1 Chronicles 11:10 kjv
These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
1 Chronicles 11:10 nkjv
Now these were the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
1 Chronicles 11:10 niv
These were the chiefs of David's mighty warriors?they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised?
1 Chronicles 11:10 esv
Now these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
1 Chronicles 11:10 nlt
These are the leaders of David's mighty warriors. Together with all Israel, they decided to make David their king, just as the LORD had promised concerning Israel.
1 Chronicles 11 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 16:1 | And the LORD said to Samuel, "...I have provided Myself a king among his sons." | God's divine choice of David as king. |
| 1 Sam 16:12-13 | ...And the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. | David's divine anointing and empowerment. |
| 2 Sam 2:4 | And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. | Initial partial kingship by tribe. |
| 2 Sam 3:9 | The LORD swore to David, "I will transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul..." | God's promise to transfer Saul's kingdom. |
| 2 Sam 5:1 | Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Indeed we are your bone and your flesh." | Unanimous acceptance of David by all Israel. |
| 2 Sam 5:3 | ...And they anointed David king over Israel. | David becomes king over unified Israel. |
| 2 Sam 7:8-16 | ...I took you from the sheepfold... to be ruler over My people Israel... Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever. | Nathan's prophecy: God's covenant with David. |
| 1 Chron 12:1 | Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag... | Examples of David's initial supporters. |
| 1 Chron 12:22 | For at that time a reinforcement from day to day came to David to help him, until it was a great army... | Growing support for David's kingship. |
| 1 Chron 12:38 | All these men of war, who could keep rank, came to Hebron with a loyal heart... | All Israel uniting under David's leadership. |
| Deut 17:15 | you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren... | God's right to choose the king for Israel. |
| Ps 2:6 | "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." | God's sovereign appointment of the king. |
| Ps 75:6-7 | For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge... | God as the ultimate sovereign who sets up kings. |
| Dan 2:21 | He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings... | God's ultimate authority over earthly rulers. |
| Lk 1:32-33 | He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. | Echoes of Davidic covenant fulfilled in Christ. |
| Acts 13:22 | After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king... a man after My own heart... | God's choice and affirmation of David. |
| Heb 1:8 | But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever..." | Davidic lineage leading to Christ's eternal kingdom. |
| Ps 89:3-4 | "I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to My servant David: 'Your seed I will establish forever...' " | Confirmation of God's covenant with David. |
| Ps 132:11-12 | The LORD has sworn in truth to David... "I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body." | God's unbreakable promise to David. |
| Isa 9:6-7 | For unto us a Child is born... Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David... | Prophecy of Christ inheriting David's throne. |
1 Chronicles 11 verses
1 Chronicles 11 10 Meaning
This verse introduces the prominent leaders among David's mighty warriors. It highlights their active participation in establishing David's reign, emphasizing that their actions, along with "all Israel," were in direct fulfillment of God's sovereign plan and promise for David to be king over Israel. Their strength was not merely physical prowess but a resolute commitment to God's chosen leader.
1 Chronicles 11 10 Context
Chapter 11 of 1 Chronicles marks a pivotal moment, focusing on David's coronation as king over all Israel in Hebron. Unlike the accounts in Samuel, the Chronicler emphasizes the national unity in appointing David and, significantly, stresses that this was done "according to the word of the LORD." This immediate introduction of the mighty men, following the capture of Jerusalem, frames their heroic exploits (detailed later in the chapter) as direct contributions to the divinely ordained kingdom of David. The context highlights that David's rise was not just through military might or popular appeal, but through divine design, with these powerful individuals actively participating in God's unfolding plan.
1 Chronicles 11 10 Word analysis
- Now these are the chiefs of the mighty men:
- Chiefs (ראשי - roshei): Signifies leaders, heads, or principal ones. These were the elite, not just any mighty men, but the commanders and most prominent among them.
- Mighty men (הגבורים - haggibborim): Refers to powerful, strong, valiant, or heroic warriors. In biblical usage, gibbor often implies more than just physical strength; it conveys military prowess, courage, and distinction, fitting for elite fighters.
- whom David had: Indicates their allegiance and service to David, highlighting that they belonged to his military retinue and served his leadership.
- who strengthened themselves with him:
- Strengthened themselves (ויתחזקו - vayitḥazzaqu): This is a key term, derived from the root חזק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong, firm, bold." The Hithpael (reflexive) stem suggests active self-strengthening, a deliberate and firm resolve. It implies they exerted themselves, took a stand, and gave their full support to David's cause. This wasn't passive adherence but an active, committed, and vigorous engagement to make him king.
- with him (עמו - immo): Emphasizes their loyal solidarity and united effort alongside David.
- in his kingdom: Refers to David's kingship, rule, or reign. Their strengthening directly facilitated the establishment and consolidation of his authority.
- with all Israel: Highlights the broad, unified support for David. This isn't just a personal achievement of David or a few warriors but a national, communal affirmation and effort. The Chronicler frequently emphasizes "all Israel" to portray national unity under divinely chosen leadership.
- to make him king: States the ultimate purpose of their combined effort and strength. It's the goal of their "strengthening themselves."
- according to the word of the LORD:
- According to (כדבר - k'd'var): Indicates alignment, conformity, or fulfillment of.
- the word of the LORD (יהוה - YHWH): Crucially grounds David's kingship in divine revelation and sovereignty. This signifies that David's reign was not merely a political maneuver or popular choice but a direct consequence and fulfillment of God's eternal decree and promises (e.g., to Samuel in 1 Sam 16 and through Nathan in 2 Sam 7). This phrase imbues David's monarchy with divine legitimacy and authority, serving as the ultimate validation of his rule over Israel.
1 Chronicles 11 10 Bonus section
- The Chronicler's emphasis on "according to the word of the LORD" for David's kingship sets the tone for his entire narrative, highlighting divine sovereignty and the importance of adhering to God's commands in all matters, especially governance. This theological lens elevates the historical account to a testament of God's faithfulness and Israel's obedience (or lack thereof).
- The collective action of "strengthening themselves" (Hithpael) points to their personal initiative and dedication. It wasn't passive reception of a king, but active collaboration, highlighting the synergy between human effort and divine purpose. This "strengthening" also resonates with commands for individuals to be "strong and courageous" (Josh 1:6, 7, 9) in obeying God's will.
- This verse subtly reinforces the contrast between Saul, whom God rejected, and David, whom God appointed. The legitimacy of David's rule is founded on the divine "word," providing a robust theological basis for the Chronicler's history.
1 Chronicles 11 10 Commentary
This verse serves as a crucial theological preamble to the detailed list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11. Far from being a simple roster of warriors, it establishes their deeds as part of a divine plan. The Chronicler is careful to frame David's ascension to the throne not as an earthly coup or military conquest alone, but as the fulfillment of God's sovereign will. The phrase "strengthened themselves with him" underscores the active, decisive, and loyal commitment of these key figures. They consciously aligned their strength and efforts with David, understanding that his leadership was divinely sanctioned. This concept of active, committed service to God's chosen leader, done in accordance with God's word, is paramount. "All Israel" joins in this effort, portraying a national unity under God's appointed king, contrasting with previous disunity. The entire chapter, therefore, celebrates these warriors not merely for their battlefield heroics but as agents of divine purpose in establishing the Davidic kingdom.