Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 12

Verses 1-40

1 Chronicles 12:1-40 . David’ s Supporters.— An enumeration of those who rallied round David during his outlaw life in Ziklag ( cf. 1 Samuel 27:5 f.), and a list of those who were instrumental in setting him upon the throne.

1 Chronicles 12:2 . they were of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin: cf. 1 Chronicles 12:16 ff., 1 Chronicles 12:29; it is difficult to believe that Saul was deserted by his own kinsfolk (see 2 Samuel 2:25; 2 Samuel 2:31) in any great numbers. Benjaminites occupied positions of importance in post-exilic times (see Nehemiah 11:7-9), which probably has something to do with the Chronicler’ s assertions.

1 Chronicles 12:15 . in the first month. . .: i.e. Nisan (= April (approximately).

1 Chronicles 12:18 . the spirit came upon: lit. “ clothed” ( Judges 6:34 *).— Thine are we . . . thy God helpeth thee: a poetical fragment, probably old, even though it does not occur in 2 S.

1 Chronicles 12:23 ff. Cf. 1 Chronicles 11:1-3.

1 Chronicles 12:29 . of the children of Benjamin . . . the greatest part of them: but see 2 Samuel 2:9 f.