(2) Armed with bows.—Literally, drawers of the bow (2 Chronicles 17:17).And could use.—They were ambidextrous “with stones, and with arrows on the bow.” The left-handed slingers of Benjamin were famous from of old. (Comp. Judges 20:16, and also 1 Chronicles 3:15.)Of Saul’s brethren—i.e., his fellow-tribesmen.Of Benjamin is added to make it clear that Saul’s immediate kinsmen are not intended. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:29.) read more
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
2. David’s Warriors and Friends CHAPTER 12 1. The Benjamite warriors with David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:1-7 ) 2. The other warriors (1 Chronicles 12:8-22 ) 3. Those who came to make him king (1 Chronicles 12:23-40 ) And now those are given by name who stood by David, when he was an outcast, rejected and persecuted by Saul. They were mighty men, his helpers in war. The leading company were of Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged. These joined him when he was at Ziklag. In the... read more
12:2 [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 {b} brethren of Benjamin.(b) That is, of the tribe of Benjamin, of which Saul was, and in which were excellent throwers with slings, Jud 20:16. read more
DAVID ’S REIGN THE DOWNFALL OF SAUL (1 Chronicles 10:0 ) In reading this chapter with whose general contents we became familiar in 1 Samuel 31:0 , it is important to note the inspired comment at its close (1 Chronicles 10:13-14 ). DAVID’S HEROES (1 Chronicles 11-12) In the history of David in this book, the writer dwells chiefly on its prosperous side, passing over the rest as lightly as possible. His anointing at Hebron (1 Chronicles 11:1-3 ) reveals nothing of what we learned earlier of... read more
Skilled Hands 1 Chronicles 12:0 THIS chapter is supplemental to the preceding, and has been described throughout as peculiar to the chronicle. Here we have two registers: the first is of the warriors who went over to David during his outlaw career, and the second is of the tribal representatives who crowned David at Hebron. There are two or three resting-places even in this chapter of names, where we may tarry for a moment and partake of spiritual refreshment. These resting-places are the more... read more
The continued accumulation of David's forces, serves to remind us of the wonderful accession of converts to the Lord Jesus from every part. Oh! how truly lovely is it to behold souls flying to Christ, as a cloud, and as doves to their window. If David waxed stronger and stronger, surely our Almighty David's kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and that which shall endure to everlasting ages. read more
Hand, like Aod, Judges iii. 15. (Menochius) --- Brethren, of the same tribe. The opinion which they entertained of David, must have been very great, to make them expose themselves to such dangers. In adversity, true friendship and virtue shine the most. (Calmet) --- The hand of providence is here conspicuous. (Tirinus) read more
1-22 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... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 12:1-7
(1-7) Men of Benjamin and Judah who joined David at Ziklag. (Comp. 1 Samuel 27:0) read more