1 Chronicles 12:17 kjv
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.
1 Chronicles 12:17 nkjv
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."
1 Chronicles 12:17 niv
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."
1 Chronicles 12:17 esv
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."
1 Chronicles 12:17 nlt
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."
1 Chronicles 12 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Pss 7:3-5 | O Lord my God, if I have done this: If there is iniquity in my hands... | David appeals to divine justice for innocence. |
| 1 Sam 16:7 | ...the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. | God's discernment of hearts. |
| 1 Sam 22:1-2 | David therefore departed from there and escaped... | David gathering followers, needing loyalty. |
| Pss 18:20-24 | The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness... | God's vindication of the righteous. |
| Pss 41:9 | Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. | Experience of betrayal. |
| Pss 55:12-14 | For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it... | Pain of betrayal by a trusted companion. |
| Pss 139:23-24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me... | Prayer for divine discernment of intent. |
| Prov 23:7 | For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... | Inner thoughts define character. |
| Jer 17:10 | I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways... | God's scrutiny of intentions and justice. |
| Matt 26:20-25 | Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” | Judas' betrayal of Jesus. |
| John 1:47 | Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Indeed an Israelite in whom is no deceit!" | Divine discernment of genuine character. |
| Heb 4:12-13 | For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. | God's word discerns all inner motives. |
| Rev 2:23 | ...and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. | Christ's absolute knowledge and judgment. |
| Gen 16:13 | Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees... | God's all-seeing nature. |
| Exod 3:6 | Moreover He said, "I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." | God's covenant with the fathers. |
| Deut 6:3 | Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you... | Emphasizes obedience to covenant God. |
| Jos 24:14 | Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth... | Call for sincerity in serving God. |
| 2 Sam 3:12 | So Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying, “Whose is the land?” | David demanding sincerity in alliance. |
| 1 Kgs 8:39 | then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways... | God's just judgment based on heart. |
| Ps 33:13-15 | The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men... | God's sovereign oversight and discernment. |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 17 Meaning
David's response to potential allies arriving at Ziklag encapsulates a powerful call for sincerity and trust. He probes their intentions: are they coming in true allegiance to support him, in which case he promises full reciprocity of heart, or are they intending betrayal without cause? In the latter scenario, David appeals to the discerning justice of the "God of our fathers" to observe their motives and bring divine rebuke upon any treachery. This highlights David's wisdom, his reliance on divine judgment, and his demand for loyal unity in his growing band of followers.
1 Chronicles 12 17 Context
This verse occurs during a pivotal period in David's life. He is at Ziklag, living among the Philistines to escape King Saul, yet gradually accumulating strength and support. 1 Chronicles chapter 12 details the mighty warriors and significant men who joined David at Ziklag, demonstrating the shifting allegiances from Saul's dwindling rule to David, the Lord's anointed. The men described are skilled, courageous, and fiercely loyal to David. This specific verse (12:17) depicts David's encounter with the first significant group of arrivals – possibly men from Manasseh or Gad mentioned immediately after – demonstrating his wise caution and reliance on divine discernment when accepting new allies. He had experienced betrayal (from Saul, and earlier at Keilah), and understanding true intent was crucial for his growing cause.
1 Chronicles 12 17 Word analysis
- Then David went out to meet them: David is proactive in engaging with potential new allies, demonstrating leadership and discernment. This is not a passive reception but an active assessment.
- and answered and said to them: David initiates the direct conversation, seeking to clarify their purpose rather than assuming it. His "answer" anticipates the implicit question of their presence.
- 'If you have come peaceably: (Hebrew: bəšālōm) The word shalom encompasses wholeness, completeness, safety, well-being, and peace. Here, it denotes their intentions are pure, non-hostile, and truly aimed at mutual benefit and loyalty. It speaks to the integrity of their coming.
- to me to help me: Highlighting the purpose of their visit – offering practical support and assistance. David seeks tangible aid, not just lip service.
- my heart will be united with you: (Hebrew: yihyeh libbî lak̲em – "my heart will be to you"). This signifies full, sincere commitment and reciprocity. David offers complete solidarity and trust in return for genuine alliance. It’s an emotional and spiritual pledge, not just a tactical one. It reflects a biblical understanding of "heart" as the center of one's being, will, and affections.
- but if to betray me to my enemies: (Hebrew: ləhasgîrēnî) The term implies "handing over" or "delivering" David to his foes, suggesting an act of perfidy or double-crossing. This directly contrasts with "peaceably to help," underscoring the severity of such an act.
- since there is no wrong in my hands: (Hebrew: wəlo chāmās bəkappāy – "no violence/wrong in my hands"). This is David's assertion of his own blamelessness and integrity. He is stating that he has given them no provocation, no reason for betrayal. Hamas (violence/wrong) suggests injustice or destructive behavior. David invokes his clear conscience as a basis for divine judgment.
- may the God of our fathers look on it: (Hebrew: ʾĕlōhê ʾăḇôṯênû - "God of our fathers"). This specific divine title connects the appeal to the covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It implies God who is faithful to His promises and just in His dealings. David appeals to divine knowledge and authority. The "look on it" means God will see and discern the true intentions of their hearts, beyond mere words.
- and rebuke you: (Hebrew: wəyikkah from yakach). This term can mean "rebuke," "reprove," "judge," "chastise," or "punish." David is appealing for divine judgment to fall upon them if their intentions are malicious, trusting God to be the righteous arbiter and vindicator. This is a form of imprecation or oath, inviting divine intervention against falsehood.
1 Chronicles 12 17 Bonus section
This incident showcases the moral high ground David often occupied, standing in contrast to the increasingly paranoid and ungodly actions of Saul. David's direct and divinely-oriented appeal would have resonated strongly with his fellow Israelites, underscoring his suitability for the throne not just by anointing, but by character. The mention of "the God of our fathers" serves to remind the listeners of God's covenant relationship with Israel, implying that treachery against His anointed would be considered a breach against divine order. This interaction also highlights the Old Testament principle of divine retribution, where God actively intervenes in human affairs to uphold justice and judge deceit.
1 Chronicles 12 17 Commentary
David's interaction in 1 Chronicles 12:17 is a masterclass in leadership, discernment, and spiritual integrity. Faced with potentially opportunistic or disingenuous arrivals, he cuts through any pretense, demanding clarity of intention. His open heart ("my heart will be united with you") is contingent on their unfeigned loyalty. Critically, David does not resort to physical threats or immediate suspicion, but appeals to a higher authority—the "God of our fathers." This is not merely a curse, but a solemn appeal for divine justice and truth, acknowledging God as the ultimate discerner of hearts and minds, who sees and judges righteous innocence and treacherous intent. It demonstrates David's personal walk of faith and his understanding that his nascent kingdom was under God's watchful eye. It is a powerful example for leaders, urging them to seek divine wisdom in navigating relationships and to prioritize sincerity and justice.