1 Chronicles 12:1-22 Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish… This chapter contains three lists of those who joined the standard while he yet kept himself close because of the jealousy of Saul. While he was in the Philistine town of Ziklag these joined him in rapid succession, and they afterwards contributed so much to the glory of his reign. Preferring the exile and reproach of David to the honour of the court of Saul they gave up all for love to him. Vers. 1-15 give us the first list; vers. 16-22 the second list; vers. 23-40 the third list. The children of Benjamin joining his standard must have been peculiarly grateful to David. These were of the kindred of Saul, and included probably many of his relatives. They could only have joined David's standard under the influence of the Spirit of God, perceiving the evident withdrawal of God's favours from Saul and his favour to David. It was a public and emphatic protest by those who had means of knowing David better than others of the excellence of his character and the grievous wrong done by outlawing one who had rendered such eminent services. We see how David was naturally suspicious of these Benjamites joining him. In order to remove David's suspicion of their being traitors from the house of Saul, they had probably asked the children of Judah to accompany them (vers. 16-18). The Spirit of God, speaking through Arousal, removed all fears. David's confidence in God in an extremity which might have been fatal to his life and the existence of his kingdom, is instructive. He casts himself upon God. A "good conscience" enables him to do this, "seeing there is no wrong in mine hands." With a "good conscience" towards God, men may never fear in any emergency, however trying. The Spirit of the Lord will always lead the way. Though the cloud may hang very long and look very dark, the result is as certain as the most certain thing in the world. To such a soul there will be one final issue - "peace peace" (ver. 18); yes, "perfect peace" (Isaiah 26:3) to all such. - W. Parallel Verses KJV: Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war. |
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