1 Chronicles 12:40

KJV

Moreover they that were nigh them, [even] unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, [and] meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for [there was] joy in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover they that were nigh {H7138} them, even unto Issachar {H3485} and Zebulun {H2074} and Naphtali {H5321}, brought {H935} bread {H3899} on asses {H2543}, and on camels {H1581}, and on mules {H6505}, and on oxen {H1241}, and meat {H3978}, meal {H7058}, cakes {H1690} of figs, and bunches of raisins {H6778}, and wine {H3196}, and oil {H8081}, and oxen {H1241}, and sheep {H6629} abundantly {H7230}: for there was joy {H8057} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, those who were near them - and even those as far as Yissakhar, Z'vulun and Naftali - brought food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen: baked goods, fig cakes, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, and oxen and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.

American Standard Version

Moreover they that were nigh unto them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, victuals of meal, cakes of figs, and clusters of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep in abundance: for there was joy in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:40 serves as the triumphant culmination of a detailed account describing the vast assembly of warriors and leaders who gathered at Hebron to crown David king over all Israel. This verse vividly portrays the widespread national support and overwhelming generosity, particularly from the distant northern tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, who brought an immense variety of provisions on various pack animals. This abundant supply of food and livestock was a tangible expression of the deep unity and profound joy that permeated the entire nation as God's chosen king was finally established, marking a pivotal moment of peace and stability after years of division.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as the celebratory conclusion to a lengthy and detailed enumeration of the warriors and leaders from all twelve tribes who came to Hebron to make David king (1 Chronicles 12:1-39). Following the explicit listing of the fighting men, their armaments, and their unwavering loyalty, verse 40 shifts focus from the military might to the logistical and celebratory aspects of this monumental gathering. It highlights the practical outpouring of support from even the most distant tribes, underscoring the comprehensive national consensus for David's kingship. The preceding verses establish the *who* and *why* of the assembly, while this verse beautifully illustrates the *how* and the prevailing *atmosphere* of unity and provision, leading into the subsequent narrative of David's reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is immediately after the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, and the seven-year reign of David over Judah alone in Hebron. This assembly marks the formal recognition of David as king over *all* Israel, fulfilling God's promise. The act of bringing provisions was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern assemblies, signifying allegiance, tribute, and participation in communal feasting. The mention of specific tribes like Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, located in the northern reaches of Israel, emphasizes the truly national scope of this event, transcending regional loyalties. The use of various pack animals (asses, camels, mules, oxen) speaks to the scale of the journey and the wealth of the goods transported, reflecting the agricultural prosperity of these regions and the effort expended to support the new king. This was a time of transition from civil war to national unity, a moment of profound significance for the nascent kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. First, it underscores the theme of **national unity** under God's chosen king, a central concern for the Chronicler who sought to present a unified Israel under the Davidic covenant. The widespread participation and generous provisioning from diverse tribes illustrate this cohesion. Second, it highlights **divine blessing and abundance**, as the sheer volume and variety of provisions suggest God's favor upon this pivotal moment of establishing the monarchy. This echoes themes of God's provision seen throughout Israel's history, such as in the wilderness or during times of peace under righteous leadership. Finally, the concluding phrase, "for there was joy in Israel," emphasizes **celebration and spiritual rejoicing**. This joy is not merely political but deeply rooted in the fulfillment of God's plan for His people, bringing stability and hope after years of turmoil, much like the fullness of joy found in God's presence as described in [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abundantly (Hebrew, _lārōḇ_):** This adverb literally means "in abundance," "in great quantity," or "greatly." Its placement at the end of the long list of provisions emphasizes the sheer overwhelming generosity and the vast scale of the supplies brought. It signifies not just sufficiency, but overflowing provision, highlighting the wealth of the tribes and the fervent enthusiasm with which they supported David's coronation. It paints a picture of lavishness and overflowing blessing.
* **Joy (Hebrew, _śimḥâ_):** This noun denotes gladness, mirth, or rejoicing. It is a deep, communal sense of happiness, often associated with religious festivals, celebrations of victory, or the establishment of a king. Here, it signifies the profound emotional and spiritual atmosphere of the event. This was not a reluctant political transition but a moment of national jubilation, stemming from the long-awaited unification of the tribes under God's anointed king, bringing an end to civil strife and promising a new era of peace and stability. It speaks to a profound sense of well-being and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover they that were nigh them, [even] unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen,"**: This opening clause specifies the origin of the provisions, extending beyond the immediate vicinity to include distant northern tribes. This detail underscores the national scope of support for David. The mention of various pack animals highlights the immense logistical effort and the vast quantity of goods transported, indicating the wealth and dedication of the people.
* **"[and] meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly:"**: This extensive catalogue of provisions showcases the incredible generosity and forethought of the people. It includes staples (bread, meal), rich foods (meat, cakes of figs, raisins), and essential liquids (wine, oil), along with livestock (oxen, sheep). The sheer variety and the concluding "abundantly" emphasize the overflowing nature of the supply, indicating a communal feast of immense proportions and a time of great prosperity and shared resources.
* **"for [there was] joy in Israel."**: This concluding phrase provides the theological and emotional rationale for the preceding actions. The lavish provisions and widespread support were not merely practical necessities but expressions of a deep, pervasive joy that permeated the entire nation. This joy was rooted in the establishment of God's chosen king, the unification of the tribes, and the promise of peace and stability after years of division. It signifies a profound spiritual and national celebration, recognizing God's hand in David's ascension.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 12:40 to convey the significance of David's coronation. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, seen in the detailed list of provisions ("bread... meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep"). This extensive catalogue not only provides vivid imagery but also emphasizes the sheer abundance and variety of the supplies, underscoring the generosity of the people and the scale of the gathering. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** is implied by the term "abundantly" (Hebrew, _lārōḇ_), suggesting an overflowing, almost limitless supply, which amplifies the sense of divine blessing and national enthusiasm. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful statement of **Cause and Effect**, where the lavish provisions and widespread support are directly attributed to the prevailing "joy in Israel." This establishes a direct link between the physical manifestation of unity and generosity and the underlying emotional and spiritual state of the nation, highlighting the profound significance of David's kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological principle that when God's people unite under His appointed leadership and purpose, there is not only abundant provision but also overwhelming joy. The lavish outpouring of resources from across the nation for David's coronation signifies a willing and joyful submission to God's plan for His kingdom. This communal generosity and celebration foreshadow the ideal state of God's people, where unity, provision, and spiritual gladness coalesce. It reminds us that true joy often accompanies obedience and participation in God's redemptive work.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Acts 2:44-47](/acts/2-44-47 "Acts 2:44-47 - The Early Church's Unity and Generosity")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Hebron, culminating in 1 Chronicles 12:40, offers a powerful blueprint for community and faith. It speaks to the transformative power of unity, where diverse individuals and groups set aside differences to rally around a common, God-ordained purpose. The overwhelming generosity displayed by the tribes, bringing forth their best and most abundant resources, challenges us to consider our own stewardship and willingness to contribute to the greater good of God's kingdom. This is not merely about financial giving, but about dedicating our time, talents, and energy to support the work of the church and advance the Gospel. Ultimately, the pervasive "joy in Israel" serves as a profound reminder that true and lasting joy is found not in personal accumulation, but in participating in God's unfolding plan, witnessing His purposes fulfilled, and experiencing the blessing of communal fellowship. When we align our hearts with God's will and generously serve His purposes, we too can experience a profound, overflowing joy that transcends circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I contribute my unique resources (time, talents, finances) to foster unity and advance God's purposes in my community or church?**
* **How does the "joy in Israel" described in this verse challenge or affirm my understanding of where true joy is found?**
* **What divisions or disunity exist in my life or community, and how might I actively work towards reconciliation and shared purpose, inspired by the tribes' unity under David?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific tribes (Issachar, Zebulun, Naphtali) mentioned as bringing provisions?**

Answer: These tribes were located in the northern regions of Israel, relatively distant from Hebron in Judah where David was being crowned. Their specific mention emphasizes the truly national scope of the support for David's kingship. It demonstrates that the unification under David was not just a regional affair but encompassed the entire land, from north to south, signifying a comprehensive and enthusiastic consensus for his reign. It highlights the widespread loyalty and dedication that stretched across all geographical boundaries within Israel, showing that David's authority was recognized and celebrated by all.

**What is the significance of the "abundance" of provisions mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "abundance" (Hebrew, _lārōḇ_) of provisions signifies several important aspects. Firstly, it indicates the immense scale of the gathering at Hebron; a vast number of people required a vast amount of food. Secondly, it speaks to the extraordinary generosity and dedication of the people. They were not merely meeting a need but giving lavishly out of a spirit of celebration and support for God's chosen king. Thirdly, it can be seen as a sign of divine blessing and prosperity. In the context of the Chronicler's theology, such overflowing provision often reflects God's favor upon a righteous endeavor or a unified people, much like the blessings promised in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). This abundance underscored the joy and the sense of a new, prosperous era dawning under David's reign.

**How does the "joy in Israel" relate to the act of bringing provisions?**

Answer: The phrase "for there was joy in Israel" serves as the ultimate explanation and motivation for the preceding actions. The bringing of abundant provisions was not a reluctant duty or a mere logistical necessity, but a spontaneous and joyful expression of national unity and celebration. The people were genuinely thrilled to see David, God's anointed, finally established as king over all Israel, bringing an end to years of civil strife and promising peace and stability. This deep, pervasive joy fueled their generosity and willingness to share their resources. It highlights that true service and giving often flow from a heart filled with gladness and a recognition of God's hand at work, echoing the sentiment that the "joy of the Lord is your strength" found in [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 12:40 describes the earthly coronation of David, a king after God's own heart, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. The widespread unity and overwhelming joy in Israel at David's enthronement point to the greater spiritual reality of the Church, the body of Christ, gathering under its true King. Just as diverse tribes brought their abundance to support David, believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are called to bring their gifts, resources, and lives in joyful submission to Christ, who is "head over everything for the church" ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The "joy in Israel" at the establishment of an earthly kingdom pales in comparison to the eternal, unshakeable joy that permeates the new creation, inaugurated by Christ's redemptive work. His kingdom is not merely one of political stability but of spiritual peace and righteousness, where "the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). The abundant provisions brought to David prefigure the spiritual nourishment and overflowing grace found in Christ, who is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of living water, providing all that is needed for eternal life and spiritual sustenance. Ultimately, the scene at Hebron is a beautiful, albeit incomplete, picture of the universal allegiance and profound rejoicing that will characterize the full establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

1 Samuel 25:18

¶ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched [corn], and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid [them] on asses.

2 Samuel 16:1

¶ And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

Proverbs 29:2

¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

2 Kings 11:20

And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword [beside] the king's house.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

2 Samuel 17:27

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,