From Asher: 40,000 fit for service, prepared for battle. From Asher:The tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and second son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's territory was located in the northern part of Israel, along the Mediterranean coast. This region was known for its fertile land and olive oil production, which is reflected in Jacob's blessing over Asher in Genesis 49:20, where he is described as having rich food and providing royal delicacies. The inclusion of Asher in this list highlights the unity among the tribes in supporting David, despite their geographical distance from the central regions of Israel. 40,000 fit for service:
The number 40,000 indicates a significant military contribution from the tribe of Asher. In the context of ancient Israel, this was a substantial force, suggesting that Asher was both populous and well-organized. The phrase "fit for service" implies that these men were not only numerous but also physically capable and ready to engage in military action. This readiness reflects the broader mobilization of Israelite tribes in support of David's kingship, as they recognized his anointing by God and the need for a united front against common enemies. Prepared for battle:
Being "prepared for battle" suggests that the men of Asher were not only physically capable but also trained and equipped for warfare. This preparation would have included knowledge of military tactics, weaponry, and possibly experience in previous conflicts. The readiness of Asher's forces underscores the seriousness with which the tribes approached the consolidation of David's rule. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God preparing His people for the battles they face, both physical and spiritual. This preparation can be seen as a type of the spiritual readiness that believers are called to in the New Testament, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul speaks of the armor of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. AsherOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah. Known for its fertile land and abundance, Asher was located in the northern part of Israel. 2. David's ArmyThe context of this verse is the gathering of warriors from various tribes of Israel to support David as king. This was a significant moment in Israel's history, marking the consolidation of David's rule. 3. Preparation for WarThe men from Asher were described as being "prepared for war," indicating their readiness and willingness to support David in his military endeavors. Teaching Points Commitment to God's AnointedThe men of Asher demonstrated loyalty and commitment to David, God's chosen king. In our lives, we are called to show unwavering commitment to Christ, our King. Preparedness for Spiritual BattleJust as the men of Asher were prepared for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared. This involves daily prayer, studying Scripture, and living a life of faith. Unity in PurposeThe gathering of tribes to support David highlights the importance of unity among believers. We are stronger when we stand together in our mission to serve God. Transformation and GrowthAsher's change from hesitance to readiness can inspire us to grow in our faith and commitment, overcoming past weaknesses through God's strength. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the transformation of the tribe of Asher from hesitance to readiness, and how can this apply to our spiritual growth? 2. How does the concept of being "prepared for war" in 1 Chronicles 12:36 relate to the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate commitment to Christ, similar to the commitment shown by the men of Asher to David? 4. How does the unity of the tribes in supporting David reflect the importance of unity in the church today? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared for a spiritual challenge. What steps can you take to ensure you are better prepared in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 5:17This verse mentions Asher's hesitance in earlier conflicts, contrasting with their readiness in 1 Chronicles 12:36, showing a transformation in their commitment. Psalm 144:1This Psalm, attributed to David, speaks of God training hands for battle, which can be connected to the preparedness of the warriors from Asher. Ephesians 6:10-18The New Testament call to put on the full armor of God parallels the physical preparation for battle seen in the warriors of Asher. 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 40000, Army, Arrange, Array, Asher, Battle, Draw, Experienced, Expert, Fight, Formation, Forth, Forty, Host, Ordering, Prepared, Ready, Seasoned, Soldiers, Themselves, Thousand, Troops, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 12:23-37 8329 readiness 1 Chronicles 12:23-38 5544 soldiers 1 Chronicles 12:24-37 5208 armies 1 Chronicles 12:33-37 5612 weapons 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 12:36 NIV1 Chronicles 12:36 NLT1 Chronicles 12:36 ESV1 Chronicles 12:36 NASB1 Chronicles 12:36 KJV
1 Chronicles 12:36 Commentaries
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