1 Chronicles 12:13

KJV

Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jeremiah {H3414} the tenth {H6224}, Machbanai {H4344} the eleventh {H6249}{H6240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyah tenth, and Makhbanai eleventh.

Berean Standard Bible

Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbanai the eleventh.

American Standard Version

Jeremiah the tenth, Machbannai the eleventh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:13 is a concise entry within a detailed roster of mighty warriors who rallied to David's side during his period of exile at Ziklag. Specifically, it names Jeremiah as the tenth and Machbanai as the eleventh among a formidable contingent of Gadite warriors. This verse, though brief, underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, highlighting the individual contributions of those who faithfully committed themselves to God's anointed king, even in times of adversity, thereby playing a vital role in the establishment of David's kingdom and demonstrating the breadth of support David garnered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 12 is a pivotal chapter that meticulously lists the various groups and individuals who joined David, demonstrating the growing support for his kingship even while he was in exile, fleeing from King Saul. The chapter begins by detailing warriors from Benjamin and Judah (vv. 1-7), then shifts to the remarkable Gadites (vv. 8-15), followed by men from Judah and Benjamin who came to the stronghold (vv. 16-18), and finally, a broad coalition from all tribes who joined him at Hebron to make him king (vv. 23-40). Verses 8-15 specifically describe the Gadite contingent as "men of might, men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains," as articulated in [1 Chronicles 12:8](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8 - Description of Gadite Warriors"). These men bravely crossed the Jordan River when it was overflowing its banks to reach David, a feat highlighted in [1 Chronicles 12:15](/1_chronicles/12-15 "1 Chronicles 12:15 - Gadites Crossing the Jordan"). Jeremiah and Machbanai are simply two names in this esteemed list, emphasizing that every individual's contribution was noted and valued in the Chronicler's comprehensive historical and theological account.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for 1 Chronicles 12 is a critical juncture in Israel's history: David's period of exile under King Saul's relentless pursuit. David had sought refuge in Ziklag, a Philistine town granted to him by Achish, king of Gath, as described in [1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - David at Ziklag"). During this tumultuous time, many loyal Israelites, disillusioned with Saul's increasingly unstable reign or sensing God's hand upon David, began to defect and join him. The act of joining an exiled leader, particularly one pursued by the reigning monarch, was a significant act of loyalty and carried considerable risk. The Gadites, known for their fierce warrior tradition and dwelling east of the Jordan, demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment by traversing the treacherous, often flooded Jordan River to align themselves with David. This gathering of "mighty men" was not merely a military muster but a divinely orchestrated assembly, laying the groundwork for the unified kingdom David would eventually rule.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous naming of individuals like Jeremiah and Machbanai within this extensive list underscores several key themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. First, it highlights **Loyalty and Commitment** to God's chosen leader, even when David's prospects seemed uncertain and joining him carried significant personal risk. These men chose to align themselves with the future, divinely appointed king, rather than the failing current one. Second, the careful enumeration emphasizes the **Individual Contribution** of each person. While part of a larger, formidable force, the Chronicler ensures that each name, no matter how seemingly obscure, is recorded, signifying that every act of faithfulness and service is recognized and valued by God. This speaks to the importance of individual faithfulness within a collective endeavor, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament's teaching on the body of Christ in [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body"). Finally, the entire chapter, including this verse, powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**. The sheer number and caliber of warriors who flocked to David, even in his distress, demonstrate God's active hand in gathering the necessary support and preparing the way for the establishment of David's kingdom, fulfilling His promises to him as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** From the root meaning "Jah will rise" or "Yah will uplift," this name is relatively common in the Old Testament, most famously associated with the major prophet. In this context, it refers to a specific individual, the tenth listed among the Gadite warriors who joined David. His inclusion, despite the commonality of the name, signifies that even those with shared names were uniquely recognized for their distinct contribution to David's cause.
* **Machbanai (Hebrew, _Makbannay'_):** This name is identified as a "patrial from Macbena," indicating a native or inhabitant of a place called Macbena. It is a rarer name in the biblical text, appearing only here. Its uniqueness underscores the Chronicler's precise record-keeping, ensuring that every individual, regardless of the familiarity or origin of their name, who played a part in God's redemptive history was remembered and acknowledged. The very act of naming these men, rather than simply stating "many others," highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on the personal nature of service and God's attention to individuals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jeremiah the tenth":** This phrase identifies a specific individual, Jeremiah, by name and by his numerical position within the list of Gadite warriors who joined David. The ordinal "tenth" indicates a systematic enumeration, suggesting an ordered list of important figures. His inclusion signifies his personal commitment and valor, deemed worthy of being recorded for posterity among David's elite and demonstrating the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail.
* **"Machbanai the eleventh":** Similarly, this identifies Machbanai as the next individual in the sequence. The placement of both names within a numbered list emphasizes their distinct identities and contributions, even as part of a larger group. It highlights that the Chronicler was not merely providing a general count but meticulously documenting the specific individuals who formed the backbone of David's nascent kingdom, underscoring the value of each person's unique role and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 12:13, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 12, is **Catalog** or **List**. The Chronicler employs a detailed enumeration of names, often with accompanying descriptions of their abilities or tribal affiliations. This serves several crucial purposes: it provides a historical record, authenticating the broad and diverse support David garnered; it emphasizes the sheer scale of the movement towards David, demonstrating God's providential hand in gathering His chosen king's forces; and crucially, it highlights the **Individualization** of contribution. By naming each person, even those who appear only once, the text underscores the theological principle that every individual's faithfulness and service, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, is noticed and valued in God's grand narrative. The meticulous nature of this list also lends an air of **Verisimilitude**, making the account feel historically precise and reliable, reinforcing the divine order behind David's ascent to the throne.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Jeremiah and Machbanai in this detailed roster speaks volumes about God's meticulous care and the value He places on every individual's contribution to His purposes. It reminds us that even seemingly minor figures in the grand tapestry of salvation history are known by name and their faithfulness recorded. This passage implicitly teaches that God remembers and honors those who serve Him faithfully, even when their acts are not widely celebrated or their names are not prominent in broader historical narratives. It underscores the profound principle that every member of God's people has a vital and indispensable role to play in the advancement of His kingdom, and their service, whether in the spotlight or in obscurity, is significant in His eyes. This enduring truth encourages believers across generations to be faithful in their callings, trusting that their efforts, no matter how humble, contribute to God's overarching and sovereign plan.

* [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - God Equips Bezalel and Oholiab for Service")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body in Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32-34 - Further Examples of Faith's Heroes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 12:13, though just two names in a long list, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the intrinsic value of our own contributions to God's kingdom, regardless of how prominent or obscure they may seem in the eyes of the world. Just as Jeremiah and Machbanai committed themselves to David when he was an outcast and his future uncertain, we are called to unwavering loyalty to Christ, especially when circumstances are challenging or when our service goes unnoticed by human acclaim. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ, understanding that every act of faithfulness, every gift employed, and every sacrifice made contributes to the larger, divinely ordained purpose. It reminds us that God sees, God remembers, and God values the quiet, consistent faithfulness of His people, building His kingdom through the collective efforts of countless individuals, each playing their part. Our primary motivation for service should not be worldly recognition, but rather a deep and abiding commitment to God's eternal plan and His anointed King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous naming of individuals like Jeremiah and Machbanai affirm the inherent value of every person's contribution to God's work, even those seemingly minor?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to undervalue our own contributions or the contributions of others if they are not prominent or publicly recognized within the Church or society?**
* **What does it truly mean to demonstrate "loyal" commitment to Christ's kingdom, especially during times of adversity or when our service feels unseen or unappreciated?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater appreciation for the diverse and often hidden acts of faithfulness within our local communities and the global Church, recognizing God's hand in all of them?**

### FAQ

**Who were Jeremiah and Machbanai, and why are they specifically mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:13?**

Answer: Jeremiah and Machbanai were two of the courageous and formidable Gadite warriors who joined David during his period of exile at Ziklag. They are specifically named as the tenth and eleventh individuals in a detailed list of these "men of might" who came to David, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 12:8-15](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8-15 - The Gadite Warriors"). They are mentioned not because of any individual heroic deed recorded elsewhere, but because the Chronicler meticulously recorded all the individuals who played a part in establishing David's kingdom. Their inclusion underscores the profound theological theme that every person's commitment and contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, was valued and remembered by God and by David, forming the essential foundation of the future monarchy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous naming of individuals like Jeremiah and Machbanai in 1 Chronicles 12:13, who faithfully rallied to David in his time of need, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate gathering of God's people around the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. Just as David, though an anointed king, was an outcast during this period, Jesus came into the world rejected by many, yet those who recognized Him as the Messiah came to Him, often at great personal cost, fulfilling the prophecy that "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him," yet "to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" ([John 1:11-12](/john/1-11-12 "John 1:11-12 - Reception of Christ")). The "mighty men" who joined David prefigure the disciples and all believers throughout history who, through faith, pledge their unwavering allegiance to Christ, becoming part of His spiritual kingdom and His body, the Church. Each believer, like Jeremiah and Machbanai, is known by name to the Good Shepherd, who "calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")), and their individual acts of faithfulness, service, and sacrifice, though often unseen by the world, are meticulously recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life")). Christ, as the ultimate King and Head of the Church, values every member of His body, equipping them with unique gifts to build up His Church and advance His eternal kingdom, ensuring that no act of love or loyalty goes unnoticed in His perfect and redemptive plan ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Body of Christ's Edification")).

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.