1 Chronicles 12:5

KJV

Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Eluzai {H498}, and Jerimoth {H3406}, and Bealiah {H1183}, and Shemariah {H8114}, and Shephatiah {H8203} the Haruphite {H2741},

Complete Jewish Bible

(4b) Yirmeyah, Yachzi'el, Yochanan, Yozavad from G'derah,5 El'uzai, Yerimot, B'alyah, Sh'maryah, Sh'fatyah the Harufi,

Berean Standard Bible

Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;

American Standard Version

Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:5 is part of a detailed roster of valiant warriors and skilled archers from the tribe of Benjamin who pledged their allegiance to David during his time of refuge at Ziklag. This specific verse continues the enumeration of these loyal individuals—Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite—highlighting the growing support for God's anointed king even while he was an outcast from King Saul's court, demonstrating divine orchestration in the establishment of David's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 12, a chapter dedicated to listing the diverse groups of mighty men who joined David, first at Ziklag (verses 1-7) and later at Hebron (verses 23-40). The chapter serves to legitimize David's kingship by demonstrating the widespread and divinely orchestrated support he received from all tribes of Israel. Verses 1-7 specifically focus on the Benjamites, a tribe from which King Saul originated, making their defection to David particularly significant. The inclusion of these names, seemingly dry lists, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the historical continuity of God's covenant people and the specific individuals God used to fulfill His purposes, particularly the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and David's Reign").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Chronicles 12 is a transitional one in Israel's history, as King Saul's reign was waning and David was emerging as God's chosen king. David was a fugitive, hiding from Saul's relentless pursuit (cf. [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David in Ziklag")). For men from Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, to abandon their tribal king and join David was a profound act of loyalty and faith, indicating a recognition of God's hand upon David. In ancient Israel, tribal identity and loyalty were paramount, making the shift of allegiance a weighty decision. The detailed listing of names also reflects the cultural importance of genealogies and military rosters, which served to validate claims of lineage, land inheritance, and contributions to the nation's well-being, as seen in other historical records like [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** The names listed in 1 Chronicles 12:5 contribute to several overarching themes in the chapter and the book. First, **Loyalty and Commitment** are paramount, as these individuals chose to align themselves with David during his vulnerable period, demonstrating unwavering faith in God's anointed leader. Second, **Divine Providence** is evident; the extensive lists throughout Chronicles highlight how God orchestrates events through specific individuals, raising up supporters and allies to fulfill His purposes, such as establishing David's kingdom and ensuring the continuity of the covenant line. Third, the **Importance of Every Contributor** is emphasized; while these names might seem like mere entries, their inclusion signifies that every person who contributes to God's work, no matter how seemingly small their role, is remembered and valued in the divine record, echoing the New Testament concept of the body of Christ where [each part is essential](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ"). Finally, the chapter illustrates **Unity in Purpose**, as various tribal groups and individuals came together under a common leader, demonstrating the power and effectiveness of collective effort in pursuing a righteous, God-ordained goal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eluzai (Hebrew, _'Elûzay'_):** This name likely means "God is my strength" or "My God is my strong one." Its inclusion among David's loyal warriors is fitting, as their strength and resolve to join a fugitive king would have been rooted in their faith in God's ultimate plan and His anointing of David. It speaks to a reliance on divine power rather than human might or political expediency.
* **Shemariah (Hebrew, _Shᵉmaryâh_):** Meaning "Yah has guarded" or "Guarded by Yah," this name reflects a common theological theme in Israelite personal names, acknowledging God's protective hand. For a warrior joining David in a time of danger, the belief that God was their guardian would have been a source of courage and assurance, aligning with the broader narrative of God's protection over David.
* **Haruphite (Hebrew, _ha-Ḥarûp̱î_):** This is not a personal name but an ethnic or clan designation, indicating Shephatiah's origin or family affiliation. It likely refers to a place called Haruph or a clan associated with it. Such designations were crucial in ancient Israel for establishing tribal identity, land rights, and social standing. Its inclusion underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in documenting the specific origins of David's diverse supporters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite":** This clause is a straightforward enumeration of five individuals from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David. Each name represents a distinct person who made a conscious decision to align with David, demonstrating personal loyalty and courage. Their listing here, alongside others in the chapter, serves to build a comprehensive picture of the broad and diverse support David garnered. The repetition of "and" emphasizes the cumulative nature of this growing allegiance, showing a steady stream of individuals committing to David's cause. The inclusion of "the Haruphite" for Shephatiah provides a specific identifier, typical of ancient Israelite records, which often included patronymics or geographical/clan affiliations to precisely identify individuals within the larger tribal structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 12:5, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 12, is **Enumeration** (or **Listing**). This involves the systematic cataloging of names, places, or events. In this context, it serves to meticulously document the individuals who comprised David's early support base. This detailed listing lends historical credibility and weight to the Chronicler's narrative, emphasizing the breadth and depth of loyalty David commanded. Furthermore, the chapter employs **Roster** or **Genealogical Style**, which is a common feature in Chronicles. While not strictly a genealogy in the sense of tracing family lines, it functions as a military and political roster, identifying key figures and their tribal affiliations. This technique highlights the importance of individual contributions within the collective body of Israel and underscores the divine orchestration of specific people at specific times to fulfill God's purposes. The very act of naming these individuals ensures their remembrance and signifies their importance in the grand narrative of God's kingdom building.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly simple list of names in 1 Chronicles 12:5 carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous and sovereign work in establishing His kingdom through human agents. These individuals, by their courageous and loyal commitment to David, embody the principle that God often works through the faithful obedience of many, rather than just a few prominent figures. Their willingness to join David during his vulnerable period illustrates a deep trust in God's anointing, even when circumstances were precarious. This divine orchestration of diverse individuals from various tribes, including Saul's own, highlights God's ability to shift allegiances and gather the necessary resources—human and otherwise—to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Davidic covenant and the line through which the Messiah would come.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Unity of the Body of Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - Growth of the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 12:5, though a mere list of names, offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, is vital in God's grand design. Just as these men faithfully served David, we are called to be loyal and committed to Christ and His church, especially in times of difficulty or when the path seems uncertain. Our allegiance should be to God's truth and His appointed leaders, even when it requires personal sacrifice or goes against popular opinion. The fact that God saw fit to record these names in His inspired Word underscores the divine value placed on faithful service and the collective effort of His people. It encourages us to find our place within the body of Christ, recognizing that our unique gifts and willingness to serve contribute to the overall health and effectiveness of the church in advancing God's kingdom. We are part of a larger story, and our faithfulness, like that of Eluzai and his companions, is remembered and honored by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I called to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to Christ and His church, even when circumstances are challenging or unpopular?**
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly "ordinary" names in Scripture encourage me about the value of my own contributions to God's work?**
* **Am I willing to align myself with God's purposes, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone or going against the prevailing culture, much like the Benjamites joining David?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the diverse contributions of others within my spiritual community, understanding that every part is essential to the whole?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names, like those in 1 Chronicles 12:5?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names throughout the Bible, particularly in books like 1 Chronicles, serves several crucial purposes. Historically, these lists provided a meticulous record of genealogies, tribal affiliations, and military rosters, which were vital for establishing lineage, land inheritance, and national identity in ancient Israel. Theologically, they demonstrate God's personal involvement in human history, showing how He raises up specific individuals to fulfill His purposes. Every name represents a person whom God knew and used. For the Chronicler, these lists also legitimized David's kingship by showing the widespread support he received from all tribes, underscoring that his reign was divinely ordained, not merely a human coup. Finally, they emphasize the importance of every individual's contribution to God's kingdom, reminding us that even seemingly minor roles are significant in God's eyes, as seen in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men").

**What is the significance of men from the tribe of Benjamin joining David, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:5?**

Answer: The fact that Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite were from the tribe of Benjamin is highly significant because King Saul, whom David was to succeed, was also from Benjamin (cf. [1 Samuel 9:1-2](/1_samuel/9-1 "1 Samuel 9:1-2 - Saul's Background")). This meant that these men were defecting from their own tribal king to support David, who was from Judah. Their decision highlights a profound shift in loyalty, indicating that God's anointing on David was becoming increasingly evident, even to those most closely associated with the reigning monarch. It demonstrates that God was actively orchestrating events to transfer the kingdom from Saul to David, drawing supporters from unexpected quarters and overcoming traditional tribal loyalties to establish His chosen king, as prophesied in [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - The Kingdom Torn from Saul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gathering of loyal and skilled warriors around David, God's anointed king, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 12:5 and the surrounding verses, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate gathering of believers around Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. Just as these men left their former allegiances and risked their lives to join David during his time of obscurity and persecution, so too do believers today forsake the kingdoms of this world to pledge their allegiance to Christ, who was once rejected but is now exalted as [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of all"). The diverse origins of David's supporters—from various tribes and backgrounds—mirrors the universal call of the Gospel, which draws people from [every tribe, tongue, people, and nation](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation") into the body of Christ. Each individual, like Eluzai or Shephatiah, contributes uniquely to the building of God's spiritual kingdom, serving under the headship of Christ, who is the [head of the church](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church"). The Chronicler's meticulous record of these names underscores that no faithful act of service to God's anointed king goes unnoticed, pointing to the ultimate day when Christ will reward those who have faithfully served Him in His kingdom (cf. [Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom")).

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.