1 Chronicles 12:2

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:2 introduces a remarkable contingent of warriors from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David during his time as an outcast, before he was fully established as king over all Israel. These men were distinguished by their extraordinary military aptitude, specifically their ambidextrous skill in both archery and slinging stones, making them exceptionally versatile and formidable in combat. Their decision to align with David, despite their tribal kinship with the reigning King Saul, underscores a profound recognition of God's anointing on David and highlights the growing momentum of divine favor surrounding his future reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a detailed genealogical and military roster found in [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men"). The chapter meticulously lists the various groups of valiant warriors, from different tribes of Israel, who came to David at different stages of his exile and ascent to the throne. Verses 1-7 specifically describe those who joined him at Ziklag, a Philistine town where David sought refuge from King Saul. The inclusion of these Benjaminite warriors, immediately following the Gadites (1 Chronicles 12:8-15) and others, emphasizes the breadth and diversity of support David was gathering, signaling a divinely orchestrated consolidation of power around God's chosen king. The entire chapter culminates in the grand assembly at Hebron, where David was finally anointed king over all Israel, as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 12:23](/1_chronicles/12-23 "1 Chronicles 12:23 - The Forces Joining David at Hebron").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's period as an outcast, fleeing from King Saul, was a time of immense vulnerability and dependence on God's providence. He gathered around him a diverse group, often those who were distressed, in debt, or discontented ([1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Followers at Adullam")). The fact that these warriors were "of Saul's brethren of Benjamin" is profoundly significant. Benjamin was Saul's own tribe, and loyalty to the reigning king would have been expected. Their defection to David, therefore, represents a powerful political and spiritual statement, indicating a growing recognition among the people that God's favor had shifted from Saul to David, as foreshadowed by Samuel's prophecy in [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - God Has Torn the Kingdom"). Culturally, ambidexterity was a rare and highly prized military skill in ancient warfare. It allowed for greater tactical flexibility, the ability to fight effectively from either side, and potentially to surprise opponents, making these men exceptionally valuable assets. The tribe of Benjamin had a historical reputation for skilled slingers, particularly left-handed ones, as seen in [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjaminite Slingers at Gibeah").

* **Key Themes:** This verse highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Exceptional Skill in Warfare** that God provides for His chosen leaders. The detailed description of their ambidextrous abilities in both slinging and archery emphasizes their elite status and formidable combat readiness. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Loyalty and Divine Appointment**. Despite their tribal allegiance to Saul, these Benjaminite warriors recognized God's hand on David, demonstrating a willingness to shift their loyalty from a failing human king to God's anointed leader. This act of allegiance was not merely political but deeply spiritual, acknowledging God's sovereign choice. Finally, the passage speaks to **God's Provision** for His servants. As David navigated a perilous period of exile, God was actively raising up and equipping him with the necessary human resources and military strength, including these uniquely skilled warriors, to fulfill His divine purpose of establishing David's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"both the right hand and the left" (Hebrew, _yemînîm ûśĕmō'lîm_):** This phrase literally translates to "right-handers and left-handers," emphasizing their complete ambidexterity. In ancient military contexts, this was an exceedingly rare and valuable trait. It meant these warriors were not limited by a dominant hand, allowing them to wield weapons with equal proficiency from either side. This provided tactical advantages in various combat scenarios, enabling them to adapt quickly, maintain defensive postures, and deliver attacks from unexpected angles, making them exceptionally versatile and dangerous opponents.
* **"of Saul's brethren of Benjamin" (Hebrew, _mē'aḥê shā'ûl mibbīnyāmīn_):** This specific designation is crucial for understanding the political and spiritual dynamics at play. It highlights that these elite warriors came from the very tribe of the reigning King Saul. Their decision to join David, an outcast and rival to Saul, represents a significant shift in allegiance. It signifies a recognition that God's favor had departed from Saul and rested upon David, even among those who shared tribal kinship with the current monarch. This act of loyalty to David, despite familial and tribal ties to Saul, underscores their discernment of God's true chosen leader.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[They were] armed with bows":** This indicates that archery was a primary skill and the bow a principal weapon for these warriors. Being "armed with bows" suggests they were proficient archers, capable of delivering ranged attacks, which was a crucial component of ancient warfare for skirmishes, sieges, and open-field battles.
* **"and could use both the right hand and the left":** This clause emphasizes their ambidexterity, a rare and highly valued military attribute. It means they were equally skilled and comfortable operating weapons with either hand, providing them with superior flexibility and adaptability in combat situations.
* **"in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow":** This specifies the two distinct, yet equally mastered, combat skills they possessed: slinging stones and archery. Slingers were effective at medium range, capable of delivering powerful blows, while archers provided long-range offensive capabilities. Their proficiency in both, combined with ambidexterity, made them incredibly versatile and formidable warriors.
* **"[even] of Saul's brethren of Benjamin":** This final phrase provides the critical context of their origin. It highlights their tribal affiliation with Benjamin, Saul's tribe, and their familial connection to Saul himself. Their choice to join David, despite these ties, underscores the depth of their conviction regarding David's divine appointment and their willingness to align themselves with God's chosen path, even if it meant opposing their own tribal king.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. The **Irony** lies in the fact that some of the most skilled warriors joining David's cause are from the very tribe of his persecutor, King Saul. This unexpected allegiance from "Saul's brethren" serves as a powerful testament to the shifting tides of divine favor and human loyalty. It underscores the growing recognition, even within Saul's own sphere of influence, that David was God's anointed. This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual unification of all Israel under David's kingship. The willingness of these Benjaminite elite to join David prefigures the broader national acceptance of David's reign and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to establish his kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of these Benjaminite warriors joining David speaks volumes about God's sovereign hand in raising up and equipping leaders, even in the most challenging circumstances. Their exceptional skills were not merely human talents but divinely enabled abilities purposed for God's redemptive plan. Their loyalty shift from Saul to David demonstrates the spiritual discernment required to align with God's chosen vessel, even when it goes against conventional expectations or tribal loyalties. This highlights a profound theological truth: God orchestrates events and gathers diverse individuals, each with unique gifts, to accomplish His will, often in ways that defy human logic. The passage reminds us that true allegiance is ultimately to God's purposes and His anointed, rather than to human institutions or familial ties.

* [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjaminite Slingers")
* [1 Samuel 16:12-13](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12-13 - David's Anointing")
* [Psalm 110:3](/psalms/110-3 "Psalm 110:3 - Willing People in the Day of Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of these skilled Benjaminite warriors joining David offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as these men used their unique, God-given abilities—ambidextrous skill in slinging and archery—to serve God's chosen king, we too are called to deploy our diverse talents, spiritual gifts, and acquired skills for the advancement of God's kingdom. Whether our gifts are extraordinary or seemingly ordinary, the call is to dedicate them to God's purposes, recognizing that He equips those He calls. Furthermore, their courageous decision to shift allegiance from Saul to David, despite tribal ties, challenges us to examine our own loyalties. Are we aligning ourselves with God's true will and His anointed leadership, even when it requires us to step outside of comfortable norms or challenge existing paradigms? This verse reminds us that discerning and committing to God's path, even in difficult or unconventional circumstances, is paramount to effective service and spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unique skills or talents has God given you, and how are you currently using them to serve His kingdom?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be holding onto allegiances or traditions that are no longer aligned with God's current leading?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment to recognize and follow God's anointed leadership, even when it's not the popular or expected choice?**

### FAQ

**Why is the ambidexterity of these warriors specifically highlighted?**

Answer: The highlighting of their ambidexterity ("could use both the right hand and the left") emphasizes their exceptional military prowess and versatility. In ancient warfare, being able to fight effectively with either hand was a rare and highly valued skill. It meant they could adapt to various combat situations, potentially surprise opponents, and maintain effectiveness even if one arm was injured or occupied. This detail underscores that David was gathering not just numbers, but elite, highly capable individuals, signifying God's provision of the best resources for His chosen king. The tribe of Benjamin was historically known for its skilled slingers, particularly left-handed ones, as noted in [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjaminite Slingers").

**What is the significance of these warriors being "of Saul's brethren of Benjamin"?**

Answer: This detail is highly significant because Saul was the reigning king, and Benjamin was his own tribe. Loyalty to the king and one's tribe was paramount in ancient Israelite society. Their decision to join David, who was Saul's rival and an outcast, demonstrates a powerful shift in allegiance. It indicates that even within Saul's own tribal and familial circles, there was a recognition that God's favor had departed from Saul and now rested upon David. This act of loyalty to David, despite the potential personal and political repercussions, underscores their spiritual discernment and commitment to God's chosen leader, foreshadowing the eventual unification of the kingdom under David's rule ([2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gathering of these exceptionally skilled and loyal warriors around David, God's anointed king, serves as a powerful Old Testament type for the way Christ gathers His followers. Just as David, the shepherd-king, was divinely appointed and equipped with a diverse array of faithful men, so too is Jesus, the ultimate King and Good Shepherd, building His kingdom by calling and empowering His people. Believers, through the Holy Spirit, are given diverse spiritual gifts and natural talents ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts")) and are called to use them with excellence for the advancement of God's redemptive purposes. The Benjaminite warriors' shift in allegiance from Saul to David mirrors the spiritual journey of those who turn from allegiance to the world's systems and their own self-rule to pledge their loyalty to Christ. We are called to be ambidextrous in our service, using all our faculties—mind, heart, strength—with equal devotion and skill for the Lord ([Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")). Ultimately, Christ is the one to whom all people are drawn, and in Him, we find the perfect leader, equipping us for spiritual warfare and enabling us to participate in the establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")).

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

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.