1 Chronicles 11:10

KJV

¶ These also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, [and] with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

These also are the chief {H7218} of the mighty men {H1368} whom David {H1732} had, who strengthened {H2388} themselves with him in his kingdom {H4438}, and with all Israel {H3478}, to make him king {H4427}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} concerning Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are David's chief warriors, who, under his rulership, joined forces with him and with all Isra'el to make him king, as ADONAI had said concerning Isra'el;

Berean Standard Bible

Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

American Standard Version

Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Jehovah concerning Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:10 serves as a pivotal introduction to the esteemed list of David's elite warriors, known as his "mighty men." This verse highlights their crucial role in consolidating David's nascent kingdom, emphasizing their active and unwavering support in establishing him as king. Crucially, it underscores that this entire process, involving both the strength of these warriors and the unified consent of all Israel, was not merely a human political achievement but a direct fulfillment of God's divine word and sovereign plan for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of all the tribes of Israel gathering at Hebron to anoint David as king, a momentous event detailed in [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1-3 - David Anointed King by All Israel"). It acts as a significant preamble to the extensive roster of David's "mighty men" that begins in [1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - The First of David's Mighty Men"). By placing this general statement before the specific names and deeds, the Chronicler establishes the collective purpose and divine legitimacy behind these warriors' actions, setting the stage for understanding their individual exploits as part of a larger, God-ordained plan for David's reign. The verse thus bridges the narrative of David's anointing with the subsequent catalog of his military prowess and loyal support.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's ascension to the throne marked a critical transition in Israel's history, moving from the tumultuous period of Saul's reign and the judges to a unified monarchy. The concept of "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, _gibborim_) was common in ancient Near Eastern societies, referring to elite warriors, often personal guards or special forces, whose loyalty and skill were indispensable to a king's power and security. In Israel, this group would have been drawn from various tribes, symbolizing a new national unity under David. The act of "making him king" by "all Israel" reflects the tribal structure of the time, where consensus from tribal elders and representatives was vital for legitimizing a ruler, especially one chosen by divine decree rather than hereditary succession in the conventional sense. This period also saw the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, a central religious and political hub, which these mighty men would defend and expand.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Kingship**, asserting that David's rule was not merely a human endeavor but "according to the word of the LORD," a foundational theological truth for the Chronicler. This connects directly to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David"), where God promises an enduring dynasty. Secondly, the theme of **Unity and National Consensus** is evident, as "all Israel" participated in making David king, contrasting with the earlier fragmented kingdom under Saul. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Importance of Loyal Support and Human Agency**, acknowledging that while God ordains, He works through dedicated individuals like the "mighty men" who "strengthened themselves with him." This demonstrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in achieving God's purposes, a recurring motif throughout the historical books, as seen in the call for obedience in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (_chazaq_) means "to be strong," "to seize," "to prevail," or "to hold fast." In this context, the Hithpael stem ("strengthened themselves") denotes a reflexive and intensive action. It implies that David's mighty men actively and deliberately exerted their strength, influence, and loyalty to support and consolidate David's kingdom. It wasn't passive allegiance but a proactive commitment to empower his rule and solidify his position, indicating a deep personal investment in his success and the stability of the kingdom.
* **Mighty Men (Hebrew, _gibborim'_):** The term גִּבֹּרִים (_gibborim_) refers to powerful, valiant, or heroic warriors. It signifies an elite class of soldiers, distinguished by their exceptional skill, courage, and prowess in battle. In the biblical narrative, _gibborim_ are often depicted as individuals of extraordinary strength and valor, essential for military success and national defense. Their inclusion here emphasizes the high caliber of David's inner circle of warriors, whose physical and strategic capabilities were instrumental in establishing and maintaining his kingdom.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _malkhut'_):** The Hebrew noun מַלְכוּת (_malkhut_) refers to kingship, royal power, or the realm over which a king rules. Here, it encompasses not only the geographical territory but also the authority, stability, and legitimacy of David's reign. The mighty men strengthened David "in his kingdom," meaning they contributed directly to the establishment, security, and expansion of his royal domain and the effective exercise of his kingly power. This term highlights the political and governmental reality of David's rule, which was divinely appointed yet required human effort to become a tangible reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had":** This introductory clause identifies the subject of the ensuing list: the most prominent and skilled warriors who served David. It immediately establishes their elite status and their direct association with David, setting the stage for the detailed enumeration of their names and deeds in the subsequent verses. The term "chief" indicates their leadership and preeminence among David's forces.
* **"who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom":** This phrase describes the active and collaborative role of these mighty men. They did not merely serve David but proactively exerted their strength and influence *with* him, indicating a partnership and shared objective. Their efforts were directed towards solidifying David's rule and ensuring the stability and prosperity of his kingdom, demonstrating their deep loyalty and commitment to his reign.
* **"[and] with all Israel, to make him king":** This part broadens the scope, emphasizing that the mighty men's efforts were part of a larger national consensus. "All Israel" united to affirm David's kingship, signifying a collective acceptance and participation in his enthronement. This highlights the unity achieved under David's leadership and the national mandate that underpinned his rule, moving beyond tribal divisions to a unified kingdom.
* **"according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel":** This concluding phrase is the theological linchpin of the verse. It asserts that David's kingship, and the combined efforts of his mighty men and all Israel, were not random occurrences or mere human political maneuvers, but the direct fulfillment of God's divine promise and sovereign plan for His people. This validates David's reign as legitimate and divinely ordained, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding the leadership of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 11:10 to convey its profound message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the strategic placement of the verse as a preamble, highlighting the significance of the "mighty men" and, more importantly, the divine mandate behind David's kingship. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" serves as a powerful **theological affirmation**, framing all subsequent human actions within the context of God's overarching plan. There is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse sets the stage for David's successful military campaigns and the establishment of his secure kingdom, which are detailed later in the book. The mention of "all Israel" participating "to make him king" suggests **Synecdoche**, where a part (the mighty men) represents the whole (the unified nation), working together under divine guidance. This verse also functions as a thematic **Inclusio** with other Chronicler passages that emphasize God's role in establishing David's throne, reinforcing the divine legitimacy of the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 11:10 profoundly illustrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency in the unfolding of God's purposes. While God's "word" is the ultimate authority and source of David's kingship, He chooses to accomplish His will through the active participation and strength of human agents—the mighty men and all Israel. This verse underscores that God's plans are not abstract or detached from human history but are realized through the dedicated efforts of those who align themselves with His will. It highlights the theological truth that true leadership, particularly in God's kingdom, is divinely appointed and sustained, yet it requires and benefits from loyal, strong, and unified support from its people. This dynamic relationship between divine decree and human responsibility is a consistent theme throughout biblical history, teaching believers that their actions, when aligned with God's word, contribute to His greater redemptive narrative.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chooses David")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful reminder that God often works through human instruments to accomplish His divine purposes. David's kingship, though divinely ordained, required the tangible strength and unified support of his "mighty men" and "all Israel." For us today, this teaches the profound importance of active participation and loyal commitment within our communities, whether in the church, our families, or our workplaces. It challenges us to consider how we are "strengthening ourselves with" those God has placed in leadership or how we are contributing to the collective good of a shared vision that aligns with God's will. Recognizing God's hand in the larger narrative should inspire us to faithfully play our part, trusting that our efforts, however small, contribute to His grand design. It also encourages us to seek and acknowledge divine guidance in all our endeavors, understanding that true success comes when human effort is consecrated to God's "word."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to "strengthen" a leader or a collective vision that aligns with God's purposes?**
* **How does the unity of "all Israel" in making David king speak to the importance of collective action and shared purpose in spiritual communities today?**
* **How can you discern whether your efforts are truly "according to the word of the LORD" in your personal and communal endeavors?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "strengthened themselves with him"?**

Answer: The phrase "strengthened themselves with him" (Hebrew: חָזַק, _chazaq_) signifies a proactive, deliberate, and intense commitment from David's mighty men. It goes beyond mere passive loyalty, indicating that they actively exerted their power, influence, and military prowess to support David, consolidate his kingdom, and ensure its stability. This highlights their deep personal investment and partnership in establishing David's reign, demonstrating that while God ordained David's kingship, He used human agents who were fully dedicated to realizing His plan. This active strengthening was crucial for transforming a divine promise into a tangible reality on earth, as seen in David's eventual secure rule over [all Israel](/2_samuel/5-12 "2 Samuel 5:12 - David Acknowledges God's Hand").

**How does this verse emphasize God's sovereignty alongside human responsibility?**

Answer: This verse beautifully balances God's sovereignty with human responsibility by stating that David's kingship was established "according to the word of the LORD" while simultaneously acknowledging the active role of "the chief of the mighty men" and "all Israel" who "strengthened themselves with him...to make him king." God's word is the ultimate cause and legitimizing factor, demonstrating His overarching plan and faithfulness. However, He chose to implement this plan through the willing and dedicated efforts of human agents. This shows that divine decree does not negate human action but rather empowers and directs it. It teaches that our obedience and active participation are vital components in the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes, much like the Israelites' journey to the [Promised Land](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 11:10, with its emphasis on a divinely appointed king supported by loyal, mighty men and a unified nation, powerfully foreshadows the kingship of Jesus Christ. Just as David's reign was "according to the word of the LORD," so too was Christ's coming and eternal kingdom prophesied and established by God's sovereign will (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Kingdom")). Jesus is the ultimate King, the true Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world yet extends over all creation ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"); [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Head")). His "mighty men" are not physical warriors but believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who "strengthen themselves with Him" by faithfully serving His purposes and advancing His spiritual kingdom through evangelism, discipleship, and righteous living ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God"); [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The unity of "all Israel" in making David king finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the Church, the body of Christ, composed of believers from every tribe and nation, united under Christ the Head ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). Thus, David's earthly kingdom, established by divine word and human cooperation, points to the eternal, spiritual reign of Christ, which is likewise established by God's decree and advanced by the faithful, Spirit-empowered participation of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 11:3

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

1 Chronicles 12:38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king.

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

1 Samuel 16:14

¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

2 Samuel 23:8

¶ These [be] the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same [was] Adino the Eznite: [he lift up his spear] against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

2 Samuel 23:39

Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.