1 Chronicles 12 summary meaning ai explained commentary

1 Chronicles 12 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter details the growing support for David, even before he becomes king of all Israel. It highlights the warriors who joined him during his time in exile, fleeing from King Saul.

The chapter can be divided into three main sections:

1. Warriors who joined David in Ziklag (verses 1-22):

Men of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe (v. 1-7): These mighty warriors were skilled archers and slingers, switching sides to join David.
Men of Gad (v. 8-15): These brave warriors crossed the Jordan River during flood season to join David, demonstrating their loyalty and strength.
Men of Manasseh (v. 16-22): These men initially came to make David king, recognizing his leadership even before Saul's death. However, they were prevented from doing so at that time.

2. Warriors who joined David at Hebron (verses 23-40):

Large numbers from various tribes (v. 23-37): After Saul's death, men from all twelve tribes of Israel flocked to Hebron to make David king. The text emphasizes their vast numbers and military might.
Men of Issachar and Zebulun (v. 38-40): These tribes were known for their understanding of the times and knowing what Israel should do. They brought provisions and supported David wholeheartedly.

3. The Celebration at Hebron (verse 40):

Feasting and rejoicing (v. 40): The chapter concludes with a joyous celebration at Hebron, where David is formally anointed king over all Israel. The abundance of food and drink symbolizes the unity and blessing bestowed upon the newly united kingdom.

Key Themes:

David's Anointing: The chapter emphasizes that David's kingship was not solely by his own ambition but by God's will, evidenced by the overwhelming support he received from all tribes.
Loyalty and Courage: The warriors who joined David demonstrated unwavering loyalty and exceptional courage, even defying their own tribe and risking their lives for him.
Unity of Israel: The gathering of all twelve tribes signifies the long-awaited unity of Israel under David's rule, a significant event in their history.

This chapter sets the stage for David's reign as king, highlighting the strength and unity of his kingdom, built upon the foundation of loyal and courageous warriors who recognized his God-given leadership.

1 Chronicles 12 bible study ai commentary

1 Chronicles 12 chronicles the divinely orchestrated gathering of warriors to David, first during his exile and culminating in the national assembly at Hebron to make him king. The chapter emphasizes the theme of unity ("one heart") and highlights God's sovereignty in shifting Israel's allegiance from Saul to David, His chosen ruler. It portrays a diverse but unified people, a microcosm of the ideal Israel, willingly submitting to their rightful king, which serves as a powerful type of the gathering of the Church to Christ.

1 Chronicles 12 context

The book of Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, for a community seeking to re-establish its identity, worship, and national hope. This chapter is not just a military roster; it's a theological statement. It presents an idealized picture of "all Israel" united under the legitimate Davidic king, a sharp contrast to the division and apostasy that led to the exile. By focusing on the willing, joyful, and divinely endorsed accession of David, the Chronicler encourages the post-exilic generation to unify around the Temple and the messianic hope tied to David's line.

1 Chronicles 12:1-7

These are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still a fugitive from Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who helped him in battle; they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.

In-depth-analysis

A Shift in Allegiance: The most potent detail is that these first supporters are Benjamites, Saul’s own kinsmen. Their defection signifies that even those closest to Saul recognized that God's favor had departed from him and rested on David.
Ziklag: David is at his lowest point, a fugitive living in a Philistine city (Ziklag). Their arrival shows support not when it was popular or safe, but when David was an outcast. This demonstrates true loyalty and faith.
Word: Ambidextrous Skill: The ability to use both hands (yād yāmîn w-yād śǝmō'wl) was a hallmark of elite, highly trained warriors. The tribe of Benjamin was particularly renowned for this (Judges 20:16), making their defection both a practical and symbolic boon for David. It signifies superlative skill given to David's cause.

Bible references

Jdg 20:16 "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss." (Benjamin's renowned military skill).
1 Sam 22:7 "Saul said to his servants... ‘Will the son of Jesse give all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?’" (Saul's appeal to tribal loyalty, which these men rejected).
Phil 3:5 "...of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews..." (The apostle Paul, a Benjamite, who shifted his ultimate allegiance from his earthly pedigree to Jesus Christ).

Cross references

2 Sam 2:15 (Abner's Benjamite warriors), Jdg 3:15 (Ehud, the left-handed Benjamite savior), 1 Chr 8:40 (Benjamite archers).

1 Chronicles 12:8-15

Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains... These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, both east and west.

In-depth-analysis

Warrior Imagery: The description—"faces of lions" (fierceness, courage) and "swift as gazelles" (speed, agility)—uses classic ancient Near Eastern hyperbole to paint them as the ultimate soldiers.
Separation: They "separated themselves" to join David in his wilderness stronghold, a deliberate and costly choice to identify with the outcast.
Miraculous Crossing: Crossing the Jordan River during its flood stage in the first month (Spring) is a heroic feat that echoes two pivotal moments: Joshua leading Israel into the Promised Land (Josh 3:15) and Elijah/Elisha parting the waters (2 Kgs 2:8, 14). This act signals that God's power and favor are with this new movement, just as it was with Israel's great leaders of the past.

Bible references

Josh 3:15 "...the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan... the water from upstream stopped flowing." (Echoes the miraculous entry into Canaan).
2 Sam 23:20 "Benaiah son of Jehoiada... performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion." (Lion-like courage was the mark of a hero).
2 Sam 1:23 "Saul and Jonathan... they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions." (Standard praise for great warriors).

Cross references

Ps 18:33 (makes feet like a deer), Jer 50:44 (lion imagery), Heb 11:32-34 (faith of warriors).

1 Chronicles 12:16-18

David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies, since my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge.” Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to those who help you, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.

In-depth-analysis

David’s Prudence: David’s cautious questioning reveals his vulnerability and wisdom. He has been betrayed before and seeks to discern their true intentions.
The Spirit's Endorsement: The phrase "the Spirit came on Amasai" (wǝ-rûaḥ lābšâ 'et-‘Ămāśay) literally means "the Spirit clothed Amasai." This is a rare Old Testament expression for divine inspiration, where God’s Spirit takes complete control of a person to deliver a divine oracle. It is an undeniable, charismatic confirmation that David's cause is God's cause.
A Prophetic Creed: Amasai's speech is a poetic and powerful declaration of allegiance.
- “We are yours, David!”: An unconditional pledge of loyalty.
- “Peace, peace”: The Hebrew repetition of shalom signifies a complete and lasting peace, a covenant blessing.
- “For your God helps you”: This is the theological foundation for their allegiance. They recognize that God is the source of David's success.

Bible references

Jdg 6:34 "Then the Spirit of the LORD came on [clothed] Gideon, and he blew a trumpet..." (The same Hebrew idiom used for divine empowering).
2 Kgs 9:1-3 "Go, anoint Jehu... as king over Israel. Then open the door and run; don’t delay!" (Prophetic anointing of a new king while the old one reigns).
Acts 2:4 "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (A New Testament parallel of the Spirit empowering speech to validate God's work).

Cross references

Num 23:7-10 (Balaam's Spirit-induced blessing), Isa 11:2 (Spirit on the Messiah), John 20:21 (Jesus gives peace), 1 Sam 16:13 (Spirit on David).

1 Chronicles 12:19-22

Some of the tribe of Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (He and his men did not help the Philistines because, after consultation, their rulers sent him away...)... Day after day men came to David to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God.

In-depth-analysis

Providential Protection: The background from 1 Samuel 29 is crucial. David was providentially spared from the impossible choice of fighting against his own people. The defection of these men from Manasseh further validates that support for David was growing throughout Israel, not just in Judah.
"The Army of God": This description (kǝ-maḥăneh 'ĕlōhîm) elevates David’s growing band from a group of rebels to a divinely sanctioned host. It connects his forces to the heavenly armies and the historical armies of Israel when they walked in God's favor (Gen 32:2).
Continuous Growth: "Day after day" emphasizes the steady, organic, and unstoppable momentum of David's cause as ordained by God.

Bible references

1 Sam 29:4 "But the Philistine commanders were angry with him... ‘Send the man back... He must not go down with us into battle, or he will turn against us.’" (The historical event being referenced).
Gen 32:2 "When Jacob saw them, he said, ‘This is the camp of God!’ So he named that place Mahanaim [two camps]." (Jacob recognizing the divine army protecting him).
Ps 68:17 "The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands..." (God's immense, powerful heavenly army).

Cross references

Rom 8:28 (God works all things for good), Zech 4:6 (not by might, but by Spirit), Rev 19:14 (Armies of heaven following Christ).

1 Chronicles 12:23-37

These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David at Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the LORD. ...From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command...

In-depth-analysis

Hebron: The gathering takes place at Hebron, the very place David was first anointed king over Judah (2 Sam 2:4). It is a historically and spiritually significant location for the solidification of his kingdom.
"According to the Word of the Lord": The Chronicler states explicitly that this transfer of power is not a political coup but the fulfillment of divine prophecy (cf. 1 Sam 15:28, 1 Sam 16:1-13).
An Idealized Israel: The list portrays a unified nation where each tribe contributes its unique strength—Judah’s shielded warriors, Simeon's valor, Levi's loyalty to the Davidic covenant (Zadok), Zebulun’s unswerving allegiance, and Issachar's wisdom.
Issachar's Wisdom: The praise for the men of Issachar who "understood the times" is significant. It implies spiritual and political discernment—they knew it was God's timing to make David king. This is a model for the Chronicler's audience to discern God's will for their own time.

Bible references

2 Sam 5:1-3 "All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron... and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel." (The parallel, but much more condensed, account).
1 Sam 16:12-13 "...the LORD said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him..." (The "word of the LORD" being fulfilled).
Eph 4:16 "From him the whole body... grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (A New Testament image of a unified body with diverse functions, reflecting the tribal list).

Cross references

Esth 1:13 (wise men who understood the times), Gen 49 (tribal blessings), 1 Kgs 12 (the tragic division of the kingdom, the opposite of this chapter's unity).

1 Chronicles 12:38-40

All these, being men of war, who could keep rank, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one heart to make David king. And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their relatives had provided for them... there was joy in Israel.

In-depth-analysis

"Perfect Heart": The key phrase is bǝ-lēbāb shālēm, meaning a whole, undivided, complete, or loyal heart. It describes their single-mindedness and purity of motive. This is the spiritual pinnacle of the chapter and the ideal state for God’s people. David himself is later praised for this, and his son Solomon critiqued for lacking it (1 Kgs 11:4).
"One Heart": The unity is emphasized again with "all the rest of Israel were of one heart" (lēb 'eḥād). There is no dissent.
Covenant Feast: The three-day feast of eating and drinking signifies joy, shalom, fellowship, and the establishment of a covenant relationship. It is a celebration of national restoration and points typologically to the great Messianic banquet.

Bible references

1 Kgs 11:4 "...his heart was not fully devoted [perfect] to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been." (The direct contrast to the ideal presented here).
Ps 78:72 "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart [a perfect heart]; with skillful hands he led them." (David embodies the ideal he inspired in others).
Rev 19:9 "Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’" (The ultimate fulfillment of the celebratory feast).

Cross references

Deut 6:5 (love God with all your heart), Neh 8:12 (great joy from understanding God's words), John 17:21 (Jesus' prayer for the unity of believers).

1 Chronicles 12 analysis

Typology of Christ: This chapter presents a rich typology of Christ. David, the rejected but God-anointed king, gathers a diverse and loyal following during his time of rejection. This culminates in his glorious public enthronement, where all willingly and joyfully submit to his rule. This mirrors Christ, who gathers His church (from Jew and Gentile) during His earthly ministry and time of rejection, awaiting His final, glorious enthronement.
The Power of Divine Endorsement: Amasai's Spirit-led speech is the hinge-point of the first half of the chapter. It demonstrates that allegiance to God's chosen one is not just a wise political move, but a Spirit-compelled response to a divine reality. God Himself validates His chosen leader.
The Ideal of Unity: The Chronicler intentionally frames this historical moment as the ideal for Israel. The phrases "one heart" and "perfect heart" are a lament for the future division and a call to the post-exilic community to regain that single-minded devotion to Yahweh and His anointed king.
The Sovereignty of God in History: From sparing David from fighting Saul, to the miraculous Jordan crossing, to the Spirit’s utterance, to the unified assembly at Hebron, God's hand is seen meticulously orchestrating events to fulfill His promise to David.

1 Chronicles 12 summary

1 Chronicles 12 lists the brave and skilled warriors who prophetically shifted their loyalty to David while he was still an outcast. The narrative showcases their unwavering commitment, exemplified by a miraculous river crossing and a Spirit-anointed confession of allegiance. The chapter climaxes at Hebron, where a massive, unified army from every tribe of Israel gathers with a "perfect heart" to joyfully crown David king over all Israel, fulfilling the word of the Lord.

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1 Chronicles chapter 12 kjv

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.
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,
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;
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.
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.
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 valor, 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 valor 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 valor, 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 valor, 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.
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.

1 Chronicles chapter 12 nkjv

¹ Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war,
² armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows with the bow. They were of Benjamin, Saul's brethren.
³ The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berachah, and Jehu the Anathothite;
⁴ Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;
⁵ Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;
⁶ Elkanah, Jisshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
⁷ and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
⁸ Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:
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, and Machbanai the eleventh.
¹⁴ These were from the sons of Gad, captains of the army; the least was over a hundred, and the greatest was over a thousand.
¹⁵ These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
¹⁶ Then some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold.
¹⁷ And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment."
¹⁸ Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: "We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to your helpers! For your God helps you." So David received them, and made them captains of the troop.
¹⁹ And some from Manasseh defected to David when he was going with the Philistines to battle against Saul; but they did not help them, for the lords of the Philistines sent him away by agreement, saying, "He may defect to his master Saul and endanger our heads."
²⁰ When he went to Ziklag, those of Manasseh who defected to him were Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of the thousands who were from Manasseh.
²¹ And they helped David against the bands of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and they were captains in the army.
²² For at that time they came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like the army of God.
²³ Now these were the numbers of the divisions that were equipped for war, and came to David at Hebron to turn over the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD:
²⁴ of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred armed for war;
²⁵ of the sons of Simeon, mighty men of valor fit for war, seven thousand one hundred;
²⁶ of the sons of Levi four thousand six hundred;
²⁷ Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites, and with him three thousand seven hundred;
²⁸ Zadok, a young man, a valiant warrior, and from his father's house twenty-two captains;
²⁹ of the sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul, three thousand (until then the greatest part of them had remained loyal to the house of Saul);
³⁰ of the sons of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men throughout their father's house;
³¹ of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king;
³² of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;
³³ of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks;
³⁴ of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear;
³⁵ of the Danites who could keep battle formation, twenty-eight thousand six hundred;
³⁶ of Asher, those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation, forty thousand;
³⁷ of the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, from the other side of the Jordan, one hundred and twenty thousand armed for battle with every kind of weapon of war.
³⁸ All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king.
³⁹ And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them.
⁴⁰ Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen?provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles chapter 12 niv

¹ These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the warriors who helped him in battle;
² they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin):
³ Ahiezer their chief and Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berakah, Jehu the Anathothite,
⁴ and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the Thirty, who was a leader of the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite,
⁵ Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah and Shephatiah the Haruphite;
⁶ Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joezer and Jashobeam the Korahites;
⁷ and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
⁸ Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.
⁹ Ezer was the chief, Obadiah the second in command, 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 and Makbannai the eleventh.
¹⁴ These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand.
¹⁵ It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
¹⁶ Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold.
¹⁷ David went out to meet them and said to them, "If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our ancestors see it and judge you."
¹⁸ Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: "We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.
¹⁹ Some of the tribe of Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (He and his men did not help the Philistines because, after consultation, their rulers sent him away. They said, "It will cost us our heads if he deserts to his master Saul.")
²⁰ When David went to Ziklag, these were the men of Manasseh who defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu and Zillethai, leaders of units of a thousand in Manasseh.
²¹ They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army.
²² Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.
²³ These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul's kingdom over to him, as the LORD had said:
²⁴ from Judah, carrying shield and spear?6,800 armed for battle;
²⁵ from Simeon, warriors ready for battle?7,100;
²⁶ from Levi?4,600,
²⁷ including Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, with 3,700 men,
²⁸ and Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 officers from his family;
²⁹ from Benjamin, Saul's tribe?3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to Saul's house until then;
³⁰ from Ephraim, brave warriors, famous in their own clans?20,800;
³¹ from half the tribe of Manasseh, designated by name to come and make David king?18,000;
³² from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do?200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;
³³ from Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty?50,000;
³⁴ from Naphtali?1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears;
³⁵ from Dan, ready for battle?28,600;
³⁶ from Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for battle?40,000;
³⁷ and from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with every type of weapon?120,000.
³⁸ All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king.
³⁹ The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them.
⁴⁰ Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, olive oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles chapter 12 esv

¹ Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men who helped him in war.
² They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul's kinsmen.
³ The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu of Anathoth,
⁴ Ishmaiah of Gibeon, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad of Gederah,
⁵ Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite;
⁶ Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
⁷ And Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
⁸ From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains:
⁹ Ezer the chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third,
¹⁰ Mishmannah fourth, Jeremiah fifth,
¹¹ Attai sixth, Eliel seventh,
¹² Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth,
¹³ Jeremiah tenth, Machbannai eleventh.
¹⁴ These Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand.
¹⁵ These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
¹⁶ And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David.
¹⁷ David went out to meet them and said to them, "If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you."
¹⁸ Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, "We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you." Then David received them and made them officers of his troops.
¹⁹ Some of the men of Manasseh deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, "At peril to our heads he will desert to his master Saul.")
²⁰ As he went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh deserted to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh.
²¹ They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army.
²² For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.
²³ These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the LORD.
²⁴ The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops.
²⁵ Of the Simeonites, mighty men of valor for war, 7,100.
²⁶ Of the Levites 4,600.
²⁷ The prince Jehoiada, of the house of Aaron, and with him 3,700.
²⁸ Zadok, a young man mighty in valor, and twenty-two commanders from his own fathers' house.
²⁹ Of the Benjaminites, the kinsmen of Saul, 3,000, of whom the majority had to that point kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.
³⁰ Of the Ephraimites 20,800, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers' houses.
³¹ Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were expressly named to come and make David king.
³² Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
³³ Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose.
³⁴ Of Naphtali 1,000 commanders with whom were 37,000 men armed with shield and spear.
³⁵ Of the Danites 28,600 men equipped for battle.
³⁶ Of Asher 40,000 seasoned troops ready for battle.
³⁷ Of the Reubenites and Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh from beyond the Jordan, 120,000 men armed with all the weapons of war.
³⁸ All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king.
³⁹ And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them.
⁴⁰ And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles chapter 12 nlt

¹ The following men joined David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who fought beside David in battle.
² All of them were expert archers, and they could shoot arrows or sling stones with their left hand as well as their right. They were all relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.
³ Their leader was Ahiezer son of Shemaah from Gibeah; his brother Joash was second-in-command. These were the other warriors: Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth;
Beracah;
Jehu from Anathoth;
⁴ Ishmaiah from Gibeon, a famous warrior and leader among the Thirty;
Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad from Gederah;
⁵ Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah from Haruph;
⁶ Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;
⁷ Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
⁸ Some brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad also defected to David while he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were expert with both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains.
⁹ Ezer was their leader.
Obadiah was second.
Eliab was third.
¹⁰ Mishmannah was fourth.
Jeremiah was fifth.
¹¹ Attai was sixth.
Eliel was seventh.
¹² Johanan was eighth.
Elzabad was ninth.
¹³ Jeremiah was tenth.
Macbannai was eleventh.
¹⁴ These warriors from Gad were army commanders. The weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand!
¹⁵ These were the men who crossed the Jordan River during its seasonal flooding at the beginning of the year and drove out all the people living in the lowlands on both the east and west banks.
¹⁶ Others from Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold.
¹⁷ David went out to meet them and said, "If you have come in peace to help me, we are friends. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when I am innocent, then may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you."
¹⁸ Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David!
We are on your side, son of Jesse.
Peace and prosperity be with you,
and success to all who help you,
for your God is the one who helps you."
So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops.
¹⁹ Some men from Manasseh defected from the Israelite army and joined David when he set out with the Philistines to fight against Saul. But as it turned out, the Philistine rulers refused to let David and his men go with them. After much discussion, they sent them back, for they said, "It will cost us our heads if David switches loyalties to Saul and turns against us."
²⁰ Here is a list of the men from Manasseh who defected to David as he was returning to Ziklag: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai. Each commanded 1,000 troops from the tribe of Manasseh.
²¹ They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army.
²² Day after day more men joined David until he had a great army, like the army of God.
²³ These are the numbers of armed warriors who joined David at Hebron. They were all eager to see David become king instead of Saul, just as the LORD had promised.
²⁴ From the tribe of Judah, there were 6,800 warriors armed with shields and spears.
²⁵ From the tribe of Simeon, there were 7,100 brave warriors.
²⁶ From the tribe of Levi, there were 4,600 warriors.
²⁷ This included Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, who had 3,700 under his command.
²⁸ This also included Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 members of his family who were all officers.
²⁹ From the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's relatives, there were 3,000 warriors. Most of the men from Benjamin had remained loyal to Saul until this time.
³⁰ From the tribe of Ephraim, there were 20,800 brave warriors, each highly respected in his own clan.
³¹ From the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan, 18,000 men were designated by name to help David become king.
³² From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.
³³ From the tribe of Zebulun, there were 50,000 skilled warriors. They were fully armed and prepared for battle and completely loyal to David.
³⁴ From the tribe of Naphtali, there were 1,000 officers and 37,000 warriors armed with shields and spears.
³⁵ From the tribe of Dan, there were 28,600 warriors, all prepared for battle.
³⁶ From the tribe of Asher, there were 40,000 trained warriors, all prepared for battle.
³⁷ From the east side of the Jordan River ? where the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh lived ? there were 120,000 troops armed with every kind of weapon.
³⁸ All these men came in battle array to Hebron with the single purpose of making David the king over all Israel. In fact, everyone in Israel agreed that David should be their king.
³⁹ They feasted and drank with David for three days, for preparations had been made by their relatives for their arrival.
⁴⁰ And people from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. Vast supplies of flour, fig cakes, clusters of raisins, wine, olive oil, cattle, sheep, and goats were brought to the celebration. There was great joy throughout the land of Israel.