1 Chronicles 12:2

[They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

They were armed {H5401} with bows {H7198}, and could use both the right hand {H3231} and the left {H8041} in hurling stones {H68} and shooting arrows {H2671} out of a bow {H7198}, even of Saul's {H7586} brethren {H251} of Benjamin {H1144}.

They were archers who could use either hand to sling stones or shoot arrows from a bow; they were Sha'ul's kinsmen from Binyamin.

they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:2 KJV describes a specific group of warriors who joined David during a critical period of his life, likely when he was still an outcast or before he became king over all Israel. These men were remarkable for their exceptional military prowess and unique skills.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (1 Chronicles 12) that meticulously lists the various tribes and their valiant men who came to David to support him, recognizing his divine appointment as king. At this point, David was gathering strength, often operating from Ziklag or Hebron, away from King Saul's pursuit. The men described here, "of Saul's brethren of Benjamin," are particularly notable because they hailed from the same tribe as the reigning King Saul, indicating a significant shift in loyalty and an acknowledgment of David's legitimate claim to the throne. This gathering of diverse and skilled warriors underscored the growing momentum behind David's future reign, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:23, which speaks of the numbers that came to David at Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul to him.

Key Themes

  • Exceptional Skill in Warfare: The description "armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows" highlights their extraordinary military capability. Ambidexterity was a rare and highly valued trait in ancient warfare, allowing for greater versatility, speed, and surprise in combat. These men were master archers and slingers.
  • Loyalty and Divine Appointment: The fact that these skilled warriors were "of Saul's brethren of Benjamin" yet chose to join David signifies a recognition of God's hand upon David. Despite tribal ties to the current king, their allegiance shifted, demonstrating a profound understanding of who God had chosen to lead Israel. This foreshadows the eventual unification of the kingdom under David's rule.
  • God's Provision: This passage, including verse 2, illustrates how God was actively raising up and equipping David with the necessary support and military strength to fulfill His purpose. These men were not just soldiers; they were instruments in God's plan for Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "could use both the right hand and the left" (Hebrew: yemînîm ūśemō'lîm - literally "right-handers and left-handers") emphasizes their ambidextrous skill. This was a highly unusual and prized attribute in ancient military contexts, making them exceptionally effective in combat, as they could adapt to various situations and perhaps even surprise opponents with unexpected attacks from either side. The tribe of Benjamin was historically known for its skilled slingers, as evidenced in Judges 20:16, where 700 chosen men of Benjamin are described as left-handed slingers who could sling stones at a hair and not miss.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God often uses individuals with diverse and unique talents to accomplish His purposes. Just as these Benjaminite warriors used their extraordinary skills for David's cause, believers today are called to use their God-given abilities—whether spiritual gifts, natural talents, or acquired skills—to serve God's kingdom and His people. It also speaks to the importance of discerning God's true leadership and aligning ourselves with His will, even when it means shifting allegiances or going against conventional expectations, much like these warriors recognized David as God's chosen king, despite his humble circumstances (1 Samuel 16:12).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 3:15

    But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

  • Judges 20:16

    Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

  • 1 Samuel 17:49

    And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:29

    And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
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