1 Chronicles 12:3

The chief [was] Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,

The chief {H7218} was Ahiezer {H295}, then Joash {H3101}, the sons {H1121} of Shemaah {H8094} the Gibeathite {H1395}; and Jeziel {H3149}, and Pelet {H6404}, the sons {H1121} of Azmaveth {H5820}; and Berachah {H1294}, and Jehu {H3058} the Antothite {H6069},

Their leader was Achi'ezer, then Yo'ash, the sons of Sh'ma'ah the Giv'ati, Y'zi'el, Pelet, the sons of 'Azmavet, B'rakhah, Yehu from 'Anatot,

Ahiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;

The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:3 is part of a detailed record listing the brave and skilled warriors who joined King David during pivotal moments in his rise to power. This specific verse names several individuals from the tribe of Benjamin: Ahiezer, Joash, Jeziel, Pelet, Berachah, and Jehu, highlighting their familial and geographical origins.

Context

This verse is found within a significant chapter that chronicles the various groups and individuals who came to support David, first while he was still a fugitive from King Saul, and later as he consolidated his kingdom. The men described in 1 Chronicles 12, including those in verse 3, were exceptional warriors, known for their skill in combat and their unwavering loyalty. Importantly, these specific individuals hailed from the tribe of Benjamin, which was King Saul's own tribe. Their decision to align with David, even from places like Gibeah (implied by "Gibeathite," Saul's hometown), signifies a crucial shift in allegiance and demonstrates the growing recognition of David's divine appointment as the next king. This gathering of support often occurred during David's time at Ziklag, a Philistine town where he found refuge (1 Samuel 27:6).

Key Figures and Their Significance

  • Ahiezer and Joash: Identified as sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite. Their origin from Gibeah, which was deeply associated with Saul, underscores the profound nature of their defection and commitment to David.
  • Jeziel and Pelet: Sons of Azmaveth, another Benjaminite locality.
  • Berachah and Jehu: The Antothite, indicating their origin from Anathoth, a Levitical city also within Benjamin.

While not explicitly called "mighty men" in this verse, the broader context of 1 Chronicles 12:1-7 describes these warriors as highly capable, "armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows from the bow." Their collective presence around David was a testament to God's hand in preparing him for kingship, raising up a diverse yet unified force.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Commitment: The willingness of these men to join David during his time of exile, a period of uncertainty and danger, demonstrates profound loyalty and commitment to a righteous cause.
  • Divine Orchestration: The gathering of such skilled and diverse warriors, even from the tribe of David's rival, illustrates God's sovereign plan to establish David's kingdom and fulfill His promises (see 1 Samuel 16:12-13 regarding David's anointing).
  • Unity in Diversity: This list showcases individuals from different families and localities within Benjamin, yet they were united under David's leadership, foreshadowing the eventual unity of the tribes of Israel under his reign.

Practical Application

The account of these loyal warriors serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing our alliances wisely and standing firm with those who are dedicated to God's purposes, especially during challenging or unpopular times. It also highlights how God often works through seemingly small or diverse gatherings of people to accomplish His greater plans. Just as these men committed their unique skills to David, believers are called to commit their talents and resources to God's work, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness.

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

  • 1 Chronicles 11:28

    Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,

  • 1 Chronicles 11:33

    Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

  • 2 Samuel 21:6

    Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, [whom] the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give [them].

  • 1 Samuel 11:4

    Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.
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