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
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
The Companies that came to David at Ziklag v. 1. Now, these are they that came to David to Ziklag, in the Philistine country, 1 Samuel 27:6, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul, the son of Kish, his return to the country of Israel being still hindered by the enmity of Saul; and they, the men who joined David there, were among the mighty men, helpers of the war. v. 2. They were armed with bows, their work consisting in bending the bow in shooting, and could use both the right... read more
γ. Supplementary List of Brave Men who held to David during the Reign of Saul:1 Chronicles 12:1-221 Chronicles 12:1.And these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while banished from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the heroes, helpers of the war. 2Armed with bows, using both right hand and left with stones and with 3arrows on the bow:—Of the brethren of Saul of Benjamin. The chief Ahiezer and Joash, sons of Hashmaah the Gibeathite; and Jezuel1 and Pelet the 4sons of Azmaveth; and... read more
Here the story is continued; it thrills with the enthusiasm of the multitudes as they marched under the standard of the new king. Over the list of names flashes light from certain outstanding statements concerning them. In verse two it declares that these men "could use both the right hand and the left." This speaks of the careful training they had received. A little later we have a poetic and remarkable description of the companies gathered around David (verse 1Ch 12:8 ). They were "mighty... read more
1 Chronicles 12:1-Matthew : . David’ s Supporters.— An enumeration of those who rallied round David during his outlaw life in Ziklag ( cf. 1 Samuel 27:5 f.), and a list of those who were instrumental in setting him upon the throne. 1 Chronicles 12:2 . they were of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin: cf. 1 Chronicles 12:16 ff., 1 Chronicles 12:29; it is difficult to believe that Saul was deserted by his own kinsfolk (see 2 Samuel 2:25; 2 Samuel 2:31) in any great numbers. Benjaminites occupied... read more
CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter entirely new matter—supplementary to Samuel—contains a list of those who joined David in time of Saul (1 Chronicles 12:1-22), and of those who came to make him king over Israel (1 Chronicles 12:23-40).1 Chronicles 12:1-7.—Benjamin and Judah came to Ziklag. A town which belonged to Simeon (Joshua 19:5), but given to David for residence it fell to Judah. Close, hidden (cf. 1 Samuel 17:30). Brethren, i.e., Benjamites, i.e., members of the same tribe; disgusted with... read more
Now in chapter twelve.These are they which came to David to Ziklag, because he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, the helpers of the war. They were armed with bows, they could use both the right hand and the left hand in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of the bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 12:1-2 ).And so these guys had practiced throwing with the sling with both hands. In case one hand gets injured or... read more
1 Chronicles 12:14 . Over a thousand. David at Ziklag had but six hundred men; the query is, whether these had already been captains over a thousand, or whether David after his coronation promoted them to that rank? 1 Chronicles 12:17 . If to betray me: for these were Saul’s brethren! God moved their hearts to fulfil his pleasure, for they saw that David would rise to the throne. 1 Chronicles 12:22 . Like the host of God, who is the Lord of hosts, whose army is greater than that of... read more
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The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Chronicles 12:1-40
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