For at that time, day by day, there came to David to help him ,.... Particularly after the defeat of Saul by the Philistines, unto the time that David came to Hebron: until it was a great host, like the host of God ; the heavenly host, the angels; so the Targum. read more
And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war ,.... That were trained up to it, and accounted for it: and came to David to Hebron ; after the death of Ishbosheth and Abner, and when David had reigned seven years in Hebron: to turn the kingdom of Saul to him ; to transfer it to him and his family: according to the word of the Lord ; by Samuel, which they were acquainted with; and the number of those of the children of Judah, who made him their king... read more
All these men of war that could keep rank ,.... Well disciplined men: came with a perfect heart to Hebron to make David king over Israel ; they were all of one mind, and quite hearty and sincere in fixing David on the throne of all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart also to make David king ; those who came not were of the same mind; it was the unanimous voice of the people that he should be their king. read more
And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking ,.... Keeping a festival, to testify their joy on this occasion: for their brethren had prepared for them ; not the inhabitants of Hebron only, but all the country round about, brought in provisions on this joyful occasion; otherwise the men of Hebron would not have been able to have provided what was sufficient for such a vast number, as appears by what follows. read more
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
The different persons, captains, etc., who joined themselves to David at Ziklag, vv. 1-22. Those who joined him at Hebron, out of the different tribes; Judah, Simeon, Levi, the house of Aaron, Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, Zebulun, Naphtali, Dan, Asher, Reuben, etc., to the amount of a hundred and twenty thousand, 1 Chronicles 12:23-37 . Their unanimity, and the provisions they brought for his support, 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 . read more
Came to David to Ziklag - Achish, king of Gath, had given Ziklag to David, as a safe retreat from the wrath of Saul. read more
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. read more
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. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:21
And they helped David against the band of the rovers ,.... The Amalekites, who, while he was gone with the Philistines, had seized on Ziklag, and burnt it, and carried the women captive, with what spoil they could make; these coming to David thus opportunely, assisted him in his pursuit and defeat of them: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host ; or army of David. read more