1 Chronicles 12

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:19-22

(19-22) The seven Manassite chieftains who went over to David on the eve of Saul’s last battle. read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:20

(20) As he went to Ziklag.—On his dismissal by the Philistine princes, David returned with his men to Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1). On the way he was joined by the Manassite chieftains, probably before the battle which decided the fate of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 29:11).Jozabad.—The repetition may be a scribe’s error. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:10; 1 Chronicles 12:13, where we find the name Jeremiah given twice over.)Captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.—(Comp. Numbers 31:14; and 1... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:21

(21) And they helped David against the band of the rovers.—So the Vulg. and Syr. The Heb. text has been called “brief and unintelligible,” and its explanation has been sought in 1 Samuel 30:8; 1 Samuel 30:15, where “the band” (haggedûd, as here) of Amalek, which had captured and burnt Ziklag in David’s absence, is spoken of. But why may we not render, “And these helped David over the band,” i.e., in the joint command of his forces. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:18, “made them captains of the band.”)... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:22

(22) For at that time day by day . . .—Literally, For at the time of each day (i.e., every day) men used to come to David to help him; amounting to a mighty camp, like a camp of God. The verse explains why David required so many captains as have been enumerated, and why the term “army” was used of his troop in the last verse.A great host, like the host of God.—Literally, camp. The phrase has an antique colouring Comp. Genesis 32:1-2 : “And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:23

II. THE NUMBER OF THE WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING IN HEBRON AFTER SAUL’S DEATH (1 Chronicles 12:23-40).(23) And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war.—Literally, And these are the numbers of the heads of the equipped for warfare. “Heads” may mean (1) polls, or individuals, as in Judges 5:30, though “skull” (gulgôleth) is more usual in this sense; or (2) it may mean “totals,” “bands,” as in Judges 7:16. The latter seems preferable here. The Vulg. and LXX. render... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:24

(24) The sons of Judah.—The following list proceeds from south to north, and then passes over to the trans-Jordanic tribes.That bare shield and spear.—Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:8.Ready armed to the war.—Equipped for war fare. The tribe of Judah, which had acknowledged the sovereignty of David for the last seven years, had no need to appear in full force on the occasion of his recognition by the other tribes. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:25

(25) Mighty men of valour for the war.—Rather, for warfare, or military service. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:26

(26) Of the children of Levi -Literally, Of the sons of the Levite; the article shows that the name is gentilic or tribal here, not personal. These martial Levites remind us of the priestly warriors of the crusades. That Levites might be soldiers, and in fact must have been such for the defence of the sanctuaries, is noted at 1 Chronicles 9:13; 1 Chronicles 9:19, and 2 Chronicles 23:0. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:27

(27) And Jehoiada . . .—Literally, And Jehoiada the prince (hannagîd, 1 Chronicles 9:11; 1 Chronicles 9:20) belonging to Aaron. Aaronis used as the name of the leading clan of Levi. Jehoiada is perhaps father of the Benaiah of 1 Chronicles 11:22. He was not high priest (Abiathar, 1 Samuel 23:9), but head of the warriors of his clan. It is not clear whether the 3,700 are included in the 4,600 of 1 Chronicles 12:26 or not. Probably not.Was . . . were.—Omit. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:28

(28) And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour.—And Zadok, a youth, a valiant warrior. Perhaps the successor of Abiathar (1 Kings 2:26-27; 1 Kings 4:4), and his father-house (family), princes twenty and two. The sub-clan or family of Eleazar must have been strong at this time to be able to furnish all these captains, and their implied companies of warriors. But the sum total of the Levites is not given. read more

Group of Brands