1 Chronicles 12:10

KJV

Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

KJV (with Strong's)

Mishmannah {H4925} the fourth {H7243}, Jeremiah {H3414} the fifth {H2549},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mishmanah fourth, Yirmeyah fifth,

Berean Standard Bible

Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

American Standard Version

Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:10, a concise yet significant verse, meticulously lists Mishmannah as the fourth and Jeremiah as the fifth among the valiant Gadite warriors who joined David at Ziklag. This seemingly simple enumeration is part of the Chronicler's detailed record of the growing support for God's anointed king, even while David was still a fugitive. It underscores divine providence in gathering capable individuals and highlights the importance of every person's contribution to God's unfolding plan for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger historical roster in [1 Chronicles chapter 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men"), which catalogues the various groups of skilled warriors who pledged their allegiance to David during his time as a fugitive from King Saul. The chapter begins by describing men who joined David at Ziklag ([1 Chronicles 12:1](/1_chronicles/12-1 "1 Chronicles 12:1 - Men Who Joined David at Ziklag")), then shifts to those who came to him at the stronghold ([1 Chronicles 12:8](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8 - Gadites Join David")), and finally those who joined him at Hebron to make him king ([1 Chronicles 12:23](/1_chronicles/12-23 "1 Chronicles 12:23 - Men Who Came to Hebron")). Verses 8-15 specifically focus on the Gadites, describing their formidable characteristics—"mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" ([1 Chronicles 12:8](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8 - Description of the Gadites")). Within this esteemed group, Mishmannah and Jeremiah are precisely numbered, emphasizing the Chronicler's attention to detail and the individual significance of each warrior in the formation of David's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, David is not yet king over all Israel. He is a fugitive, having sought refuge in Ziklag, a Philistine town, to escape King Saul's relentless pursuit. For these warriors to abandon their homes and risk their lives and reputations to join a man in such a precarious position speaks volumes about their conviction that David was God's chosen leader. The Gadites, a Transjordanian tribe, were known for their ruggedness, bravery, and military prowess, often living on the frontier and engaging in skirmishes. The meticulous listing of names and their specific order (fourth, fifth) reflects an ancient Near Eastern practice of maintaining detailed military rosters, which served not only as historical records but also as affirmations of strength, legitimacy, and divine favor upon the leader. This act of joining David at Ziklag was a pivotal moment, demonstrating the growing popular and military support that would eventually culminate in David's coronation as king over all Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of names like Mishmannah and Jeremiah, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, illustrating how God was actively working behind the scenes, gathering the right people at the right time to establish David's kingdom ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")). Every individual, even those seemingly minor, played a part in God's larger plan. Secondly, the passage underscores **Loyalty and Commitment**, as these men demonstrated unwavering allegiance to God's anointed, even when it meant personal risk and hardship ([Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi")). Their willingness to join David in his vulnerable state speaks to their faith in God's ultimate purpose for him. Finally, this detailed roster emphasizes **The Importance of Every Member** within God's community. While seemingly a dry list, each entry represents a person whose unique skills and dedication contributed to the collective strength of David's forces, reinforcing the idea that in God's work, every member, no matter how briefly mentioned, is significant and valued ([1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - Many Members, One Body")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mishmannah (Hebrew, _Mishmannah'_):** This personal name likely derives from a root meaning "fatness" or "richness," which could metaphorically suggest prosperity, abundance, or strength. In this context, its primary significance is its inclusion as a distinct individual within a precise historical roster. The Chronicler's careful recording of such names emphasizes the detailed nature of the account and the importance of each person who contributed to the early days of David's kingdom.
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmeyahu'_):** This well-known Hebrew name means "Yahweh will uplift" or "Yahweh will establish." While the individual's actions are not detailed, the meaning of his name subtly resonates with the broader theme of God's active hand in establishing David's reign and, by extension, His kingdom. Its presence here reinforces the idea that God was indeed raising up and establishing David through the support of loyal and capable men.
* **Fourth/Fifth:** The ordinal numbers "fourth" and "fifth" are crucial not for the individuals themselves, but for what they reveal about the Chronicler's method. They highlight the meticulous and precise nature of the historical record being presented. This exact enumeration lends credibility to the account and underscores the systematic gathering of David's forces, demonstrating a well-ordered and divinely orchestrated process rather than a random collection of individuals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mishmannah the fourth":** This phrase identifies a specific individual, Mishmannah, and his sequential position within the list of Gadite warriors who joined David. The precise numbering indicates a formal, detailed accounting, suggesting that these were not just random individuals but recognized figures whose allegiance was carefully noted. This attention to detail underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the significance of each person's contribution to David's burgeoning kingdom.
* **"Jeremiah the fifth":** Following directly, this clause identifies another distinct individual, Jeremiah, and his subsequent rank in the same list. The continuation of the precise enumeration reinforces the systematic nature of the Chronicler's record. It highlights the growing number of loyal and capable men who recognized David's divine anointing and were willing to commit themselves to his cause, even in the face of adversity. Each name represents a deliberate act of allegiance that contributed to the eventual establishment of David's throne.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 12:10, and indeed throughout much of [1 Chronicles chapter 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men"), is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The Chronicler meticulously lists names, tribes, and numbers of warriors, creating a detailed roster. This device serves several purposes: it lends historical credibility and authenticity to the narrative, demonstrating the breadth and depth of support David garnered; it emphasizes the scale of God's work in gathering a formidable army for His chosen king; and it highlights the individual significance of each person, even those briefly mentioned, in the grand divine plan. The precise use of ordinal numbers ("the fourth," "the fifth") further underscores the **Precision** and **Order** of this divine gathering, suggesting a divinely orchestrated process rather than a chaotic assembly. While not a direct literary device, the **Repetition** of this naming convention throughout the chapter reinforces the meticulous record-keeping and the growing, diverse support for David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous listing of names like Mishmannah and Jeremiah, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's intimate knowledge and care for every individual involved in His redemptive plan. The Chronicler's attention to detail, even for those who appear only once, mirrors God's own meticulous providence, demonstrating that no contribution, however small or unheralded, is overlooked in the building of His kingdom. These men's acts of loyalty to David, God's anointed, serve as a testament to the principle that God raises up and uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes. Their unity in supporting David foreshadows the collective strength and diverse contributions required for the flourishing of God's people.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Choosing Capable Men")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Whole Body Joined Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Mishmannah and Jeremiah in 1 Chronicles 12:10 offers a powerful reminder that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or uncelebrated, is vital in God's kingdom. Just as these Gadite warriors were meticulously recorded and played a crucial role in establishing David's reign, so too does God see and value every act of faithfulness and service within His Church today. This verse challenges us to consider our own place within God's grand narrative: Are we, like Mishmannah and Jeremiah, willing to pledge our loyalty and commitment to God's chosen King, Jesus Christ, even when circumstances are challenging or the path is uncertain? It encourages us to recognize that our unique gifts, skills, and presence are not insignificant but are precisely what God uses to build His body and advance His purposes in the world. We are called to serve faithfully, knowing that God orchestrates all things for His glory, and every member is indispensable to the collective strength and mission of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping of names like Mishmannah and Jeremiah encourage us about God's attention to detail in our own lives?**
* **In what ways can we, like these Gadite warriors, demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to Christ and His church, especially during challenging times?**
* **What specific gifts or roles do you believe God has given you that contribute to the collective strength and purpose of His kingdom today?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible list so many names that seem insignificant?**

Answer: The listing of names, even those briefly mentioned like Mishmannah and Jeremiah, serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides historical accuracy and authenticity, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler and affirming the factual basis of the biblical narrative. Secondly, it highlights divine providence, showing how God orchestrates events and gathers specific individuals to fulfill His purposes, even in seemingly small details. Thirdly, it underscores the importance of every individual in God's plan; no one is insignificant in His eyes, and every contribution, however minor, is valued and remembered. Finally, these lists can foreshadow the concept of the body of Christ, where diverse members, each with unique roles, contribute to the whole ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")).

**What was special about the Gadites who joined David?**

Answer: The Gadites who joined David at Ziklag were described as exceptionally formidable warriors. [1 Chronicles 12:8](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8 - Description of the Gadites") characterizes them as "mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains." They were known for their fierce bravery, their agility, and their ability to fight effectively in various terrains, including crossing the Jordan River in flood season. Their loyalty to David, despite his fugitive status, marked them as men of great conviction and courage, recognizing God's hand upon him even during challenging times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gathering of Mishmannah, Jeremiah, and the other Gadite warriors to David, God's anointed king, serves as a powerful Old Testament type foreshadowing the ultimate gathering of believers to Christ. David, as the shepherd-king chosen by God, prefigures Jesus, the true [Shepherd of our souls](/1_peter/2-25 "1 Peter 2:25 - Shepherd of Our Souls") and the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). Just as these men, risking their lives, pledged unwavering allegiance to David in his time of vulnerability, so too are believers called to radical loyalty and commitment to Jesus, who, though glorified, once endured suffering and rejection to establish His eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). The meticulous record of each warrior's name in 1 Chronicles 12:10 hints at God's intimate knowledge of all His elect, whose names are [written in the Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life"). The diverse tribes uniting under David's leadership prefigures the Church, the body of Christ, gathered from [every tribe, tongue, people, and nation](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation"), united in purpose under the headship of Christ ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")). The "establishment" implied in Jeremiah's name finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who [establishes His kingdom forever](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Christ's Eternal Dominion") and through whom all things are held together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - All Things Hold Together in Christ")).

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.