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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12 verses 1–22
We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul (Ch1 12:1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is here recorded to their honour.
I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin to him, came over to David, Ch1 12:2. What moved them to it we are not told. Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of their tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and slinging, and used both hands alike - ingenious active men; a few of these might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are here named. See Jdg 20:16.
II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan, had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness for it, that they separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable separation it was) to go to David, though he was in the hold in the wilderness (Ch1 12:8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any service, Sa1 22:2. But these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the battle, Ch1 12:8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible swiftness, not to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered forces. In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains, so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces of lions, so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men, trained up to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their own tribe (Ch1 12:14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that could break through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all its banks, Ch1 12:15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus in a dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were men that would go through with the business they engaged in. What enemies those were that they met with in the valleys, when they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to flight with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both towards the east and towards the west; which way soever they turned, they followed their blow, and did not do their work by halves.
III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, Ch1 12:16. Their leader was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom (Sa2 17:25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,
1.David's prudent treaty with them, Ch1 12:17. He was surprised to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,
(1.)How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son of David. [1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and my heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do you all the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But, [2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and will be, of every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more violently run upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he had the testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil, and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the righteous God, who hath said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.
(2.)In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in determining controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and justice: The Lord look thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and rebuke it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express themselves with great temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.
2.Their hearty closure with him, Ch1 12:18. Amasai was their spokesman, on whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy, but a spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words into his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer, more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his associates, (1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest, against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the hazard of all that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (Sa1 20:27; Sa1 22:7), but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was on his side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side. It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God with them. (2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace, peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to thy helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on us." (3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God helpeth thee; therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every time of need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we must be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down all opposing rule, principality, and power.
3.David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as satisfaction is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains of the band.
IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to fight with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the story, Sa1 29:4, etc. In his return some great men of Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in with David, and very seasonably, to help him against the band of Amelekites who plundered Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good service upon that occasion, 1 Sa. 30. See how Providence provides. David's interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make use of it, Ch1 12:22. Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a great host. When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength to bring forth.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:7 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within a meticulously compiled list of valiant warriors and loyal individuals who rallied to David's cause during his period of exile and ascent to the throne. This verse specifically names Joelah and Zebadiah, identified as the sons of Jeroham, originating from the town of Gedor. Their inclusion highlights their participation among the Benjamite contingent who chose to support God's anointed king despite prevailing tribal allegiances. Their mention underscores the providential gathering of diverse individuals essential for the establishment of David's kingdom, emphasizing that every participant, no matter how briefly noted, played a vital role in God's unfolding plan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 12 serves as a pivotal chapter, meticulously cataloging the "mighty men" and skilled warriors who aligned themselves with David. This assembly occurred first at Ziklag, while David was still a fugitive from King Saul, and subsequently at Hebron, where he was formally anointed king over all Israel. The chronicler's purpose in presenting this detailed roster is twofold: to legitimate David's kingship by demonstrating the widespread, tribal-spanning support he garnered, and more profoundly, to emphasize the divine orchestration behind his ascent rather than attributing it solely to human ambition or military prowess. Verses 1-7 specifically highlight the Benjamites, a tribe from which King Saul originated, making their allegiance to David particularly noteworthy and indicative of a significant shift in loyalty. These men are described as "mighty men, helpers of the war, armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow" 1 Chronicles 12:2. This comprehensive listing underscores the breadth of David's support base and the undeniable hand of God in its formation, setting the stage for his unified reign.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop of 1 Chronicles 12 is a period of intense political transition and tribal tension within ancient Israel. King Saul, Israel's inaugural monarch, had been rejected by God due to his disobedience, and David had been secretly anointed as his successor by Samuel 1 Samuel 16:13. Consequently, David spent years as a fugitive, gathering a diverse band of followers who would become the nucleus of his future kingdom. The Benjamites, as Saul's own tribe, would have faced immense social and political pressure to maintain their loyalty to the reigning king. Their decision to join David, often referred to as "brethren of Benjamin" 1 Chronicles 12:29, signifies a profound recognition of God's favor upon David, or perhaps a pragmatic assessment of the shifting power dynamics. Gedor, the town mentioned, was likely situated within the tribal territory of Judah or Benjamin, indicating the regional origins of these supporters within the heartland of Israel. The act of openly joining a fugitive leader was a significant commitment, fraught with personal risk and a potential break from established loyalties, thus signifying deep conviction in David's divinely appointed destiny.
Key Themes: The inclusion of Joelah and Zebadiah in this meticulous record contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles 12 and the broader book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes Divine Providence in Leadership, illustrating how God meticulously gathered the necessary individuals to establish and legitimize David's reign. Each person, including these two sons of Jeroham, was an integral part of a divinely orchestrated plan that culminated in David becoming king over all Israel 2 Samuel 5:4. Secondly, the verse highlights Loyalty and Commitment, showcasing individuals who demonstrated profound allegiance to David during a time of great uncertainty, when he was still a fugitive. Their choice to align with David, despite the inherent risks, serves as a powerful testament to their faith in his God-given destiny and their willingness to serve. Lastly, it subtly reinforces The Value of Every Individual in God's grand narrative. Even those mentioned briefly, without specific deeds recorded, are deemed important enough to be included in the sacred historical record, underscoring that no contribution, however seemingly minor, is insignificant in the unfolding of God's purposes for His people. This principle resonates throughout the biblical narrative, from the detailed genealogies in Genesis 5 to the comprehensive lists of those who returned from exile in Ezra 2.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The chronicler's presentation in 1 Chronicles 12:7, as part of a larger list, employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning beyond mere historical record. Primarily, it utilizes List/Genealogy as a structural and rhetorical tool. This extensive listing of names serves not merely as a dry record but as a powerful testament to the breadth and depth of support David received, lending legitimacy and divine sanction to his kingship. The very act of naming individuals, even those without further narrative, emphasizes their significance and inclusion in God's historical unfolding. Secondly, there is Emphasis by Inclusion. By including Joelah and Zebadiah, even without detailing their specific exploits, the text implicitly asserts that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence or the grandeur of their deeds, played a vital role in the grand narrative of God's work through David. Their presence in the list underscores the collective effort and divine orchestration rather than solely focusing on heroic feats. Finally, the subtle use of Theophoric Naming, particularly with "Zebadiah" ("Yahweh has bestowed"), injects a profound theological layer into the historical record. The names themselves become silent witnesses to God's active hand in gathering these men, transforming what might seem like a dry list into a quiet affirmation of divine providence and God's sovereign control over even the seemingly minor details of history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 12:7, though brief, powerfully connects to the overarching biblical theme of God's meticulous providence and the significance of every individual within His divine plan. Just as God sovereignly raised up David, He also sovereignly gathered the specific people necessary to establish his kingdom. The inclusion of Joelah and Zebadiah, even without detailed exploits, underscores that God uses all kinds of people, in various capacities, to achieve His grand purposes. Their loyalty and commitment to David, the anointed king, serve as a model for faithfulness to God's chosen leaders and, ultimately, to God Himself. This detailed record assures readers that God's plans are not left to chance but are carefully orchestrated, involving countless individuals whose contributions, whether prominent or seemingly obscure, are valued and recorded in His divine ledger, demonstrating His comprehensive oversight and the interconnectedness of His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 12:7 invites us to consider our own place within God's unfolding purposes. Just as Joelah and Zebadiah were integral to David's success, so too are we, as believers, called to contribute to God's kingdom, regardless of whether our contributions are widely recognized or seemingly minor. The verse encourages a posture of humble faithfulness, reminding us that God sees and values every act of loyalty and service. It challenges us to examine our allegiances: are we aligning ourselves with God's anointed King, Jesus Christ, with the same conviction and commitment that these men showed David? Our faithfulness in seemingly small tasks or obscure roles is not insignificant in God's eyes, for He often uses the "unseen" to accomplish His greatest works. This passage fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that we are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan, and our individual contributions, however modest, are essential to the building of His eternal kingdom. It calls us to embrace our unique roles with diligence and humility, trusting that our efforts, when offered to God, are always significant.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were Joelah and Zebadiah, and why are they mentioned in the Bible?
Answer: Joelah and Zebadiah were two individuals identified as the sons of Jeroham, from the town of Gedor. They are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:7 as part of a detailed list of valiant warriors and loyal men who joined David during his time of exile and when he was consolidating his power. While the Bible does not record any specific deeds for them, their inclusion in this roster is highly significant. It demonstrates that they were part of the Benjamite contingent who chose to support David, even though Saul, the reigning king, was also a Benjamite. Their mention underscores the chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, highlighting the breadth of support David received and emphasizing that every individual, regardless of their prominence, played a vital role in God's providential plan to establish David's kingdom. Their names serve as a testament to the diverse individuals God used to achieve His purposes, echoing the broader theme of God's comprehensive orchestration found throughout 1 Chronicles 12.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gathering of Joelah and Zebadiah, alongside countless others, to David's side in 1 Chronicles 12:7 foreshadows the ultimate gathering of God's people around the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. Just as David was God's anointed, chosen to establish a kingdom, so Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world but is eternal and spiritual John 18:36. The diverse origins of David's supporters, from various tribes and towns, prefigure the universal call of the gospel, drawing people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" to Christ Revelation 5:9. The loyalty and commitment shown to David, often at great personal risk, find their ultimate fulfillment in the unwavering allegiance required of those who follow Jesus, who calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him Matthew 16:24. Every believer, like Joelah and Zebadiah, is an essential part of Christ's body, the Church, contributing to the building of His spiritual kingdom, where no member is insignificant 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Thus, this ancient record of loyal followers points forward to the glorious assembly of those who have been called by God to serve and worship the Lamb of God, who reigns forevermore Revelation 7:9-10.