And there fell… of Manasseh to David . Of this use of נָפַל עלא there are many other examples ( 2 Chronicles 15:9 ; Jeremiah 37:14 ; Jeremiah 39:9 ). The phrase does not correspond with our own idiom of "falling to" one's lot, but with that of" falling away" from the service or love of one to another, i.e. deserting. The occasion hero spoken of is described in full in 1 Samuel 29:2-11 . read more
Although those of Manasseh who wished to ally themselves with David did not—most providentially for David and his Ziklag people—have the opportunity of aiding him when, on the eve of Gilboa, he was about to aid Achish the prince of the Philistines against the Israelites and Saul, yet their help must have come in useful when, on his return "to Ziklag on the third day," he found what the Amalekites had done, and pursued them ( 1 Samuel 30:1-6 , 1 Samuel 30:11-25 ). Seven is the number also... read more
The band . The band referred to is evidently that of Amalek in 1 Samuel 30:8 , 1 Samuel 30:9 . Were captains; better, became captains. read more
The host of God . A forcible comment on the metaphorical use of this phrase is found in 1 Samuel 14:15 ; Authorized Version, " a very great trembling" is the translation of Hebrew "trembling of God." The for with which this verse commences probably explains the call there was for many and able "captains" for a host becoming daily larger. read more
The bands ; rather, the chief men , or captains , by one or the other of which words this same term has been several times hitherto rendered in the immediate context (yet see 9:37 , 9:44 , and 5:30 for yet a third signification). There follow ( 1 Chronicles 12:24-37 ) the numbers of each tribe (the full thirteen being enumerated) who "came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel." The large numbers of some of the joyful pilgrims to Hebron, as for... read more
David had already found friends and adherents in these two southern tribes of Judah and Simeon. read more
Jahoiada . He was probably the father of Benaiah (see 1 Chronicles 11:22 ; 1 Chronicles 18:17 ; 1 Chronicles 27:5 ; 2 Samuel 8:18 ). The Aaronites . This is, of course, equivalent to saying "the priests," i.e. the priestly troops, of whom Jehoiada was leader. read more
Zadok . This is the first men. tion of Zadok. He was, no doubt, the chief priest, son of Ahitub, of 2 Samuel 8:17 ; 1 Kings 1:8 ; 1 Chronicles 24:3 ; 1 Chronicles 29:22 . He is leader of the Levites. read more
Had kept the ward ; rather, had kept on the side of ; the Hebrew, שֹׁמְרִים מִשְׁמֶרֶת ; Vulgate, adhuc sequebatur. The proposed translation of זְעַדיחֵנָח by "still" ('Speaker's Commentary,' in loc .) is very doubtful. The for hitherto of this verse explains the reason of the comparatively small number Of the Benjamites. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:18
The response of the band, by the mouth of Amasai was worthy of the character of the appeal that David made, both in its heartiness and its high tone. Amasai. Possibly the same with Amasa ( 1 Chronicles 2:17 ), the son of Abigail (David's sister), wife of Jether ( 2 Samuel 17:25 ; 2 Samuel 18:6 ; 2 Samuel 19:13 ; 2 Samuel 20:10 ). Ewald discusses this point ('Genesis Int.,' 2:544). He was made captain of the host by Absalom, afterwards by David, and Joab put an end to his life. ... read more