1 Chronicles 12:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Of Dan, 28,600 were experienced in war.

Berean Standard Bible

From Dan: 28,600 prepared for battle.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:35 precisely details the significant contribution of the tribe of Dan to David's growing army, specifically noting their substantial contingent of 28,600 warriors who were "expert in war." This meticulous enumeration, part of a larger tribal roster in 1 Chronicles 12, underscores the widespread national unity and military strength that rallied around David at Hebron, affirming his divinely appointed leadership and foreshadowing the establishment of a unified kingdom under his rule.

### CONTEXT

* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 12 provides a detailed account of the various tribal contingents who joined David, first at Ziklag and then at Hebron, where he was ultimately anointed king over all Israel. The chapter meticulously lists the numbers and specific military skills of warriors from each tribe, emphasizing their unwavering loyalty and readiness to fight alongside David. This particular verse, [1 Chronicles 12:35](/1_chronicles/12-35 "1 Chronicles 12:35 - Danite Warriors"), is situated within a lengthy enumeration that begins with the Benjamites and Gadites (who joined David at Ziklag, [1 Chronicles 12:1-22](/1_chronicles/12-1 "1 Chronicles 12:1 - David's Mighty Men at Ziklag")) and then shifts to the larger assembly at Hebron ([1 Chronicles 12:23-40](/1_chronicles/12-23 "1 Chronicles 12:23 - Forces Assembled at Hebron")). The Chronicler's emphasis on such detailed lists serves to highlight the broad support David garnered from all corners of Israel, presenting his kingship as a unified national endeavor rather than a mere tribal ascendancy. The overall narrative of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogy and Kingship") focuses on the legitimate Davidic dynasty and the establishment of proper worship, with these military details affirming the strength and divine backing of David's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men") is a pivotal moment in Israelite history, occurring shortly after the death of King Saul and before David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron ([2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King")). David, having previously reigned over Judah for seven and a half years, was now consolidating his claim to the throne of a united Israel. The assembly of these tribal forces was not merely a military muster but a political and religious act of allegiance. In ancient Near Eastern societies, such large-scale gatherings of warriors from diverse regions demonstrated a leader's legitimacy and the people's collective will. The mention of specific tribal strengths, like the Danites being "expert in war," reflects the specialized military roles or reputations that different tribes might have held. Hebron, a significant ancient city, served as an ideal meeting point due to its historical and strategic importance, further legitimizing David's claim.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of tribal warriors in [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Supporters") contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **national unity** and the widespread, voluntary support for David's kingship, which was essential for a stable and prosperous Israel. Secondly, the emphasis on the military prowess and "expertise in war" of various tribes, including the Danites, highlights the theme of **divine provision and strength** for David's kingdom. This formidable army was not merely human might but a testament to God's hand in establishing His chosen king. Thirdly, the detailed enumeration reflects the Chronicler's interest in **order and organization**, portraying David's reign as a period of structured governance and effective leadership, a stark contrast to the chaotic end of Saul's reign. This organizational detail also serves to legitimize David's lineage and the subsequent temple worship, which are central concerns of the book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogy and Kingship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Danites (Hebrew, _danî_):** Refers to the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Dan. Historically, the tribe of Dan was known for its migratory tendencies, eventually settling in the north of Israel (Judges 18). Their significant presence in David's army at Hebron signifies their participation in the national unification under David, despite their geographical distance from Judah.
* **Expert (Hebrew, מַעֲרֵי, _maʿărê_):** This term, often translated as "expert," "skilled," or "well-prepared," derives from a root meaning "to arrange" or "to set in order." In a military context, it denotes a high level of training, discipline, and strategic readiness. It implies not just familiarity with combat but a profound proficiency and ability to organize for battle, suggesting professional soldiers rather than mere conscripts.
* **War (Hebrew, קְרָב, _qerāv_):** This word specifically refers to battle, combat, or conflict. When combined with "expert," it paints a picture of warriors who are not only capable but highly specialized in the art of warfare, indicating their significant value to David's burgeoning military force.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And of the Danites":** This phrase identifies the specific tribal group being enumerated. The Chronicler is systematically listing the contributions of each tribe to David's cause, emphasizing the widespread national support he garnered from across Israel.
* **"expert in war":** This crucial descriptor highlights the quality and specialized skill of the Danite contingent. It indicates that these were not just numbers, but highly competent and trained soldiers, ready for effective military engagement. Their expertise would have been a significant asset to David's army, contributing to its overall strength and strategic capability.
* **"twenty and eight thousand and six hundred":** This precise numerical figure provides the exact count of the Danite warriors. The Chronicler's meticulous attention to numbers throughout this chapter underscores the magnitude of the forces gathering around David, demonstrating the overwhelming popular and tribal support for his kingship. The large number from Dan, a tribe sometimes associated with a smaller or more dispersed presence, further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this national assembly.

#### Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and the surrounding chapter. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where a detailed list of numbers and names is provided. This device serves to convey the immense scale of support for David, lending credibility and authority to his kingship by demonstrating the broad national consensus. The sheer volume of precise figures (e.g., 28,600 from Dan, 120,000 from Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh in [1 Chronicles 12:37](/1_chronicles/12-37 "1 Chronicles 12:37 - Transjordanian Tribes")) creates an impression of overwhelming strength and unity. Furthermore, the use of **Descriptive Adjectives** like "expert in war" provides specific qualitative information about the troops, going beyond mere numbers to highlight their specialized skills and readiness. This adds depth to the portrayal of David's army, emphasizing its formidable nature. The overall literary strategy is one of **Affirmation**, presenting David's rise to power as a divinely sanctioned and nationally supported event, building a strong foundation for the subsequent narrative of his reign and the establishment of the temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The assembly of such a vast and skilled army from diverse tribes, including the Danites, underscores a profound theological truth: God's sovereign orchestration of events to establish His chosen king. While the verse focuses on human military might, the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles consistently points to divine providence guiding David's ascent and the consolidation of his kingdom. This gathering was not merely a political maneuver but a fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's throne forever. The unity and diverse contributions of the tribes also foreshadow the ideal of a unified people of God, working together under divine leadership for a common purpose, reflecting the harmonious body of believers in the New Testament.

* [1 Chronicles 12:22](/1_chronicles/12-22 "1 Chronicles 12:22 - Daily Reinforcements for David")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 12:35, though a historical record of ancient military forces, offers profound principles for contemporary life and faith. Just as David's success depended on the diverse and specialized contributions of each tribe, so too does any thriving community—whether a family, a workplace, or a church—depend on recognizing and valuing the unique gifts and talents of its members. The Danites were "expert in war," signifying their readiness and skill for their specific calling. This challenges us to cultivate excellence in our own vocations, spiritual gifts, and personal development, striving to be "expert" in whatever God has called us to do, whether it's in our professional lives, our service to the church, or our relationships. Furthermore, the collective gathering of these thousands of warriors, each bringing their specific expertise, powerfully illustrates the strength found in unity when diverse individuals come together for a common, righteous cause under God-ordained leadership. It reminds us that our individual strengths are magnified when we align ourselves with a greater purpose and work collaboratively.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **How do I identify and cultivate my unique "expertise" or gifts for God's purposes?**
* **In what ways can I contribute my specific talents to foster unity and strengthen the communities I am a part of (family, church, work)?**
* **What does it mean to be "ready" and "prepared" in my spiritual walk, and how can I practically apply this principle today?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler provide such detailed lists of warriors and their numbers?**

Answer: The Chronicler's meticulous enumeration of warriors, as seen in [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the widespread national support for David, demonstrating that his kingship was not merely a tribal affair but a unified decision by all Israel. This legitimizes David's reign as divinely appointed and popularly accepted. Secondly, it highlights the immense strength and formidable nature of David's army, underscoring God's provision for His chosen king and kingdom. Thirdly, it reflects the Chronicler's broader theological agenda, which focuses on order, organization, and the establishment of a stable, God-centered kingdom, leading to the construction of the Temple. These lists underscore the historical reality and divine backing of the Davidic dynasty, which is central to the Chronicler's message.

**What is the significance of the Danites being "expert in war" compared to other tribes?**

Answer: The description of the Danites as "expert in war" (found in [1 Chronicles 12:35](/1_chronicles/12-35 "1 Chronicles 12:35 - Danite Warriors")) highlights their particular military proficiency. While other tribes are also noted for their skills (e.g., Gadites being "mighty men of valor, men trained for war," [1 Chronicles 12:8](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8 - Gadite Warriors")), the specific phrasing for the Danites suggests a high level of training, discipline, and strategic readiness. This emphasis on their expertise, combined with their significant numbers, indicates that they were a valuable and formidable contingent within David's growing army. It showcases the diverse strengths and specialized contributions that each tribe brought to the national effort of establishing David's kingdom, reinforcing the idea of a unified yet multi-faceted military force.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 12:35 details the military prowess of the Danites rallying around King David, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual army gathered around the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. David, as an earthly king, was a type and shadow of the Messiah. Just as diverse tribes united under David to establish his earthly kingdom, so too are believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation called to unite under Christ, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). We, as followers of Christ, are called to be "expert in war," not in physical combat, but in spiritual warfare, equipped with the [armor of God](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Armor of God") to stand against the schemes of the devil. Our strength comes not from our own numbers or earthly skills, but from the power of the Holy Spirit within us ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). The unity of David's army foreshadows the unity of the Church, the body of Christ, where each member, with their unique gifts and "expertise" ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts")), contributes to the advancement of God's eternal kingdom. Ultimately, the gathering at Hebron to make David king points to the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Jesus is Lord"), establishing His reign forevermore.

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.