenious active men; a few of these might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are here named. See Judg. xx. 16.

II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan, had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness for it, that they separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable separation it was) to go to David, though he was in the hold in the wilderness (v. 8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any service, 1 Sam. xxii. 2. But these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the battle, v. 8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible swiftness, not to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered forces. In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains, so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces of lions, so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men, trained up to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their own tribe (v. 14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that could break through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all its banks, v. 15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus in a dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were men that would go through with the business they engaged in. What enemies those were that they met with in the valleys, when they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to flight with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both towards the east and towards the west; which way soever they turned, they followed their blow, and did not do their work by halves.

III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, v. 16. Their leader was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom (2 Sam. xvii. 25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,

1. David's prudent treaty with them, v. 17. He was surprised to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,

(1.) How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son of David. [1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and my heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do you all the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But, [2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and will be, of every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more violently run upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he had the testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil, and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the righteous God, who hath said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.

(2.) In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in determining controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and justice: The Lord look thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and rebuke it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express themselves with great temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.

2. Their hearty closure with him, v. 18. Amasai was their spokesman, on whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy, but a spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words into his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer, more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his associates, (1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest, against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the hazard of all that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (1 Sam. xx. 27; xxii. 7), but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was on his side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side. It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God with them. (2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace, peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to thy helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on us." (3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God helpeth thee; therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every time of need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we must be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down all opposing rule, principality, and power.

3. David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as satisfaction is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains of the band.

IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to fight with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the story, 1 Sam. xxix. 4, &c. In his return some great men of Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in with David, and very seasonably, to help him against the band of Amalekites who plundered Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good service upon that occasion, 1 Sam. xxx. See how Providence provides. David's interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make use of it, v. 22. Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a great host. When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength to bring forth.

David's Army. (b. c. 1048.)

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, a 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.

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 (ch. xi. 1, and before 2 Sam. v. 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, v. 23. We may observe here,

I. That those tribes that lived nearest brought the fewest-Judah but 6800 (v. 24), Simeon but 7100 (v. 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.

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, v. 26-28.

III. Even some of the kindred of Saul came over to David (v. 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 (v. 25, 28, 30), of others that they were expert in war (v. 35, 36), and of them all that they could keep rank, v. 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 (v. 24, 33, 37), for how could they think that David should be able to furnish them?

VI. The men of Issachar were the fewest of 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, &c. Or the ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore they are said to call the people to the mountain (Deut. xxxiii. 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. i. 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. xlix. 15), the great men had them at their beck. Hence we read of the princes of Issachar, Judg. v. 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 (v. 38), and particularly of the men of Zebulun that they were not of double heart, v. 33. They were, in this matter, Israelites indeed, in whom was no guile. And this was their perfection, that they were of one heart, v. 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, v. 39, 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, Eccl. x. 19) upon this occasion, for there was joy in Israel, v. 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.