1 Chronicles 12:15
New International Version
It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

New Living Translation
These were the men who crossed the Jordan River during its seasonal flooding at the beginning of the year and drove out all the people living in the lowlands on both the east and west banks.

English Standard Version
These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

Berean Standard Bible
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.

King James Bible
These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

New King James Version
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

New American Standard Bible
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

NASB 1995
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.

NASB 1977
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.

Legacy Standard Bible
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks and they made all those in the valleys flee, both to the east and to the west.

Amplified Bible
These are the men who crossed over the Jordan in the first month when it had overflowed all its banks and they put to flight all those in the valleys, east and west.

Christian Standard Bible
These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys to the east and to the west.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys to the east and to the west.

American Standard Version
These are they that went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

Contemporary English Version
Earlier, they had crossed the Jordan River when it flooded, and they chased out the people who lived in the valleys on each side of the river.

English Revised Version
These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the first month of the year, these men crossed the Jordan River when it was flooding its banks. They chased away all the people in the valleys to the east and west.

Good News Translation
In the first month of one year, the time when the Jordan River overflowed its banks, they crossed the river, scattering the people who lived in the valleys both east and west of the river.

International Standard Version
These men crossed the Jordan in the first month of the year during flood season and chased out everyone in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

Majority Standard Bible
These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.

NET Bible
They crossed the Jordan River in the first month, when it was overflowing its banks, and routed those living in all the valleys to the east and west.

New Heart English Bible
These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

Webster's Bible Translation
These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both towards the east, and towards the west.

World English Bible
These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all who lived in the valleys, both toward the east and toward the west.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
these [are] they who have passed over the Jordan in the first month—and it is full over all its banks—and cause all [those in] the valley to flee to the east and to the west.

Young's Literal Translation
these are they who have passed over the Jordan in the first month, -- and it is full over all its banks -- and cause all they of the valley to flee to the east and to the west.

Smith's Literal Translation
These they who passed over Jordan in the first month, and it filling over all its banks; and they drove out all the valleys to the sunrising find to the west.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These are they who passed over the Jordan in the first month, when it is used to how over its banks: and they put to flight all that dwelt in the valleys both toward the east and toward the west.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These are the ones who crossed over the Jordan in the first month, when it is accustomed to overflow its banks. And they put to flight all those who were staying in the valleys, to the eastern region and to the west.

New American Bible
It was they who crossed over the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing both its banks, and chased away all who were in the valleys to the east and to the west.

New Revised Standard Version
These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These are they who crossed the Jordan in the month of Nisan, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all the army that was encamped in the valley, both toward the east and toward the west. And these are the numbers of the commanders of the army who gathered together and came to David to Hebron to give him the kingdom of Saul, so that the word of Samuel the prophet might be fulfilled, who spoke by the command of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
These were those who crossed over the Jordan in the month of Nisan when it filled up to its banks, and they had put to flight all the army that was encamping in the plain to the East, and to the West, and these are the numbers of the Commanders of the army who came and assembled to David at Khebron to give him the kingdom of Shaul, so that the word of Samuel the Prophet would be fulfilled which he spoke from the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
These are they that went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
These are the men that crossed over Jordan in the first month, and it had overflowed all its banks; and they drove out all the inhabitants of the valleys, from the east to the west.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
14These Gadites were army commanders, the least of whom was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. 15These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west. 16Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold.…

Cross References
Joshua 3:15-17
Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. / The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.

Joshua 4:18-24
When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up out of the Jordan and their feet touched the dry land, the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before. / On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. / And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. ...

Judges 5:21
The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!

2 Samuel 17:22
So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.

Psalm 114:3
The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back;

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Exodus 14:21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Exodus 15:8
At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

Psalm 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.

Isaiah 11:15-16
The LORD will devote to destruction the gulf of the Sea of Egypt; with a scorching wind He will sweep His hand over the Euphrates. He will split it into seven streams for men to cross with dry sandals. / There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who remain from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt.

Matthew 14:25-26
During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. / When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.

Mark 6:48-50
He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, / but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

John 6:19
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified.

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

Revelation 12:15-16
Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent. / But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth.


Treasury of Scripture

These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

Joshua 3:15
And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

Joshua 4:18
And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.

Jeremiah 12:5
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

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Banks Cause Crossed East First Flee Flight Full Jordan Month Ones Overflowed Overflowing Overflown Passed River Towards Valley Valleys West
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Banks Cause Crossed East First Flee Flight Full Jordan Month Ones Overflowed Overflowing Overflown Passed River Towards Valley Valleys West
1 Chronicles 12
1. The companies that came to David at Ziklag
23. The armies that came to him at Hebron














These are the ones who crossed the Jordan
This phrase refers to a group of mighty warriors who joined David during his time of need. The crossing of the Jordan River is significant in biblical history, reminiscent of the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 3:14-17). This act symbolizes a transition into a new phase of God's plan, demonstrating faith and courage. The Jordan River often serves as a boundary between the wilderness and the land of promise, marking a point of commitment and trust in God's provision.

in the first month
The first month of the Hebrew calendar is Nisan, which corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. This timing is significant because it is the period of the spring rains, when the Jordan River would be at its fullest and most dangerous. The first month is also when the Passover is celebrated, a time of remembrance of God's deliverance from Egypt, adding a layer of spiritual significance to their crossing.

when it was overflowing all its banks
The overflowing of the Jordan River indicates a time of natural difficulty and danger. This detail highlights the bravery and determination of the warriors, as crossing a swollen river would have been a formidable challenge. It underscores their commitment to David and their trust in God's protection, echoing the miraculous crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites in Joshua's time, where God stopped the waters to allow safe passage (Joshua 3:15-16).

and they put to flight all those in the valleys
This phrase describes the military prowess and success of David's warriors. The valleys mentioned are likely the low-lying areas surrounding the Jordan River, which were strategic locations for defense and agriculture. The ability to put enemies to flight demonstrates not only their skill in battle but also the favor of God upon them, as victory in biblical narratives is often attributed to divine intervention and support.

both to the east and to the west
This indicates the comprehensive nature of their victory, suggesting that their influence and control extended across both sides of the Jordan River. The east and west can symbolize completeness and totality, reflecting the widespread impact of their actions. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's people being a blessing to all nations, as their victories would have brought stability and peace to the region, aligning with God's promises to Abraham about his descendants' influence (Genesis 12:2-3).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Mighty Men of David
These were the valiant warriors who supported David during his rise to kingship. They were known for their bravery and loyalty.

2. The Jordan River
A significant geographical landmark in Israel, often representing a barrier or challenge due to its size and the difficulty of crossing it, especially when it overflowed its banks.

3. The First Month
Refers to the Hebrew month of Nisan, a time when the Jordan River was at its fullest due to the melting snow from Mount Hermon.

4. The Valleys
The areas surrounding the Jordan River, which were strategic locations for military campaigns.

5. David's Rise to Power
This event is part of the larger account of David's journey to becoming king, highlighting the support he received from various tribes and warriors.
Teaching Points
Faith in Overcoming Obstacles
Just as David's men crossed the overflowing Jordan, believers are called to trust God in overcoming life's challenges. The physical barrier of the river symbolizes spiritual and personal obstacles.

Unity and Support
The loyalty and unity of David's men serve as a model for Christian community. Supporting one another in faith and mission is crucial for spiritual success.

Courage in Adversity
The courage displayed by these warriors is a reminder that God equips His people with strength and bravery to face adversities.

Strategic Action
The strategic crossing of the Jordan at a challenging time teaches the importance of wisdom and timing in executing God's plans.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
David's rise to power, supported by these mighty men, underscores God's sovereign hand in appointing leaders and fulfilling His purposes.(15) When it had overflown.--A proof of their valour. They did not wait till summer had made the Jordan shallow, but crossed it in spring, when perilously swollen with the rains and the melted snows of Lebanon. (Comp. Joshua 3:15.)

In the first month,--March--April; in Heb, A bib or Nisan.

Had overflown.--Was fill?ng or brimming over.

And they put to flight all . . . the valleys.--Literally, and they made all the valleys flee: that is, their inhabitants, who were hostile to their enterprise, both to the sunrise and the sunset, or on both sides of the river.

Verse 15. - In the first month. This corresponds with our end of March. The interesting incident of this verse is unrecorded in detail elsewhere (Joshua 3:15; Jeremiah 12:5; Jeremiah 49:19; Jeremiah 50:44).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are
הֵ֗ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

the ones who
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

crossed
עָבְר֤וּ (‘ā·ḇə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

in the first
הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן (hā·ri·šō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

month
בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ (ba·ḥō·ḏeš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

when it had overflowed
מְמַלֵּ֖א (mə·mal·lê)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

its banks,
גְּדוֹתָ֑יו (gə·ḏō·w·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1415: A border of a, river

and they put to flight
וַיַּבְרִ֙יחוּ֙ (way·yaḇ·rî·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenly

all [those]
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

in the valleys,
הָ֣עֲמָקִ֔ים (hā·‘ă·mā·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6010: A vale

to the east
לַמִּזְרָ֖ח (lam·miz·rāḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4217: Place of sunrise, the east

and to the west.
וְלַֽמַּעֲרָֽב׃ (wə·lam·ma·‘ă·rāḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4628: The west


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:15 These are those who went over (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 12:14
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