Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 12

Verses 1-40

Here the story is continued; it thrills with the enthusiasm of the multitudes as they marched under the standard of the new king. Over the list of names flashes light from certain outstanding statements concerning them. In verse two it declares that these men "could use both the right hand and the left." This speaks of the careful training they had received. A little later we have a poetic and remarkable description of the companies gathered around David (verse 1Ch 12:8 ). They were "mighty men of valour . . . trained for war." This suggests disciplined strength. They were men who could use shield and spear, that is, who were able to act on both the defensive and the offensive. Their faces were like lions; they had become a kingly race. They were "as swift as the roes upon the mountains," which describes their perfect fitness. They were, moreover, men of differing capacities, all of which were consecrated to David. Among the sons of Issachar were men who had understanding of the times. Among the sons of Zebulun were men able in the art of war and incapable of treachery.

All these were united by common devotion. Thus the new king entered on his kingdom under the most auspicious circumstances.