Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 12

Verse 1

these are they. These not included elsewhere: showing the independence of Chronicles, Saul the son of Kish. See note on 1 Chronicles 8:33 .

mighty men. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14 .

Verse 2

could use, &c. Compare Judges 3:15 ; Judges 20:15 , Judges 20:16 .

Saul's brethren: i.e. his fellow-tribesmen. Compare 1 Chronicles 12:29 .

Verse 4

among the thirty. Probably another "thirty" at a later period. Ismaiah not in the list. 2 Samuel 23:24 , &c.

Verse 8

separated themselves. Another example of how Judah came to be representative of the whole of Israel. See note on 1 Kings 12:17 .

men of might. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14 .

buckler. Hebrew = spear. But some codices, with one early printed edition and Syriac, read "buckler". Compare Jeremiah 46:3 .

Verse 15

the first month. Nisan, or Abib.

overflown. Compare Joshua 3:15 .

Verse 16

children = sons.

Verse 17

If ye be come, &c. A second band made David suspicious.

knit unto = one with.

wrongs = act of violence. Hebrew. hamas, not same word as 1 Chronicles 16:21 .

Verse 18

the Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . came upon = clothed: i.e. clothed him with wisdom and power: i.e., employed him as His mouthpiece.

Amasai. Probably the same as Amasa, David's nephew (1 Chronicles 2:17 ).

Verse 19

there fell some of Manasseh, beside the Gadites. See note on 1 Kings 12:17 for the strengthening of Judah and making it representative of the whole nation.

they: David and his men. See 1 Samuel 28:1 , 1 Samuel 28:2 ; 1Sa 28:29 .

them: the Philistines.

lords, or princes.

upon advisement = advisedly, or by counsel. Compare 1 Chronicles 21:12 .

to the jeopardy of our heads. Hebrew with our heads; or, at the cost of our heads.

Verse 21

helped David = helped with David.

the band: i.e. the Amalekites, who had burned Ziklag during his absence. See 1 Samuel 30:1-20 . It is assumed that we know of this.

Verse 22

a great host. About 300,000 men.

Verse 23

word = mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what was spoken by it.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 27

Jehoiada. Not the high priest; for Abiathar held that office (1 Samuel 23:9 ; 1 Samuel 30:7 ).

Verse 28

Zadok. Probably the same as Solomon's high priest ( 2Sa 8:17 ; 2 Samuel 15:29 , 2 Samuel 15:35 ; 2 Samuel 20:25 . 1Ki 1:8 , 1 Kings 1:26 ; 1 Kings 2:35 ).

Verse 29

kindred. Hebrew brethren. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), "brethren" put for other relatives.

kept the ward = kept the charge. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , charge put for keeping what was commanded.

Verse 30

famous. Hebrew men of names.

Verse 32

had understanding. Understood statesmanship.

the times. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), put for what is (or ought to be) done in them.

commandment. Hebrew mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is commanded by it.

Verse 35

Danites. So far from none being in Palestine after 1285 B.C., the tribe could send more to help David than Ephraim or Manasseh, and more than Judah, Simeon, Levi, and Benjamin put together.

Verse 37

on = from.

Verse 38

a perfect heart. In contrast with a double heart. Compare 1 Chronicles 12:33 . Heart being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), for its desires.

one heart. See note on Psalms 133:1 , and its references to 2 Samuel 19:9 .

Verse 39

eating and drinking. A covenant generally followed by festivities (Genesis 31:44 , Genesis 31:46 ). Compare 1 Kings 1:9 .

Verse 40

and on camels. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton , emphasizing the fact that there were no horses .