1 Chronicles 12:17

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].

And David {H1732} went out {H3318} to meet {H6440} them, and answered {H6030} and said {H559} unto them, If ye be come {H935} peaceably {H7965} unto me to help {H5826} me, mine heart {H3824} shall be knit {H3162} unto you: but if ye be come to betray {H7411} me to mine enemies {H6862}, seeing there is no {H3808} wrong {H2555} in mine hands {H3709}, the God {H430} of our fathers {H1} look {H7200} thereon, and rebuke {H3198} it.

When David went out to meet them, he said, "If you are coming to me in peace to help me, my heart will be bonded to yours. But if you are coming to betray me to my enemies, then, since I have done nothing wrong, may the God of our fathers see it and judge."

And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.”

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, my heart shall be knit unto you; but if ye be come to betray me to mine adversaries, seeing there is no wrong in my hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:17 captures a pivotal moment in David's life as he was gathering support during his time as a fugitive. The verse reveals David's wisdom, discernment, and reliance on God's justice as he confronts potential allies.

Context

This verse is set during a period when David was in exile, having fled from King Saul. Chapter 12 of 1 Chronicles details the various groups of mighty men and warriors who came to David's aid at Ziklag and Hebron, pledging their loyalty and strength to him. David, who was then a fugitive seeking refuge from King Saul's relentless pursuit, needed to be extremely cautious about who he allowed into his inner circle. He understood that some might come with hidden agendas, seeking to betray him for political gain or out of allegiance to Saul. This specific interaction likely refers to a group of these potential supporters, whose intentions David felt compelled to test.

Key Themes

  • Discernment and Trust: David's words demonstrate his careful discernment. He doesn't blindly accept all who approach him but seeks to understand their true intentions. This highlights the importance of wisdom in leadership and personal relationships.
  • Loyalty and Unity: David's desire for his "heart to be knit" with those who came peaceably signifies his longing for genuine unity and unwavering loyalty from his followers. He sought true allies, not fair-weather friends or traitors.
  • Divine Justice and Vindication: By declaring "no wrong in mine hands" and appealing to "the God of our fathers," David places his innocence and his cause before God. He trusts that God, as the ultimate arbiter, will expose treachery and bring justice. This plea for divine justice echoes sentiments found throughout the Psalms, where David frequently appeals to God as his righteous judge and vindicator.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Mine heart shall be knit unto you": The Hebrew word for "knit" (קָשַׁר, qashar) implies a strong, binding connection, a deep bond of unity and allegiance. It suggests a desire for genuine partnership and shared purpose.
  • "No wrong in mine hands": This phrase is a declaration of innocence, asserting that David has committed no offense against those who might betray him or against Saul that would justify such treachery. It's an appeal to his clear conscience and righteousness.
  • "The God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it": David invokes God as the supreme judge. "Rebuke" (גָּעַר, ga'ar) here means to severely admonish, restrain, or punish. It's a prayer for divine intervention against any intended betrayal.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 12:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it underscores the importance of discernment in our relationships and associations. Not everyone who approaches us, even with seemingly good intentions, is trustworthy. We are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Secondly, it reminds us to seek genuine unity and loyalty in our communities, families, and churches. True fellowship is built on trust and shared purpose. Finally, David's example encourages us to trust in God's justice. When we face false accusations or potential betrayal, we can confidently lay our cause before the Lord, knowing that He sees all and will ultimately bring about righteousness and vindication.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:23 (3 votes)

    Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

  • Jude 1:9 (3 votes)

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

  • Genesis 31:42 (2 votes)

    Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

  • 2 Samuel 3:20 (2 votes)

    So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that [were] with him a feast.

  • 2 Samuel 3:25 (2 votes)

    Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.

  • 2 Kings 10:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab [coming] to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart [is] with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give [me] thine hand. And he gave [him] his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.

  • Acts 4:32 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.