1 Chronicles 12:20

As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that [were] of Manasseh.

As he went {H3212} to Ziklag {H6860}, there fell {H5307} to him of Manasseh {H4519}, Adnah {H5734}, and Jozabad {H3107}, and Jediael {H3043}, and Michael {H4317}, and Jozabad {H3107}, and Elihu {H453}, and Zilthai {H6769}, captains {H7218} of the thousands {H505} that were of Manasseh {H4519}.

As he was on his way to Ziklag, those who defected to him from M'nasheh included 'Adnach, Yozavad, Y'dia'el, Mikha'el, Yozavad, Elihu and Tziltai, commanders of thousands from M'nasheh.

When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh.

As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of thousands that were of Manasseh.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:20 KJV introduces us to a specific group of valiant men from the tribe of Manasseh who joined David during a crucial period of his life. This verse is part of a detailed record of the warriors and leaders who rallied to David's side, laying the groundwork for his future kingdom.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy chapter (1 Chronicles 12) that meticulously lists the diverse groups of warriors, commanders, and leaders who came to David, first at Ziklag, and later at Hebron. At this point, David was still a fugitive from King Saul, operating from the Philistine city of Ziklag, which had been given to him by King Achish (1 Samuel 27:6). The men mentioned here from Manasseh joined him during this challenging phase, demonstrating their foresight and loyalty to God's chosen king, even before David ascended to the throne of all Israel.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Commitment: The men of Manasseh, specifically named as Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Elihu, and Zilthai, demonstrated profound loyalty by aligning themselves with David when he was an outcast. Their decision to "fall to him" signifies their deliberate choice to support God's anointed, despite the risks involved.
  • Divine Provision and Preparation: This passage highlights how God was orchestrating events and raising up a formidable army and leadership structure around David, even during his period of tribulation. These "captains of the thousands" were not just ordinary soldiers but influential leaders who brought significant military support and organizational capacity.
  • Unity and Strength: The gathering of men from various tribes, including Manasseh, under David's banner underscores the theme of unity. This collective support was vital for the eventual establishment and strength of David's kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:38).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fell to him" is a common Hebrew idiom indicating that they joined him, defected to his side, or came over to him. It conveys a sense of allegiance and commitment. The designation "captains of the thousands" (Hebrew: sar-alafim) signifies high-ranking military commanders, each responsible for a unit of approximately a thousand men. This detail emphasizes the caliber and influence of the men who joined David, not merely as individuals but as leaders of significant contingents.

Practical Application

The account of these loyal men from Manasseh offers several timeless lessons. It reminds believers of the importance of discerning and aligning with God's purposes, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. Just as these men faithfully supported David, we are called to be loyal to Christ, our true King, dedicating our gifts and resources to His kingdom work. This verse also illustrates God's faithfulness in providing the necessary resources and people to accomplish His will, often in unexpected ways and through seemingly humble beginnings.

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

  • Deuteronomy 33:17

    His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock, and his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they [are] the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they [are] the thousands of Manasseh.

  • Exodus 18:21

    Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

  • 1 Samuel 29:11

    So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

  • Deuteronomy 1:15

    So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.
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