1 Chronicles 12:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:1-22

We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul (1 Chron. 12:1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:2

They were armed with bows ,.... Much used in war in those times: and could use both the right hand and the left, in hurling stones, and shooting arrows out of a bow ; they were ambidextrous; who could sling stones, or shoot arrows, with either, which was no small advantage to them: even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin ; they were of the tribe of Benjamin, of which Saul was, and so his brethren; and they might be, at least some of them, his relations and kinsmen; who observing the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:2

Of Saul's brethren of Benjamin . It would be better to read these words as the commencement of the next verse. Prominence is given to the fact that this set of helpers of David, counting in all twenty-three, comprised Benjamites—men of the same tribe with Saul ( 1 Chronicles 12:29 ). They had seen and been impressed by the wrongness and cruelty of Saul, and found themselves unable to keep in sympathy with him. Of such were Eleazar, Ilai, and Ithai, mentioned in the preceding chapter ( 1... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Chronicles 12:2

The skill of the Benjamites as archers is noted in 1 Chronicles 8:40, and 2 Chronicles 14:8. Their proficiency in using the left hand appears in the narrative of Judges (Judges 3:15, and marginal reference) where their special excellency as slingers is also noticed.Even of Saul’s brethren - Compare 1 Chronicles 12:29. Even of Saul’s own tribe there were some who separated themselves from his cause, and threw in their lot with David. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Chronicles 12:2

1 Chronicles 12:2. Could use both the right hand and the left With like nimbleness and certainty: compare Judges 3:15; and Judges 20:16. Saul’s brethren of Benjamin Of Saul’s own tribe: who were moved hereto by God’s Spirit, by the conscience of their duty to David, and by their observation of God’s departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

David made king (11:1-12:40)It seems clear that the writer of Chronicles assumes that his readers have already read the books of Samuel and Kings. (In this commentary also it is assumed that the reader has read these books. For further details see notes and maps at the relevant places in Samuel and Kings, and the appendix at the end of Chronicles.)In view of his readers’ assumed knowledge, the Chronicler makes no attempt to record events that have little to do with his central purpose. For... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Chronicles 12:2

could use, &c. Compare Judges 3:15 ; Judges 20:15 , Judges 20:16 . Saul's brethren: i.e. his fellow-tribesmen. Compare 1 Chronicles 12:29 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Chronicles 12:2

1 Chronicles 12:2. Even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin— Bishop Patrick observes, that possibly these persons came to David from a generous motive, as they could not bear to see an innocent man persecuted in so violent a manner, especially after he had refused, when he had it in his power, to hurt the person who thus pursued him. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Chronicles 12:2

2. of Saul's brethren of Benjamin—that is, of the tribe of Benjamin (compare :-), but some of them might be relatives of the king. This movement to which the parties were led, doubtless by the secret impulse of the Spirit, was of vast importance to the cause of David, as it must have been founded on their observation of the evident withdrawal of God's blessing from Saul, and His favoring presence with David, to whom it was universally known the Divine King of Israel had given the crown in... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

Various StatisticsThis chapter is entirely supplementary to what is related in 2 S, and gives particulars respecting certain companies that joined David at various times, and the numbers that came to crown David at Hebron.2. The right hand and the left] For this faculty in connexion with Benjamin cp. Judges 3:15; Judges 20:15, Judges 20:16. Saul’s brethren] i.e. fellow-tribesmen: cp. 1 Chronicles 12:29. 4. Among the thirty] not included in the lists of 2 Samuel 23:24. 1 Chronicles 11:26., and... read more

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