1 Chronicles 12:20 kjv
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.
1 Chronicles 12:20 nkjv
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.
1 Chronicles 12:20 niv
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.
1 Chronicles 12:20 esv
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.
1 Chronicles 12:20 nlt
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.
1 Chronicles 12 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 27:6 | Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth… | David received Ziklag as a refuge. |
| 1 Sam 22:2 | And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt... | Early supporters joining David at Adullam. |
| 1 Chr 12:1 | Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself… | Benjaminites joining David at Ziklag. |
| 1 Chr 12:8 | And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David… | Strong and brave Gadites joining David. |
| 1 Chr 12:16 | And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold… | More individuals joining David. |
| 1 Chr 12:18 | Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains… | Divine empowerment for those supporting David. |
| 1 Chr 12:21 | And they helped David against the band of the rovers… | Further men of Manasseh joining David later. |
| 1 Chr 12:22 | For at that time day by day there came to David to help him… | Daily growth of David's loyal followers. |
| 1 Chr 12:23 | And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war… | Overview of tribes joining David at Hebron. |
| 1 Chr 12:37 | And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites… | Leaders from other tribes gathering to David. |
| 1 Chr 12:38 | All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart… | United resolve to make David king. |
| 1 Chr 11:10 | These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had… | David's inner circle of elite warriors. |
| 2 Sam 2:3 | And his men that were with him, every man with his household, did David… | David establishing his base with his men. |
| Deut 1:15 | So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known… | Commanders of thousands and hundreds in Israel. |
| Exod 18:21 | Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men… | Jethro's advice for appointing military leaders. |
| Num 31:14 | And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands… | Reference to "captains over thousands." |
| 1 Sam 16:13 | And the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward… | God's divine anointing on David. |
| Ps 78:70-71 | He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds… | God's choice and elevation of David. |
| Ps 89:20 | I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: | Divine anointing of David. |
| Gen 48:19 | …he also shall be great, and he also shall be a people… | Prophetic blessing for Manasseh. |
| Eph 6:10 | Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. | Encouragement for spiritual allegiance and strength. |
| Matt 10:39 | He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life… | Choosing to align with the greater calling (Christ/David). |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 20 Meaning
This verse details specific leaders from the tribe of Manasseh who pledged their allegiance to David when he was dwelling in Ziklag, while still in exile from King Saul. These individuals, listed by name, were "captains of thousands," indicating their significant military rank and influence, thus representing a substantial addition of support and strategic manpower to David's growing following. Their decision to join David at this crucial time underscored the divine favor on David and the widespread recognition of his future kingship.
1 Chronicles 12 20 Context
First Chronicles 12 focuses on the varied groups of valiant warriors and wise leaders who aligned themselves with David, particularly during his period of exile at Ziklag and later at Hebron, where he was proclaimed king over all Israel. The verse in question, 1 Chronicles 12:20, specifically details individuals from the tribe of Manasseh who joined David as he was going to or was in Ziklag. This period was pivotal, as David was establishing his legitimacy and accumulating the strength and loyal personnel necessary for future kingship, all while evading King Saul's pursuit. The list of names underscores the breadth of support David garnered from across the tribes of Israel, indicating divine favor and the natural progression towards his rule. This particular influx from Manasseh demonstrates their foresight and dedication to the one chosen by God to lead Israel.
1 Chronicles 12 20 Word analysis
- As he went to Ziklag: Refers to David. Ziklag (Hebrew: Tsiqelag) was a Philistine city given to David by Achish, king of Gath, as a base for him and his men while he was exiled from Saul. This shows David’s difficult but strategically important location and the readiness of these men to seek him out there.
- there fell to him: The Hebrew idiom "nafal elav" (נָפַל אֵלָיו) signifies defecting, joining, or committing allegiance to someone. It implies a voluntary and decisive act of aligning oneself with David, abandoning any loyalty to the current reigning king, Saul. This highlights their intentional choice to support David's cause.
- of Manasseh: Identifies their tribal origin. Manasseh (Hebrew: Menasheh), a significant tribe split on both sides of the Jordan, often mentioned for its military prowess. Their joining David underscores the broad tribal support David was gathering beyond his immediate region of Judah.
- Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai: These are the specific names of the Manassite leaders. The repetition of "Jozabad" is notable, common in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions, often referring to two distinct individuals or variations of a name used for different family members, rather than a scribal error. "Elihu" means "My God is Yahweh," reflecting common Israelite devotion in names. The precise naming of individuals lends historical authenticity and significance to their commitment.
- captains of the thousands: The Hebrew "sare ha'alafim" (שָׂרֵי הָאֲלָפִים) designates high-ranking military commanders, each responsible for 1,000 men. This indicates that a significant military contingent, led by influential and experienced officers, joined David. This was not a mere trickle of individuals but a considerable organized force.
- that were of Manasseh: This re-emphasizes their tribal identity and confirms their role as representatives and leaders of the Manassite military. It speaks to the integrity of their group within the tribe.
- Captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh: This phrase collectively highlights that these were not just men from Manasseh, but their chief military leaders, demonstrating the organized and influential support David was gaining. Their commitment reflects a growing conviction across Israel that David was God's chosen leader, leading many to break away from Saul’s diminishing authority.
1 Chronicles 12 20 Bonus section
The chronicler’s detailed lists of David’s supporters (as seen throughout 1 Chronicles 12) serve a significant theological purpose. They illustrate that David's ascent to the throne was not by chance or human manipulation, but rather by the collective and divinely orchestrated support of loyal Israelites from across various tribes. The phrase "captains of thousands" is a well-established military and administrative title in ancient Israel, often associated with a hierarchy established since the time of Moses, highlighting an organized leadership structure present even within David's nascent forces. The specific naming of these individuals underscores their personal choice to align with God's anointed, acting as a historical record of faithfulness during a turbulent period of Israelite history. Their choice to join David while he was still effectively a Philistine vassal (at Ziklag) underscores a profound level of discernment and commitment, indicating they saw beyond the immediate circumstances to God's ultimate plan for Israel through David.
1 Chronicles 12 20 Commentary
This verse provides a vital snapshot of David's burgeoning support base during his wilderness years. It's not just a dry list of names; it testifies to divine providence and strategic alignment. These "captains of thousands" from Manasseh, joining David at Ziklag, represent influential figures who possessed both foresight and faith. They recognized David's anointing and future kingship despite his present circumstances as an outcast. Their commitment significantly bolstered David's military strength and legitimized his cause by demonstrating that loyalty to him extended beyond Judah to a large, prominent northern tribe. This readiness to join David signifies the broader national recognition of God's hand on him, paving the way for Israel's eventual unity under his reign. The Chronicler emphasizes these details to validate David’s kingship as divinely appointed and broadly accepted by faithful Israelites, laying the foundation for a united kingdom and the future temple.