1 Chronicles 12:21 kjv
And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the host.
1 Chronicles 12:21 nkjv
And they helped David against the bands of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and they were captains in the army.
1 Chronicles 12:21 niv
They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army.
1 Chronicles 12:21 esv
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army.
1 Chronicles 12:21 nlt
They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army.
1 Chronicles 12 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 27:6 | ...Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day. | David residing in Ziklag |
| 1 Sam 30:1-2 | Now it came to pass... when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire... | The specific "band of rovers" (Amalekites) raid |
| 1 Sam 30:18-20 | And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives... | David's recovery effort enabled by his men |
| 1 Chr 12:1 | Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul... | Introduction to the various men joining David |
| 1 Chr 12:20 | As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh... | These specific Manassites joining David at Ziklag |
| 1 Chr 11:10 | These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had... | General reference to David's mighty men |
| 2 Sam 23:8 | These be the names of the mighty men whom David had... | Parallel list of David's elite warriors |
| Josh 1:9 | ...Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid... | Call to valor and strength, characteristic of such men |
| Judg 6:12 | ...The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. | Divine recognition of a "mighty man of valour" |
| Neh 4:14 | ...fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. | The purpose of fighting against raiders |
| Ps 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. | God as the ultimate helper, often working through people |
| Ps 121:1-2 | I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD... | Help comes from God, but manifested in different ways |
| Isa 41:10 | Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee... | Divine promise of strength and help |
| Eph 6:10 | Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. | Believers drawing strength from God |
| Php 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. | Strength for service and overcoming challenges |
| 2 Tim 2:3 | Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. | Spiritual qualities mirroring military readiness |
| Rom 8:37 | Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. | Overcoming adversity through divine empowerment |
| Heb 4:16 | Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. | Seeking divine help |
| 1 Pet 5:8-9 | Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith... | Resisting spiritual enemies, requiring courage and strength |
| 2 Cor 12:9-10 | And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness... | God's strength perfected in human weakness |
| Prov 24:5 | A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. | Link between wisdom, strength, and effective leadership |
| Ex 17:15-16 | ...The LORD is my banner: For the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. | Ongoing conflict with Amalek |
| Zech 4:6 | ...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. | God's ultimate source of strength and success |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 21 Meaning
1 Chronicles 12:21 describes men from Manasseh who joined David in Ziklag. Upon their arrival, they immediately provided crucial aid to David by helping him defend against and pursue the raiding parties, identified contextually as the Amalekites who had plundered Ziklag. This verse emphasizes their exceptional quality as brave and strong warriors who also possessed leadership capabilities, serving as commanders within the armed forces being formed under David.
1 Chronicles 12 21 Context
This verse is part of 1 Chronicles chapter 12, which catalogs the brave and capable men from various Israelite tribes who rallied to David during his time of tribulation, particularly when he was exiled from Saul and residing in Ziklag. It immediately follows the mention of men from Manasseh who had initially gone with David when he joined the Philistines in battle against Saul (1 Chr 12:19), but were then dismissed by the Philistine lords due to their distrust. Upon their return to Ziklag (1 Chr 12:20), they found it had been sacked and burned by Amalekite raiders. Thus, the specific act of "helping David against the band of rovers" (1 Chr 12:21) directly refers to their involvement in the pursuit and recovery of plunder from the Amalekites, as detailed in 1 Samuel chapter 30. This passage underscores the divine orchestration of bringing the right men with the necessary qualities to David at a crucial juncture, solidifying his forces even before he became king of all Israel.
1 Chronicles 12 21 Word analysis
- And they helped: The Hebrew word is עָזַר (
azar), meaning to render aid, succor, or assist. It denotes practical, effective support given in a time of need. This highlights the immediate, tangible contribution these men made. - David: Refers to David, God's chosen king, who was then in a period of exile and forming the nucleus of his future kingdom. Their help was personal and direct to David, underscoring their loyalty.
- against the band of rovers: The Hebrew phrase for "band" is גְּדוּד (
g'dud), often referring to a raiding party or troop. The "rovers" indicates marauders or invaders. This specifically points to the Amalekites who attacked Ziklag (1 Sam 30:1-20), representing a significant threat that required immediate, forceful response. The act of confronting and defeating such a group was a testament to their combat readiness and courage. - for they were all: Emphasizes the universal quality among these Manassite men, indicating a consistently high standard. It signifies collective strength and uniform capability within this contingent.
- mighty men of valour: This is a powerful phrase in Hebrew: גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל (
gibborê chayil).Gibborim(plural ofgibbor): refers to strong, powerful, heroic individuals, often warriors. It denotes exceptional physical and martial strength.Chayil: refers to strength, capability, courage, and often wealth or substance. When used together (gibborê chayil), it signifies men of proven courage, strength, and battle effectiveness, the elite among warriors. This was not merely physical might but a courageous and capable disposition suitable for warfare and leadership.
- and were captains in the host: The Hebrew for "captains" is שָׂרִים (
sarim), meaning princes, chiefs, or commanders. "Host" is צָבָא (tsaba), referring to an army or military force. This indicates that these men were not just ordinary soldiers, but already possessed leadership qualities and military rank, or quickly rose to such positions. They were fit to command units within David's burgeoning army. This points to their strategic value beyond individual combat prowess, capable of organizing and leading others.
1 Chronicles 12 21 Bonus section
The arrival of these Manassites at Ziklag is perfectly timed by divine providence. Their immediate readiness for battle, proven by their participation in recovering the plunder from the Amalekites, served a twofold purpose: it provided much-needed succor to David and his men who were in deep distress, and it immediately showcased their capabilities as essential contributors to David's burgeoning military force. Their previous experience with David in a challenging context, having been with him even in Philistine territory, would have further vetted their loyalty and competence. This period in Ziklag, though an exile, served as a crucial proving ground where David assembled a core of loyal and formidable leaders who would form the backbone of his future reign.
1 Chronicles 12 21 Commentary
1 Chronicles 12:21 illuminates the exceptional qualities of the men who gathered to David at Ziklag, portraying them not merely as allies but as integral assets to his destiny. Their primary value was not just their presence, but their immediate and decisive assistance against the Amalekite raiders, turning a personal catastrophe for David into a victory that further cemented his legitimacy and leadership. The description "mighty men of valour" goes beyond mere physical strength, encapsulating courage, military competence, and a readiness for effective action. The additional detail that they were "captains in the host" signifies their innate or acquired leadership abilities, indicating they were ready to command and organize, crucial for building a cohesive army for David's future kingdom. This verse highlights the providence of God in supplying David with the exact caliber of men needed for the challenging times he faced and for the greater purposes ahead in establishing God's kingdom. It speaks to God's method of raising leaders through practical experience and proving their character through adversity.