1 Chronicles 12 12

1 Chronicles 12:12 kjv

Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

1 Chronicles 12:12 nkjv

Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

1 Chronicles 12:12 niv

Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

1 Chronicles 12:12 esv

Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth,

1 Chronicles 12:12 nlt

Johanan was eighth.
Elzabad was ninth.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 12 Meaning

1 Chronicles 12:12 lists three specific individuals, Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab, by their names and numerical order within a group of eleven mighty men from the tribe of Gad. These men were part of a growing contingent of valiant warriors and leaders who joined David while he was still at Ziklag, a critical period during his exile from King Saul, showcasing the divine providence in gathering support for David's rightful ascension to the throne of Israel.

1 Chronicles 12 12 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 12 details the various groups of formidable warriors who joined David, confirming his legitimacy as God's chosen king of Israel. The Chronicler emphasizes their military prowess, strategic insight ("understanding of the times"), and unwavering loyalty to David, signifying God's hand in preparing for David's full reign. Verses 8-14 specifically describe the Gadite contingent, highlighting their extraordinary bravery, speed, and skill in battle ("faces like the faces of lions" and "swift as gazelles"). They are introduced as "mighty men of valor, men trained for war, expert with shield and spear," capable of fighting on foot and in rough terrain. Within this description, verse 12 meticulously lists three of these exceptional individuals by name, indicating the Chronicler's intent to record specific contributors to David's kingdom, rather than just general numbers. The broader historical context is David's period of exile and persecution by King Saul, making the loyalty and strength of these early supporters all the more significant.

1 Chronicles 12 12 Word analysis

• Ezer (עֵזֶר, ʿēzer): This Hebrew name literally means "help" or "succor." It is fitting for an individual who came to David, embodying assistance and support during a crucial time. The name itself reflects the role of the individuals gathered to David – they were indeed his help in establishing his kingdom.

• the first (הָרִאשׁוֹן, hā-ri'šōn): An ordinal number indicating his position as the first in this specific listing of Gadite mighty men, highlighting enumeration and systematic recording by the Chronicler. It does not necessarily imply overall rank or seniority outside this particular enumeration but underscores the organized detail provided.

• Obadiah (עֹבַדְיָה, ʿōvaḏyāh): Meaning "servant of YHWH" or "worshipper of YHWH" (ʿōved - servant/worshipper, Yah - short for YHWH). This name carries significant theological weight. It suggests that even mighty warriors engaged in conflict served a higher purpose, indicating devotion to God. This subtly reinforces the Chronicler's post-exilic message of returning to serve the Lord.

• the second (הַשֵּׁנִי, haš-šēnî): Like "the first," an ordinal number placing Obadiah as the second in this particular list of Gadite warriors, emphasizing precision in record-keeping.

• Eliab (אֱלִיאָב, ʾĕlîʾāḇ): Meaning "My God is Father" (Eli - my God, ab - father). This name signifies a deep, personal relationship with God, suggesting reliance and filial devotion. It indicates that the strength and actions of these men were perhaps rooted in a profound faith or understanding of God as their ultimate source and guide.

• the third (הַשְּׁלִישִׁי, haš-šəlîšî): An ordinal number denoting Eliab's position as the third in this detailed list of David's Gadite supporters.

• "Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third": This phrasing highlights a structured, ordered listing of key individuals. It signifies the Chronicler's methodical approach to documenting David's foundational support base, underscoring that each man played a distinct, identifiable role in David's success. The deliberate naming, beyond a mere number, implies that each person contributed uniquely and was remembered for their specific part in this critical time in Israel's history. This detail serves to validate David's divinely appointed kingship by demonstrating the quality and breadth of his supporters, who were characterized by both physical prowess and, by inference from their names, a spirit of devotion.

1 Chronicles 12 12 Bonus section

The meticulous recording of names, particularly in the Books of Chronicles, often serves to highlight lineage, tribal connections, and the foundational elements of Israelite society and the monarchy. By naming these specific Gadites, the Chronicler reinforces the idea of broad tribal support for David's reign, showcasing national unity and collective effort behind the future king. This detailed listing stands in contrast to merely stating "some men" or "many warriors," elevating the personal contribution of each individual. The presence of such brave, loyal, and skilled individuals, even in David's lowest points of exile, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preparing a kingdom according to His promise. It teaches that every person's specific gifts and consecrated service, even in what might seem like a mere historical footnote, contribute to God's overarching redemptive plan.

1 Chronicles 12 12 Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:12, though a simple list of names and numbers, contributes significantly to the Chronicler's overall purpose: validating David's kingship and emphasizing God's providential hand in the establishment of the kingdom. The verse meticulously names three of the brave Gadites who came to David, amidst his persecution. These were no ordinary men; the preceding verses describe them with vivid, animalistic imagery – lion-like in courage and gazelle-like in swiftness, embodying both fierce power and agile determination. The very act of naming individuals like Ezer, Obadiah, and Eliab, along with their ordinal positions, suggests the importance and recognition given to each contributor to God's larger plan for His people. Their names, signifying "help," "servant of YHWH," and "My God is Father," further imbue the passage with theological depth, implying that David's might came from individuals whose very character was shaped by their relationship with God and whose purpose was to serve His anointed. The verse, therefore, quietly underscores that God was assembling not just a military force, but a loyal and spiritually grounded support system for His chosen king.