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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 12:9 meticulously lists Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab, three Benjamite warriors who joined David during his vulnerable period at Ziklag. This seemingly simple enumeration underscores the growing, diverse support David received, highlighting the divine orchestration of his ascent to kingship and the vital role played by individuals, even those not widely known, in God's unfolding redemptive plan for Israel. The verse emphasizes the breadth of David's loyal following, even from Saul's own tribe, signaling a divinely sanctioned shift in leadership.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 12:9, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 12, is Enumeration or Listing. The Chronicler meticulously lists names, often with their tribal affiliations and sometimes their specific skills or circumstances of joining David. This exhaustive cataloging serves several purposes: it lends historical credibility to the narrative, emphasizing the sheer number and diversity of David's supporters; it highlights the divine orchestration behind David's rise by showing the widespread recognition of his destiny; and it underscores the collective effort involved in establishing the kingdom, rather than solely focusing on David's individual prowess. The use of ordinal numbers ("first," "second," "third") within the enumeration further emphasizes a sense of order and perhaps importance, even for seemingly minor figures. This detailed listing is characteristic of the Chronicler's broader historical methodology, which often relies on genealogies and rosters to convey theological truths about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the communal nature of His work.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 12:9, though seemingly a mere list of names, powerfully contributes to the overarching theological narrative of God's faithfulness in establishing His chosen king. The inclusion of Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab, along with countless others, underscores that God's plan for David's kingdom was not dependent on a few prominent figures but involved the collective, often unseen, contributions of many individuals. It highlights the principle that every person, regardless of their public recognition, plays a vital role in God's redemptive work. This verse subtly teaches that God uses diverse people, from different backgrounds and tribes, to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His sovereign hand in gathering His people and building His kingdom. It affirms the value of every member in God's economy, emphasizing that even seemingly small acts of loyalty and service contribute to the grand unfolding of His divine will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple act of listing three names in 1 Chronicles 12:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab were individuals who chose to align themselves with God's chosen leader during a time of vulnerability and uncertainty. Their loyalty, though not elaborated upon with heroic deeds, was foundational to David's eventual success. This reminds us that faithfulness in "small" or uncelebrated roles is just as crucial to God's kingdom as highly visible ministries. We are called to contribute our unique gifts, skills, and loyalty to the larger body of Christ, recognizing that every contribution, no matter how humble, is valued by God and essential for the flourishing of His church and the advancement of His mission. Our willingness to serve, even when it means stepping out of comfort or into the unknown, mirrors the commitment of these ancient warriors and contributes to God's overarching plan. It encourages us to find our place of service, knowing that our obedience, however quiet, is significant in God's eyes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible list so many names, like those in 1 Chronicles 12:9?
Answer: The Bible often lists names, particularly in historical books like Chronicles, for several important reasons. First, it provides historical authenticity and validates the narrative, showing that these were real people involved in real events. Second, it emphasizes the communal nature of God's work; the establishment of David's kingdom, for example, was not solely David's effort but the result of many individuals' contributions. Third, it highlights God's meticulous care for His people, valuing each individual's role, no matter how seemingly minor. Finally, for the original audience, these lists often served as important genealogical records, connecting them to their tribal heritage and the unfolding story of God's covenant with Israel. The Chronicler's detailed lists, such as the comprehensive roster in 1 Chronicles 12, underscore the breadth of support David received, demonstrating God's providential hand in gathering a diverse and capable force.
What is the significance of "the first, the second, the third" for these individuals?
Answer: The ordinal numbers "the first," "the second," "the third" accompanying Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab in 1 Chronicles 12:9 likely indicate a specific order or ranking within the group of Benjamite warriors mentioned. This could signify their seniority, their order of joining David, their relative importance or prowess, or simply a systematic way the Chronicler recorded them from an existing roster. While the exact reason isn't explicitly stated, it suggests a structured organization among David's growing loyalists. It also reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to detail, emphasizing the deliberate and ordered way in which God gathered support for David's future reign. This meticulous record-keeping is characteristic of the book of 1 Chronicles, which often presents detailed lists to convey historical and theological truths.
Were these men from Benjamin, Saul's tribe, considered traitors for joining David?
Answer: From King Saul's perspective, these Benjamites who joined David would likely have been seen as traitors. However, from the Chronicler's perspective, and indeed from a theological standpoint, their actions were an act of loyalty to God's chosen king, David, rather than to Saul, who had been rejected by God (as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23). The Chronicler emphasizes that these men were "mighty men, helpers in war" (1 Chronicles 12:1) and that they "came to David at Ziklag, while he was still shut off from the presence of Saul" (1 Chronicles 12:1). Their defection highlights the widespread recognition that God's favor had shifted from Saul to David, making their allegiance to David an act of faithfulness to God's divine plan for Israel and an affirmation of His sovereign choice.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab in 1 Chronicles 12:9, alongside countless others who rallied to David, foreshadows the gathering of a diverse and loyal people around a greater King: Jesus Christ. Just as these men joined David during his time of vulnerability and exile, recognizing his divine appointment, so too do believers from every tribe and nation come to Christ, acknowledging Him as the rightful King and Messiah, even when following Him means social or personal cost. David's growing company of loyal followers, built upon the contributions of many individuals, prefigures the Church, the spiritual body of Christ, which is composed of diverse members, each with unique gifts and roles, all united under one Head, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). The "first, second, third" in the verse subtly hints at the divine order and intentionality in God's kingdom, mirroring how Christ calls and appoints His disciples and empowers His church to grow and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Ultimately, the loyalty shown to David by these men, despite the dangers, points to the ultimate loyalty and faith required to follow Jesus, who calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23), promising them an eternal share in His glorious kingdom, where a multitude from every nation will worship Him (Revelation 7:9-10).