1 Chronicles 12:31

KJV

And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the half {H2677} tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519} eighteen {H8083}{H6240} thousand {H505}, which were expressed {H5344} by name {H8034}, to come {H935} and make David {H1732} king {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the half-tribe of M'nasheh, 18,000 were designated by name to come and make David king.

Berean Standard Bible

From the half-tribe of Manasseh: 18,000 designated by name to come and make David king.

American Standard Version

And of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name, to come and make David king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:31 records the significant contribution of eighteen thousand men from the half tribe of Manasseh, who were specifically identified and dispatched to Hebron to formally establish David as king over all Israel. This verse is a vital component of a larger roster detailing the diverse and numerous tribal contingents that converged to pledge their unwavering allegiance, marking a pivotal moment in the divine consolidation of David's kingdom and the unification of the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 12 serves as a meticulous catalog of the valiant warriors and leaders who rallied to David's cause, first during his period of exile and persecution by Saul at Ziklag, and subsequently at Hebron, where he was formally anointed king over all Israel. This chapter underscores the broad and growing support for David, portraying him not as a usurper but as the divinely appointed leader around whom the nation willingly coalesced. Verse 31 is specifically situated within the latter section of the chapter (verses 23-37), which enumerates the vast contingents from each tribe that arrived at Hebron, demonstrating the national consensus for David's kingship and the fulfillment of God's promises concerning his reign. The detailed listing emphasizes the legitimacy and widespread acceptance of David's rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Chronicles 12 marks a critical transition in Israelite history, moving from the fragmented and often chaotic tribal system under Saul's kingship to the unified monarchy under David. The act of "making David king" was a formal, covenantal process, involving the elders and representatives of all tribes, as seen in [2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel"). The "half tribe of Manasseh" typically refers to the two distinct geographical divisions of the tribe: one west of the Jordan River and the other east (Transjordan). The mention of 18,000 men from this single "half tribe" suggests a significant and unified representation, likely encompassing both divisions or at least a powerful contingent from the Transjordanian side, highlighting the widespread nature of David's support across the entire land of Israel, including its eastern territories.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights **Unity and Allegiance**, showcasing the growing solidarity among the disparate tribes of Israel under David's leadership. The convergence of such a large and organized force from Manasseh underscores the widespread acceptance and commitment to establishing David's reign, consolidating a nation previously divided. Second, it speaks to **Divine Appointment and Fulfillment**, as the assembly of such a vast and organized force from all corners of Israel, including Manasseh, signifies the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to David to establish his throne. The people's recognition of David as the divinely chosen leader, destined to unite the kingdom, is evident in their willing participation. Finally, the phrase "expressed by name" emphasizes **Organized Strength and Intentionality**, suggesting that these 18,000 men were not merely a random gathering but a formally recognized and perhaps even enumerated contingent, indicating a high level of organization and purposeful commitment to serve and fight for the new king. This collective commitment culminated in a strong, unified kingdom, as broadly summarized in [1 Chronicles 12:38](/1_chronicles/12-38 "1 Chronicles 12:38 - All Israel Comes to Hebron with a Perfect Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Half tribe of Manasseh (Hebrew, _ḥaṣī ha-maššeh_):** This refers to a significant portion of the tribe of Manasseh, which was uniquely divided with territories on both sides of the Jordan River. The mention of this "half tribe" bringing 18,000 men underscores the broad geographical reach of David's support, extending even to the Transjordanian tribes. It highlights the national scope of the movement to make David king, demonstrating that allegiance was not confined to the western territories.
* **Expressed by name (Hebrew, בַּשֵּׁמוֹת, _ba-shemot_):** This phrase is crucial. It does not merely mean "counted" or "numbered," but rather implies a formal, deliberate, and perhaps even official designation. These were not anonymous recruits but individuals whose names were known, perhaps indicating they were prominent men, leaders, or specially selected representatives within their tribal contingent. This suggests a high degree of organization, intentionality, and personal commitment, rather than a spontaneous, unorganized gathering. Their presence was a deliberate act of formal allegiance.
* **Make David king (Hebrew, _l'hamlīḵ 'et Dāwīd_):** This is a technical term for the formal act of installing a monarch. It signifies the people's active participation in the anointing and enthronement process, acknowledging David's divine appointment and formally accepting his sovereignty over them. It implies a covenantal relationship between the king and his people, where the people willingly submit to his rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand":** This initial clause identifies the specific tribal contingent and its impressive numerical strength. The "half tribe of Manasseh" emphasizes the geographical breadth of support for David, extending beyond the traditional heartland to include territories east of the Jordan. The figure of 18,000 men from a single "half tribe" is substantial, indicating a significant and well-mobilized force, underscoring the widespread and enthusiastic commitment to David's kingship.
* **"which were expressed by name":** This critical phrase highlights the intentional and formal nature of this contingent. It implies a deliberate selection process, where individuals were specifically identified and perhaps chosen for their leadership, valor, or representative status. This was not a random assembly but a carefully organized delegation, signifying a deep and personal commitment to David's cause, with each man's presence being a conscious act of allegiance.
* **"to come and make David king":** This final clause articulates the explicit purpose of their gathering. Their journey to Hebron was not for general support but for the specific, formal act of installing David as the sovereign ruler over all Israel. This underscores the pivotal moment in Israelite history—the transition from fragmented tribal leadership to a unified monarchy under God's chosen king—and the active, willing participation of the people in this divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
The chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and chapter to convey its profound significance. **Enumeration** and **Cataloging** are primary, as the entire chapter meticulously lists tribal contingents and their numbers, lending an air of historical veracity and emphasizing the vast, unified support for David. The specific mention of "eighteen thousand" from Manasseh, alongside other large numbers, uses **Hyperbole** or at least **Emphasis by Scale** to impress upon the reader the overwhelming consensus and strength behind David's ascension. The phrase "expressed by name" serves as a powerful instance of **Specificity** and **Detailing**, elevating the account beyond a mere headcount to highlight the intentionality and personal commitment of each warrior. This detail acts as a form of **Validation**, confirming the legitimacy and widespread acceptance of David's divinely appointed reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The willing and organized allegiance of the half tribe of Manasseh, along with other tribes, to "make David king" is a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty and the establishment of His chosen leadership. It demonstrates that divine appointment often works through human agency and willing submission. The unity displayed by these diverse tribal groups, overcoming historical divisions and geographical separation, prefigures the ideal of God's people united under His rule. Their coming "with a perfect heart" (as stated in [1 Chronicles 12:38](/1_chronicles/12-38 "1 Chronicles 12:38 - All Israel Comes to Hebron with a Perfect Heart")) speaks to the spiritual dimension of their commitment, recognizing God's hand in David's reign. This collective act of enthronement foreshadows the ultimate reign of God's true King.

* [2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - All the Elders of Israel Make David King")
* [Psalm 110:3](/psalms/110-3 "Psalm 110:3 - Your People Will Offer Themselves Willingly")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Everlasting Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The commitment and unity demonstrated by the half tribe of Manasseh in making David king offer timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Their intentional, named allegiance to a divinely appointed leader calls us to consider our own posture towards God's established authority, both spiritual and temporal, and our participation in His kingdom work. Just as these warriors brought their unique strengths and numbers to consolidate David's reign, so too are believers called to contribute their gifts, resources, and enthusiastic service to the advancement of Christ's kingdom. The "expressed by name" aspect reminds us that our commitment is not to be a passive, anonymous affiliation but a personal, deliberate, and accountable act of devotion. This passage encourages us to seek unity of purpose within the body of Christ, overcoming divisions to collectively advance God's will, recognizing that true strength and effectiveness come from a shared, willing, and organized commitment to our King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "expressed by name" commitment of the Manasseh warriors challenge my own level of intentionality and personal accountability in serving God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways can I actively contribute to the unity and shared purpose within my church or community, mirroring the tribal solidarity seen in 1 Chronicles 12?**
* **What does it mean for me to "make Jesus king" in my daily life, and how does this active submission manifest in my choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Why is the number 18,000 from a "half tribe" significant?**

Answer: The number 18,000 from a "half tribe" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the sheer scale of support David garnered, demonstrating that his kingship was not merely a regional phenomenon but commanded widespread allegiance across Israel, including the Transjordanian territories. Secondly, it underscores the organizational capacity and military strength that David was able to assemble, indicating a formidable force ready to establish and defend his kingdom. Finally, it emphasizes the unity of the Manasseh tribe, despite its geographical division, in coming together for a common, divinely ordained purpose, signifying a powerful national consensus for David's rule.

**What does "expressed by name" imply about these warriors?**

Answer: The phrase "expressed by name" (Hebrew: בַּשֵּׁמוֹת, _ba-shemot_) suggests more than just a general count. It implies that these 18,000 men were specifically identified, perhaps even individually selected or formally registered. This could indicate they were leaders, prominent figures, or highly respected warriors within their communities, chosen to represent their half-tribe. Their being "expressed by name" highlights the intentionality, formality, and personal commitment behind their allegiance to David, rather than a spontaneous or anonymous gathering. It adds a layer of solemnity and accountability to their participation in making David king.

**Why does the book of Chronicles provide such detailed lists of names and numbers?**

Answer: The Chronicler's meticulous detailing of names, numbers, and tribal affiliations, as seen throughout [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men"), serves several purposes. Theologically, it emphasizes God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition through the willing participation of His people. Historically, it validates the legitimacy and widespread acceptance of David's kingship, showing that he was not a usurper but was chosen and supported by a united Israel. Genealogically, it connects the post-exilic community (the Chronicler's primary audience) to their heritage and the glorious past of the Davidic kingdom, reminding them of their identity and God's enduring covenant with Israel. It also underscores the importance of every individual's contribution to God's larger plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gathering of the half tribe of Manasseh, "expressed by name," to "make David king" serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate enthronement of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David. Just as diverse tribes willingly converged to establish David's earthly kingdom, so too do believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue voluntarily submit to the spiritual reign of Christ. The intentionality of those "expressed by name" points to the personal and deliberate commitment required of those who follow Jesus; He calls His own [by name](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Sheep by Name"), and they willingly come to Him. David's kingship, established by the people's allegiance, was a type of the eternal, universal reign of Christ, to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The unity of the tribes under David anticipates the unity of the Church, the body of Christ, comprising believers from all backgrounds who are [one in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus"), willingly offering themselves as living sacrifices to their King, who will ultimately [reign forever and ever](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Messiah").

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

Joshua 17:1

¶ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

Joshua 17:18

But the mountain shall be thine; for it [is] a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, [and] though they [be] strong.