Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul's kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: Now these are the numbers of men armed for battleThis phrase introduces a detailed account of the military support that David received. The listing of numbers signifies the organized and substantial support for David, highlighting the legitimacy and strength of his claim to the throne. In ancient Israel, military might was a crucial factor in establishing and maintaining a kingdom. The emphasis on being "armed for battle" underscores the readiness and commitment of these men to support David's cause. who came to David at Hebron
Hebron is a significant location in biblical history. It was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, and it held historical importance as the place where Abraham settled. David's anointing as king over Judah took place in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1-4), making it a central location for his rise to power. The gathering of men at Hebron symbolizes a unification of support for David, marking a pivotal moment in his journey to becoming king over all Israel. to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him
This phrase indicates a transfer of power from Saul's lineage to David. Saul, the first king of Israel, had fallen out of favor with God due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26-28). The transition of the kingdom to David was not merely a political shift but a divinely ordained change. This transfer also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to David, as he was chosen to lead Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). in accordance with the word of the LORD
The phrase emphasizes that the events unfolding were in fulfillment of divine prophecy and promise. God's word had declared David as the rightful king (1 Samuel 16:12-13), and the gathering of support at Hebron was a manifestation of God's sovereign plan. This highlights the theme of divine providence and faithfulness, as God's promises to David were being realized. The phrase also underscores the legitimacy of David's kingship as being rooted in divine authority rather than mere human ambition. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, chosen by God to succeed Saul. David's leadership and faithfulness to God are central themes in his life. 2. HebronA significant city in Judah where David was anointed king over the house of Judah. It served as David's capital for seven years before he moved to Jerusalem. 3. Men Armed for BattleThese were the warriors from various tribes of Israel who came to support David. Their unity and commitment were crucial in establishing David's reign. 4. Kingdom of SaulThe kingdom that was initially under Saul's rule. The transition of power from Saul to David was a fulfillment of God's promise. 5. The Word of the LORDThis refers to God's promise and prophecy regarding David's kingship, highlighting the divine orchestration in the transfer of power. Teaching Points Divine Timing and FulfillmentGod's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing. The transition of power from Saul to David was orchestrated by God, reminding us to trust in His timing for our lives. Unity and Support in God's WorkThe unity of the tribes in supporting David illustrates the importance of coming together for a common purpose under God's direction. We are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. Faithfulness to God's WordThe fulfillment of God's word to David encourages us to remain faithful and obedient to God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has started. Leadership and ServanthoodDavid's rise to leadership was marked by servanthood and humility. As Christians, we are called to lead by serving others, following the example of Christ. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe transition of leadership from Saul to David underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. We are reminded to pray for and support our leaders, trusting in God's ultimate authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the transition of power from Saul to David demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways can we support and encourage unity within our church or community, similar to the tribes supporting David? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing. How did this experience strengthen your faith? 4. How can we apply the principles of servanthood and humility in our leadership roles today? 5. What steps can we take to trust in God's sovereignty, especially when it comes to leadership and authority in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter describes the anointing of David by Samuel, marking the beginning of God's plan for David to become king. 2 Samuel 5This passage details David's anointing as king over all Israel, fulfilling the promise mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:23. Psalm 89This psalm speaks of God's covenant with David, emphasizing the divine promise and faithfulness in establishing David's throne. People Aaron, Aaronites, Adnah, Ahiezer, Amasai, Asher, Attai, Azareel, Azmaveth, Bealiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Berachah, Danites, David, Eliab, Eliel, Elihu, Elkanah, Eluzai, Elzabad, Ezer, Gad, Gadites, Gedor, Gibeon, Ishmaiah, Ismaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Isshiah, Jahaziel, Jashobeam, Jediael, Jehoiada, Jehu, Jeremiah, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Jesiah, Jesse, Jeziel, Joash, Joelah, Joezer, Johanan, Josabad, Jozabad, Kish, Korahites, Korhites, Levi, Levites, Machbanai, Manasseh, Michael, Mishmannah, Naphtali, Obadiah, Pelet, Reuben, Reubenites, Saul, Shemaah, Shemariah, Shephatiah, Simeon, Simeonites, Zadok, Zebadiah, Zebulun, ZilthaiPlaces Anathoth, Gederah, Gedor, Gibeah, Gibeon, Hebron, Jordan River, ZiklagTopics Armed, Bands, Battle, Chiefs, David, Divisions, Equipped, Hands, Heads, Hebron, Host, Kingdom, Military, Mouth, Numbers, Ready, Round, Saul, Saul's, Service, Transfer, Troops, Turn, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 12:23 5612 weapons 1 Chronicles 12:23-24 5527 shield 1 Chronicles 12:23-28 7266 tribes of Israel 1 Chronicles 12:23-37 8329 readiness 1 Chronicles 12:23-38 5544 soldiers Library Drill and Enthusiasm
'[Men that] could keep rank, they were not of double heart.'--1 CHRON. xii. 33. These words come from the muster-roll of the hastily raised army that brought David up to Hebron and made him King. The catalogue abounds in brief characterisations of the qualities of each tribe's contingent. For example, Issachar had 'understanding of the times.' Our text is spoken of the warriors of Zebulon, who had left their hills and their flocks in the far north, and poured down from their seats by the blue waters …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Channel of Power.
A Word that Sticks and Stings. I suppose everyone here can think of three or four persons whom he loves or regards highly, who are not christians. Can you? Perhaps in your own home circle, or in the circle of your close friends. They may be nice people, cultured, lovable, delightful companions, fond of music and good books, and all that; but this is true of them, that they do not trust and confess Jesus as a personal Savior. Can you think of such persons in your own circle? I am going to wait a …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power God's Answers
GOD'S ANSWERS: A RECORD OF MISS ANNIE MACPHERSON'S WORK AT THE HOME OF INDUSTRY, SPITALFIELDS, LONDON, AND IN CANADA. CLARA M. S. LOWE "Peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee." --1 CHRON. xii. 18. …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers Beneath his Banner
"Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse."--1 Chron. xii. 18. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 'Twixt God and thee but love shall be; 'Twixt earth and thee distrust and fear, 'Twixt sin and thee shall be hate and war; And hope shall be 'twixt Heaven and thee Till night is o'er. …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
To Anastasius, Bishop [1602] . Gregory to Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14), because that great river which once had left the rocks of Antioch dry has returned at length to its proper channel, and waters the subject valleys that are near, so as also to bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some an hundred-fold. For now there is no doubt that many flowers of souls are growing up in its valleys, and that …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The King.
We have now to turn and see the sudden change of fortune which lifted the exile to a throne. The heavy cloud which had brooded so long over the doomed king broke in lightning crash on the disastrous field of Gilboa. Where is there a sadder and more solemn story of the fate of a soul which makes shipwreck "of faith and of a good conscience," than that awful page which tells how, godless, wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody sword, and died a suicide's death, …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Chronicles 12:23 NIV1 Chronicles 12:23 NLT1 Chronicles 12:23 ESV1 Chronicles 12:23 NASB1 Chronicles 12:23 KJV
1 Chronicles 12:23 Commentaries
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