1 Chronicles 12:29

And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

And of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}, the kindred {H251} of Saul {H7586}, three {H7969} thousand {H505}: for hitherto the greatest {H4768} part of them had kept {H8104} the ward {H4931} of the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586}.

Of the descendants of Binyamin the kinsmen of Sha'ul, there were 3,000; for up until then, the majority of them had remained loyal to the house of Sha'ul.

From Benjamin, the kinsmen of Saul: 3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to the house of Saul up to that time.

And of the children of Benjamin, the brethren of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.

Commentary

Context

This verse is found within 1 Chronicles chapter 12, which meticulously lists the various groups of skilled warriors and leaders who came to join David during his time of tribulation and ultimately, as he consolidated his kingdom. Specifically, this passage describes the diverse contingents that rallied to David first at Ziklag and later at Hebron, where he was anointed king over all Israel. The mention of the "children of Benjamin" is particularly significant because Benjamin was the tribe of King Saul, David's predecessor and adversary. For a long period, much of this tribe had remained loyal to Saul's house, even after his death, supporting his son Ish-bosheth.

Key Themes

  • Shifting Allegiances and Loyalty: The verse highlights the gradual but decisive shift in loyalty from the house of Saul to David. Despite their previous strong ties to Saul, three thousand Benjaminites recognized God's hand on David and joined him. This demonstrates that even deeply entrenched loyalties can change when a greater, divinely appointed purpose is revealed.
  • Divine Orchestration of Unity: The gathering of these Benjaminites, along with other tribes, underscores God's providential plan to unify Israel under David's kingship. Their inclusion was crucial for the complete consolidation of the nation, fulfilling the divine promise to establish David's throne. This move toward unity is a testament to God's work in bringing together disparate groups for His purposes, as seen in David's anointing as king over all Israel.
  • End of an Era: The departure of these Benjaminites from their "ward of the house of Saul" signifies the definitive end of Saul's dynasty as the ruling power and the full transition of authority to David. It marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kept the ward of the house of Saul" is key. The Hebrew word for "ward" here is mishmeret (מִשְׁמֶרֶת), which refers to a duty, a charge, an observance, or a guard. It implies that these Benjaminites had faithfully maintained their service and allegiance to Saul's royal family. It's not a literal prison ward, but rather a commitment to their tribal leader's lineage. Their decision to join David means they were released from or chose to abandon this longstanding duty, acknowledging the new divine order.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for today. It reminds us that:

  1. Embracing New Seasons: Just as the Benjaminites transitioned from an old loyalty to a new one, believers are called to shift their allegiance from the ways of the world or past mistakes to the reign of Christ. This can involve leaving behind old habits or perspectives to fully embrace the new life found in Christ.
  2. Overcoming Divisions: The coming together of the Benjaminites, who had previously been on an opposing side, with David’s forces, serves as a powerful example of unity. In communities or churches, old divisions or loyalties can hinder progress. This passage encourages us to seek reconciliation and unity under God's appointed leadership for a greater purpose.
  3. God's Unfolding Plan: The slow but sure movement of these warriors to David highlights God's patient and sovereign work in bringing about His plans, even through complex human allegiances and political shifts. We can trust that God is working out His purposes in our lives and in the world, even when circumstances seem static or resistant to change.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 2:8 (5 votes)

    ¶ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

  • 2 Samuel 2:9 (5 votes)

    And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 (4 votes)

    [They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

  • Genesis 31:23 (2 votes)

    And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.