1 Chronicles 12 15

1 Chronicles 12:15 kjv

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 nkjv

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.

1 Chronicles 12:15 niv

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.

1 Chronicles 12:15 esv

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.

1 Chronicles 12:15 nlt

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.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 15 Meaning

This verse describes a specific feat performed by the Gadite warriors who joined David: their extraordinary courage and skill in crossing the Jordan River during its flood stage in the first month (typically spring, when snowmelt causes it to overflow its banks). This challenging act was followed by a decisive victory where they routed their enemies from the surrounding valleys, asserting dominance in all directions. It highlights their military prowess, determined spirit, and divine favor that enabled them to overcome formidable natural and human obstacles.

1 Chronicles 12 15 Context

1 Chronicles Chapter 12 details the various groups of mighty men and skilled warriors who joined David, first at Ziklag and then later at Hebron, signifying their loyalty and contributing to his establishment as king over all Israel. These individuals, drawn from different tribes, came with a unified purpose to support God’s anointed leader. Verse 15 specifically highlights the exceptional qualities of the Gadites (introduced in verses 8-14), depicting a remarkable demonstration of their bravery, physical capability, and military effectiveness. Historically, David was in a transitional period, consolidating support while still an outcast or recently appointed king over Judah. The loyalty and prowess of these warriors were instrumental in establishing and securing his kingdom, signifying divine favor upon David and his cause. The Jordan River, especially in spring, posed a significant natural barrier, making their crossing a feat of exceptional daring and determination, indicative of men ready for any challenge.

1 Chronicles 12 15 Word analysis

• These were they: Refers specifically to the Gadites, previously described in 1 Chr 12:8-14, highlighting their exceptional characteristics and accomplishments. It singles out their bravery and effectiveness.
• that went over Jordan: To 'cross over' (Hebrew: `ʿabar`, עָבַר) often implies overcoming an obstacle or boundary. In this context, it speaks of a daring act of physical passage across a treacherous river.
• in the first month: Typically the month of Nisan (Abib), corresponding to March-April. This was a critical agricultural period and notoriously the time when the Jordan was at its fullest due to snowmelt from Mount Hermon and heavy rains.
• when it had overflown all his banks: (Hebrew: `male'` - full, `gadah` - bank). This emphasizes the severity of the challenge. The river wasn't just high; it had completely flooded its adjacent plains, making a crossing extraordinarily dangerous and difficult, if not impossible for normal means. This detail underscores their extraordinary capability and daring.
• and they put to flight: To 'cause to flee' (Hebrew: `nasa`, נָסָה). This denotes a decisive military victory, where they overcame their opponents, indicating both their martial skill and the overwhelming impact they had on their enemies.
• all them of the valleys: (Hebrew: `ʿēmeq` - valley, low plain). This refers to the inhabitants or raiding parties located in the fertile plains alongside the Jordan or other low-lying areas. It suggests a thorough clearing of hostile forces.
• both toward the east, and toward the west: This signifies the comprehensive nature of their military actions. Their dominion and victory extended widely, indicating complete control over the immediate territory, ensuring no enemy remained unvanquished in the vicinity, irrespective of their location.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "went over Jordan...when it had overflown all his banks": This phrase encapsulates a profound demonstration of audacious courage, physical prowess, and determination in the face of an extreme natural obstacle. It portrays an act of faith and unwavering resolve, potentially seen as divinely enabled, echoing other significant biblical river crossings like that by Joshua.
• "and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west": This highlights the military might and strategic effectiveness of these warriors. It illustrates a complete and comprehensive routing of their enemies, establishing their dominance and securing the region. Their victory was decisive and widespread, not confined to one direction or a limited skirmish.

1 Chronicles 12 15 Bonus section

• The annual flooding of the Jordan River in the "first month" (spring harvest time) made travel and military operations exceedingly difficult, making the Gadites' crossing an act of remarkable daring and perhaps even miraculous timing. It speaks to a divine appointment and enablement that they could undertake such a task.
• The narrative serves as an archetype of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through courage and divine favor, paralleling spiritual journeys where believers are called to trust God through "flooded" or challenging life circumstances.
• Their swiftness ("as swift as the roes upon the mountains" – 1 Chr 12:8) combined with their courage allowed them to not only traverse the dangerous waters but also rapidly engage and overwhelm the enemies across a wide geographical area.
• This act contributed to David's growing reputation and the increasing recognition of divine support for his future kingship. Such loyalty and ability were vital in the consolidation of the kingdom.

1 Chronicles 12 15 Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:15 details a singular, courageous act by the Gadite warriors who joined David. Their decision to cross the Jordan River during its treacherous flood stage, an act of sheer will and extraordinary physical ability, demonstrated unwavering loyalty and exceptional prowess. This wasn't merely a tactical maneuver but a profound commitment, highlighting men capable of overcoming immense natural barriers. Following this perilous crossing, they engaged and decisively defeated all hostile elements in the surrounding valleys, east and west. This portrays them as not just brave, but highly effective military units, securing wide-ranging victory. The verse, therefore, commends their indomitable spirit, their formidable strength, and their strategic effectiveness, embodying the qualities of men fully dedicated to God's purpose through David. This acts as a testament to what men of God can accomplish when led by divine purpose and empowered by unwavering faith and courage.