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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

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 (1 Chron. 11:1; and before 2 Sam. 5:1) that all the tribes of Israel came, either themselves or by their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king; now here we have an account of the quota which every tribe brought in ready armed to the war, in case there should be any opposition, 1 Chron. 12:23. We may observe here, I. That those tribes that lived... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:40

Moreover, they that were nigh ,.... To Hebron, or bordered on the tribe of Judah: even unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali ; as far as to those tribes, and including them: brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules ; all which were creatures used to carry burdens: and on oxen ; who, though commonly employed in ploughing, yet, on this occasion, might be made use of either in drawing wagons laden with provisions, such as follow, or in carrying loads on their backs;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:40

Moreover, they that were nigh them . The meaning is that not only the "brethren" of Judah and of the nearer neighbourhood of Hebron joined to entertain and to show hospitality to the immense throngs of visitors, but that others did so in ever-widening circles, even as far as the remoter Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali. For there was joy in Israel. The joy must have been largely enhanced by the national consciousness of divided rule coming to an end, and of the cloud and frown of the Divine... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Chronicles 12:40

1 Chronicles 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... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

David made king (11:1-12:40)It seems clear that the writer of Chronicles assumes that his readers have already read the books of Samuel and Kings. (In this commentary also it is assumed that the reader has read these books. For further details see notes and maps at the relevant places in Samuel and Kings, and the appendix at the end of Chronicles.)In view of his readers’ assumed knowledge, the Chronicler makes no attempt to record events that have little to do with his central purpose. For... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Chronicles 12:40

and on camels. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton , emphasizing the fact that there were no horses . read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

Various StatisticsThis chapter is entirely supplementary to what is related in 2 S, and gives particulars respecting certain companies that joined David at various times, and the numbers that came to crown David at Hebron.2. The right hand and the left] For this faculty in connexion with Benjamin cp. Judges 3:15; Judges 20:15, Judges 20:16. Saul’s brethren] i.e. fellow-tribesmen: cp. 1 Chronicles 12:29. 4. Among the thirty] not included in the lists of 2 Samuel 23:24. 1 Chronicles 11:26., and... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:39-40

(39-40) The coronation feast. Comp. 1 Kings 1:9; 1 Kings 1:19; 1 Kings 1:25; the usurpation of Adonijah.Their brethren.—Fellow tribesmen of Judah; especially those living at and around Hebron.Had prepared victuals.—2 Chronicles 35:14. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:40

(40) They that were nigh them.—The tribes bordering on Judah (LXX. οἱ ὁμοροῦντες), and even the northern tribes, contributed provisions.Brought, were bringing.Asses . . . camels . . . mules . . . oxen, but not horses, were the usual beasts of burden in rocky Canaan.Meat, meal.—Rather, food of flour.Bunches.—Rather, cakes of raisins; masses of dried figs and raisins were, and are, a staple article of’ food iıı the East (comp. 1 Samuel 25:18; Amos 8:11). The simple diction of the narrative,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

DAVID1. HIS TRIBE AND DYNASTYKING and kingdom were so bound up in ancient life that an ideal for the one implied an ideal for the other: all distinction and glory possessed by either was shared by both. The tribe and kingdom of Judah were exalted by the fame of David and Solomon: but, on the other hand, a specially exalted position is accorded to David in the Old Testament because he is the representative of the people of Jehovah. David himself had been anointed by Divine command to be king of... read more

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