1 Chronicles 12:35

And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

And of the Danites ^{H1839} expert ^{H6186} in war ^{H4421} twenty ^{H6242} and eight ^{H8083} thousand ^{H505} and six ^{H8337} hundred ^{H3967}.

Of Dan, 28,600 were experienced in war.

From Dan: 28,600 prepared for battle.

And of the Danites that could set the battle in array, twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

Context of 1 Chronicles 12:35

This verse is part of a detailed roster found in 1 Chronicles chapter 12, which chronicles the various tribes and their mighty men who came to support David at Hebron. At this point in history, David was seeking to consolidate his power after the death of King Saul, and these forces assembled to make him king over all Israel. The chapter emphasizes the diverse military strengths and specialized skills that each tribe brought to David's cause. Verse 35 specifically highlights the contribution of the tribe of Dan.

Key Themes and Messages

Unity and Support for David: The listing of such a large and skilled contingent from the tribe of Dan, alongside others in the chapter (e.g., 1 Chronicles 12:23-40), underscores the widespread national support David was gaining. This unity was crucial for establishing a stable and strong kingdom under his rule, culminating in his anointing as king over all Israel in 2 Samuel 5:3.
Military Strength and Expertise: The phrase "expert in war" signifies the high level of training, experience, and readiness among the Danite warriors. This emphasis on their combat prowess highlights the formidable nature of David's growing army and the specific talents each tribe contributed to the nation's defense and expansion.
Divine Providence: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the assembly of such a vast and capable army from all corners of Israel points to God's hand orchestrating events to establish David, His chosen king, on the throne.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "expert in war" (מַעֲרֵי קְרָב - ma'are qerav) implies not just familiarity with battle, but a deep proficiency and readiness. It suggests warriors who were well-trained, disciplined, and prepared for any combat situation, indicating a high level of military professionalism.

Practical Application

This verse, though a historical record of ancient military forces, offers timeless principles:

Valuing Diverse Talents: Just as David's success depended on the unique contributions of each tribe, any successful endeavor—whether a community, a business, or a church—thrives when it recognizes and utilizes the diverse skills and gifts of its members. Every individual brings something valuable to the collective effort.
Readiness and Preparation: The Danites were "expert in war," meaning they were prepared for their calling. This reminds us of the importance of being prepared and skilled in our own vocations and spiritual walk, ready to fulfill the purposes God has for us.
Unity in Purpose: The gathering of these thousands of warriors, each with their specific expertise, demonstrates the power of unity when people come together for a common, righteous cause under good leadership.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.