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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12 verses 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 (Ch1 12:1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is here recorded to their honour.
I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin to him, came over to David, Ch1 12:2. What moved them to it we are not told. Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of their tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and slinging, and used both hands alike - ingenious active men; a few of these might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are here named. See Jdg 20:16.
II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan, had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness for it, that they separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable separation it was) to go to David, though he was in the hold in the wilderness (Ch1 12:8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any service, Sa1 22:2. But these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the battle, Ch1 12:8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible swiftness, not to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered forces. In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains, so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces of lions, so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men, trained up to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their own tribe (Ch1 12:14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that could break through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all its banks, Ch1 12:15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus in a dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were men that would go through with the business they engaged in. What enemies those were that they met with in the valleys, when they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to flight with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both towards the east and towards the west; which way soever they turned, they followed their blow, and did not do their work by halves.
III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, Ch1 12:16. Their leader was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom (Sa2 17:25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,
1.David's prudent treaty with them, Ch1 12:17. He was surprised to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,
(1.)How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son of David. [1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and my heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do you all the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But, [2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and will be, of every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more violently run upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he had the testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil, and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the righteous God, who hath said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.
(2.)In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in determining controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and justice: The Lord look thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and rebuke it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express themselves with great temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.
2.Their hearty closure with him, Ch1 12:18. Amasai was their spokesman, on whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy, but a spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words into his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer, more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his associates, (1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest, against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the hazard of all that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (Sa1 20:27; Sa1 22:7), but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was on his side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side. It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God with them. (2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace, peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to thy helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on us." (3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God helpeth thee; therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every time of need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we must be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down all opposing rule, principality, and power.
3.David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as satisfaction is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains of the band.
IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to fight with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the story, Sa1 29:4, etc. In his return some great men of Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in with David, and very seasonably, to help him against the band of Amelekites who plundered Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good service upon that occasion, 1 Sa. 30. See how Providence provides. David's interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make use of it, Ch1 12:22. Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a great host. When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength to bring forth.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:16 records the significant arrival of loyal warriors from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah to David's fortified stronghold during his period of exile from King Saul. This influx of support, particularly from Saul's own tribe, powerfully illustrates God's active sovereignty in preparing David for his future kingship by gathering capable and committed individuals to his cause, signifying a divine shift in allegiance and the steady consolidation of power around God's chosen leader.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within a comprehensive catalog in 1 Chronicles 12 that meticulously enumerates the various tribal contingents, leaders, and warriors who joined David during his time as a fugitive from King Saul. The chapter begins by detailing the men who came to David at Ziklag (verses 1-7), followed by a description of the mighty men from Gad (verses 8-15). Verse 16 then specifically introduces the arrival of men from Benjamin and Judah, continuing the overarching theme of a growing, diverse, and divinely orchestrated coalition. The subsequent verses (17-22) further elaborate on the spirit of these men and the daily increase in David's forces, culminating in the significant gathering at Hebron to make David king over all Israel (verses 23-40). Thus, 1 Chronicles 12:16 serves as a specific, pivotal instance within this broader narrative of God faithfully preparing David for the throne by assembling a formidable and loyal army.
Historical & Cultural Context: At this juncture in Israel's history, David was a hunted fugitive, relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who had become increasingly paranoid and disobedient to God's commands. David had sought refuge in various strongholds, such as the cave of Adullam and later, with the Philistines in Ziklag (1 Samuel 27:6). The "hold" mentioned here refers to such a fortified, defensible location. Tribal loyalties were incredibly strong and paramount in ancient Israel, making the defection of men from Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, exceptionally significant. This act signaled a clear and public shift in political and spiritual allegiance, indicating that God's favor had decisively moved from Saul to David. Joining a fugitive leader was a high-stakes decision, demonstrating not only immense courage but also a discerning recognition of God's hand upon David, even in his marginalized and seemingly vulnerable state.
Key Themes: 1 Chronicles 12:16 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles and the broader Davidic narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Provision and Sovereignty, showcasing how God actively raises up and equips His chosen leaders, providing the necessary resources and people even amidst challenging circumstances. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Shifting Allegiances, particularly with the mention of men from Benjamin, Saul's own tribe. This illustrates the growing recognition across Israel that God's favor had departed from Saul and rested firmly upon David, prompting individuals to align themselves with God's true anointed one. Thirdly, the verse points to the theme of Unity and Preparation for Kingship. The gathering of diverse tribal groups under David's leadership foreshadows the eventual unification of all Israel under his reign, emphasizing the importance of cohesion and loyalty in establishing God's kingdom work.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse, as an integral part of a larger list, primarily employs Enumeration and Cataloging, common literary techniques in Chronicles used to emphasize the comprehensive and growing nature of David's support. The specific mention of "Benjamin and Judah" creates a powerful Juxtaposition, highlighting the contrasting loyalties and the profound shift occurring in Israel's political and spiritual landscape. The "hold" itself functions as a potent Symbol, representing not just a physical refuge but also David's burgeoning authority and the divine protection surrounding him. The arrival of these men, particularly from Saul's tribe, serves as a compelling Foreshadowing of David's eventual anointing as king over all Israel, demonstrating the irresistible force of God's sovereign will and the divinely orchestrated gathering of His people under His chosen leader.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 12:16 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in history, demonstrating how He prepares and equips His chosen leaders by gathering the necessary people and resources, even in the most challenging circumstances. It underscores that true leadership is ultimately God-ordained, and that allegiance to God's purposes may require shifting loyalties from human institutions to divine appointments. The willingness of men from Benjamin and Judah to join David in his "hold" speaks to the discernment of God's favor and the courage to align with His unfolding plan, even when it means rejecting the status quo. This gathering of diverse tribes foreshadows the unity God desires for His people, a unity centered on His chosen leader and His kingdom purposes, ultimately pointing to the broader biblical theme of God assembling His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of men joining David in his stronghold, particularly those from unexpected tribes, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is actively at work, even in periods of apparent chaos or exile, faithfully preparing His instruments and gathering His people for His eternal purposes. We are called to discern where God's hand is moving and to align ourselves with His work, even if it means stepping out of comfortable allegiances or challenging prevailing norms. Just as these warriors recognized David's divine calling and committed to him, we are invited to commit fully to Christ and His kingdom, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources and connections for His mission. This verse encourages us to embrace unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that diverse gifts and backgrounds are essential when united under a common, God-ordained vision, ultimately contributing to the building of His church and the advancement of His gospel in a world often fractured by division.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the mention of men from Benjamin significant?
Answer: The mention of men from the tribe of Benjamin is highly significant because Benjamin was the tribe of King Saul, who was actively seeking to kill David. Their decision to join David, a fugitive, was a direct act of disloyalty to the reigning king and a clear indication that they recognized God's favor had shifted from Saul to David. It demonstrated their discernment of God's true anointed leader and their willingness to align with His divine plan, even at great personal risk. This defection from Saul's own tribe underscored the weakening of Saul's kingdom and the growing, divinely orchestrated legitimacy of David's claim to the throne, foreshadowing the eventual unification of Israel under David.
What is meant by "the hold unto David"?
Answer: "The hold" refers to a fortified place or stronghold where David and his men found refuge during his years as a fugitive from King Saul. These were often natural fortresses like caves (e.g., the cave of Adullam) or strategically defensible locations, sometimes even in foreign territory like Ziklag, which was given to David by the Philistine king Achish (1 Samuel 27:6). These "holds" served as operational bases where David gathered his loyal followers, trained his army, and prepared for the day he would ascend to the throne. Their coming "unto David" emphasizes their personal allegiance to him as their leader, not just to a physical location, highlighting their commitment to God's chosen king.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 12:16, with its depiction of diverse individuals gathering around David in his "hold," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as men left their former allegiances and joined David, the true King of Israel, so too does Jesus call people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. He is the ultimate "hold," the secure refuge and spiritual stronghold for all who believe, as declared in Psalm 18:2. People are drawn to Him, leaving behind the "Sauls" of this world—the failing systems, false securities, and empty promises—to align with the true and eternal King. The gathering of Benjamites and Judahites foreshadows the church, a diverse body of believers, united under Christ's headship, transcending all earthly divisions (Galatians 3:28). Just as David's followers prepared him for his earthly reign, so the church, the body of Christ, is being built up by the Spirit, preparing for the full manifestation of His eternal kingdom (Ephesians 2:19-22). Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and all who come to Him find true unity, purpose, and eternal security in His divine stronghold.