1.
Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
2.
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 12:2. Even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin— Bishop Patrick observes, that possibly these persons came to David from a generous motive, as they could not bear to see an innocent man persecuted in so violent a manner, especially after he had refused, when he had it in his power, to hurt the person who thus pursued him.
3.
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
4.
And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
1 Chronicles 12:4. And over the thirty— And with him thirty, Jeremiah, &c. Houbigant.
5.
Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,
6.
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,
7.
And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
8.
And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;
1 Chronicles 12:8. Like the faces of lions— See 2Sa 1:23; 2 Samuel 2:18.
9.
Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
10.
Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11.
Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12.
Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
13.
Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.
14.
These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.
15.
These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.
1 Chronicles 12:15. These are they that went over Jordan— This seems to be mentioned as a mark of their intrepidity, who ventured to pass the Jordan at a time when its current was most rapid, and the passage extremely hazardous.
16.
And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
17.
And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
18.
Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
1 Chronicles 12:18. Then the spirit came upon Amasai— See Judges 6:34.
19.
And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.
20.
As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.
21.
And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.
22.
For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.
23.
And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
24.
The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
25.
Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.
26.
Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.
27.
And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;
28.
And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.
29.
And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
30.
And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.
31.
And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
32.
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
1 Chronicles 12:32. Children of Issachar—that had understanding of the times— See Genesis 49:15. To know what Israel ought to do; that is, says Houbigant, when the passover, the feast of pentecost, and the new moons were to be celebrated; a meaning plainly to be inferred from the foregoing words, and agreeable to Jacob's prediction concerning Issachar.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, As the time drew nearer for David's accession to the throne, God, in whose hand are the hearts of all men, appears here inclining them towards his anointed. Some of these joined him before Saul's death, but the most of them, it is probable, immediately after it.
1. Some of Saul's relations of Benjamin, men of great dexterity and valour, came to him in Ziklag.
2. Of the Gadites, some of most distinguished courage joined him in the wilderness; men who had afterwards great commands in their tribe, like lions for strength and boldness, and swift as roes to pursue their enemies. Not deterred by the overflowings of Jordan, they plunged into the rapid stream, and swam through; and on their way to the hold, meeting some plundering bands of Philistines or Moabites, they fell upon them, and routed them. Note; (1.) When we are in the way to Jesus, no difficulties must discourage us. (2.) As swift to fly from evil, and as bold in the cause of truth, ought every follower of the Son of David to be.
3. Many of Judah and Benjamin, besides those under the conduct of Amasai or Amasa, David's nephew, came to him; till, becoming a numerous body, David had suspicion that they might have some ill design. They who have been once endangered by false friends, have need to be somewhat jealous of future professions. [1.] He questions them, therefore, on their intentions: If they came peaceably, as real friends to assist him, his heart would be knit unto them; he would love them affectionately, and they should share his future welfare: if, under colour of friendship, to betray him, then he refers himself to God, as the avenger of the perfidious and deceitful. Note; (1.) There is one who seeth and judgeth, and upon whom lying lips and a deceitful tongue cannot impose. (2.) They who come to us in friendship, with professions of real regard, are entitled to a warm return of equal affection. (3.) They who have a good cause, and a good conscience, can comfortably leave their all in God's hands. [2.] Amasai, as the mouth of the company, with a spirit of wisdom and genuine affection, silences David's fears; assuring him of their fidelity; praying for his peace, and for all his friends; and professing a full confidence, that God would strengthen him to overcome all his enemies. Such a frank and zealous good wish removed David's suspicions: he received them, and preferred them, probably, when he came to the crown. Note; (1.) It is prudence to seek those for our friends who have God for their helper. (2.) He who is under the divine protection shall be kept in peace in the midst of trouble. (3.) It is our duty thus to make an unreserved surrender of ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to spend and be spent to his hourable service. (4.) Whatever strength spent in diligence, God has blessed us with for his work, we must never forget to be importunate for his blessing; else we shall labour in vain, and spend our strength for nought.
4. Of Manasseh, several chief men joined him as he went to battle with the Philistines, and in his return to Ziklag, who, being all valiant warriors, assisted him greatly in the pursuit and conquest of the Amalekites. Note; God will often, just at the critical moment, raise us up those very friends that we want.
5. After the defeat of Saul, multitudes flocked to him from every side, till his little band became a vast army. Note; They who patiently wait by faith on the promise, shall assuredly see at last the salvation of God.
2nd, During the life of Ish-bosheth the cause of the house of Saul daily weakened; on his death, all the tribes, convinced of the divine appointment of David, with joint consent assembled to make him king; and they brought with them such a force as would enable him to maintain his pretentions against all opposers. Near 350,000 valiant men met on this occasion, and, among the rest,
1. The priests and Levites shewed great zeal for David. Note; A faithful minister of God cannot but be a loyal subject to his prince.
2. The men of Issachar sent a deputation of two hundred of their chiefs, men of deep understanding, able counsellors, who knew what was for Israel's advantage, and therefore gladly welcomed David to the throne; and men of great influence, the whole tribe being under their sway. Note; A wise and able head is of greater weight to a cause, than the sword of the mighty.
3. All these are said to have a perfect heart. It was the result of conviction, that David ought, and the wish of their hearts that he might reign over them. He is truly a great king, whom his subjects obey, not only from a consciousness of duty, but from real love of his person and government.
4. So great a camp required vast provision; and so liberally did the country supply them, that they were not only fed, but feasted, while Israel rang for joy to see upon the throne the man after God's own heart. Note; When Jesus erects his throne in the heart, he gives present joy in believing; and when he comes at last to reign over his saints, then shall we be for ever filled with joy unspeakable, and full of glory.
33.
Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
34.
And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
35.
And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.
36.
And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.
37.
And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.
38.
All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
39.
And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.
40.
Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.