1 Chronicles 12:26 kjv
Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.
1 Chronicles 12:26 nkjv
of the sons of Levi four thousand six hundred;
1 Chronicles 12:26 niv
from Levi?4,600,
1 Chronicles 12:26 esv
Of the Levites 4,600.
1 Chronicles 12:26 nlt
From the tribe of Levi, there were 4,600 warriors.
1 Chronicles 12 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ch 12:18-22 | Then the Spirit came upon Amasai... "We are yours, O David"... So he received them... | Willing joining to God's chosen leader. |
| 1 Ch 12:23 | And these are the numbers of the divisions that were equipped for battle and came to David at Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him... | Context of unity for transferring kingdom. |
| 1 Ch 2:2-8:40 | Various genealogies and tribal lists... | Emphasis on tribal identity and lineage. |
| Num 1:40-41 | Of the people of Asher, their generations... listed sixty-three thousand, four hundred. | Population count for comparison. |
| Num 26:47 | These are the clans of the children of Asher: The Asherites totaled 53,400. | Another tribal census showing numbers. |
| Dt 33:24-25 | And of Asher he said: "Blessed be Asher above sons; Let him be favored by his brothers..." | Moses' blessing upon the tribe of Asher. |
| Jdg 5:17 | Asher remained by the seacoast, and stayed in his coves. | Asher's partial participation in earlier wars. |
| 1 Ki 4:16 | Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Aloth... | Asher's territory mentioned in Solomon's time. |
| Ps 133:1 | Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! | Principle of unity among God's people. |
| Eph 4:11-13 | And He Himself gave some to be apostles... for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry... till we all come to the unity... | Gifted people for service and unity. |
| Ro 12:6-8 | Having then gifts differing according to the grace... he who prophesies, in proportion to faith... he who serves... he who teaches... he who exhorts... he who gives... | Diverse spiritual gifts for the body of Christ. |
| 1 Co 12:4-6 | Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities... | Variety of functions in the spiritual body. |
| Eph 6:11-17 | Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... | Spiritual preparedness and warfare, symbolic of being "expert in war". |
| 2 Ti 2:3-4 | You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life... | Analogy of a soldier, focused on Christ. |
| 1 Sa 16:1, 13 | But the Lord said to Samuel, "...I have provided Myself a king among his sons."... And Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers... | God's choice of David as king. |
| Is 9:6-7 | For unto us a Child is born... The Government will be upon His shoulder... Of the increase of His government... there will be no end... | The ultimate King and establishment of His kingdom. |
| He 4:12 | For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword... | Power for spiritual "warfare". |
| Pr 21:31 | The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord. | Preparation for conflict, relying on God. |
| Jn 6:67-68 | Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." | Voluntary allegiance to the rightful King. |
| Rev 19:11-16 | Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. | The ultimate return of the King making war. |
| 1 Ki 1:5 | Then Adonijah... exalted himself, saying, "I will be king"; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen... | Contrast with self-appointed leaders gathering forces. |
| Ro 13:1-7 | Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God... | Submission to God-ordained authority. |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 26 Meaning
This verse details the contribution of the tribe of Asher to King David's forces in Hebron, indicating forty thousand highly trained and prepared warriors. It highlights their readiness for battle and expertise in military strategy, signifying their full commitment and support for David as the divinely appointed king over all Israel.
1 Chronicles 12 26 Context
First Chronicles 12 focuses on the numerous and diverse individuals from various Israelite tribes who rallied to David at Hebron, signifying the growing momentum and legitimacy of his kingship over all Israel. Following Saul's death and Ish-bosheth's weak reign, David's appointment was being fully recognized, culminating in the united nation turning the kingdom over to him (1 Chr 12:23). Each tribal contingent is described not just by numbers, but often by their specific skills, commitment, and spiritual inclination, emphasizing the voluntary and unified support for God's chosen leader. This verse, therefore, places the tribe of Asher within this grand assembly, highlighting their particular military strength and disciplined readiness for the crucial period of establishing the united kingdom under David. It illustrates the coming together of God's people for His divine purpose.
1 Chronicles 12 26 Word analysis
- Of the children of Asher: (Hebrew: Mib'ney Asher) - "From the sons of Asher." This identifies the tribal origin of the warriors. Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, a son of Jacob and Zilpah. Geographically, Asher's territory was located in the fertile plains and coastlands in the northern part of Canaan. This phrase confirms their lineage and identity within the covenant people of Israel, bringing their distinct tribal heritage and resources to David.
- such as went forth to battle: (Hebrew: Yotsei Tzava') - Literally, "those going out for military service/war." This phrase implies readiness and a call to arms. It indicates active, participating soldiers, not merely members of the tribe. The emphasis is on their active mobilization and preparedness to engage in warfare under David's leadership.
- expert in war: (Hebrew: `Orchei Milchama`) - This is a significant phrase, literally meaning "those who put themselves in battle array" or "those who are skilled in battle formation." It suggests more than just being physically capable fighters; it denotes strategic competence, discipline, and the ability to organize into effective fighting units. This points to seasoned soldiers who understood military tactics and were capable of executing complex battle plans, highlighting a high level of training and professionalism within their ranks. This implies a deeper level of commitment and capacity beyond just sheer numbers.
- forty thousand: (Hebrew: Arba'im Elef) - A large, round number indicating a significant contribution from the tribe of Asher. This substantial contingent underscores the broad-based support for David and the unified strength that was consolidating around him, ready to solidify his reign and the kingdom of Israel. It represents a considerable fighting force, crucial for the security and expansion of the nascent unified monarchy.
1 Chronicles 12 26 Bonus section
The chronicler's detailed listing of warriors from each tribe (including their specific skills) reinforces the idea of God working through distinct parts of His people to achieve a unified purpose. Unlike the fragmentation and disunity under Saul's kingship, the period of David's ascent marked a turning point towards national cohesion. The specific mention of Asher, often perceived as somewhat independent or less prominent in some earlier historical accounts (like Judg 5:17), demonstrates their full integration and dedication to the new national leader. This assembly represented a national coming-of-age for Israel, demonstrating allegiance not just to a human leader, but to the divine will that had appointed David. The willingness and preparedness of these warriors can be seen as a spiritual metaphor for the Christian's readiness and gifting in serving Christ, the ultimate King.
1 Chronicles 12 26 Commentary
First Chronicles 12:26 provides a specific detail within a larger enumeration of forces joining David. The listing of "forty thousand" men from Asher, who were not merely warriors but "expert in war," highlights the significant military capacity and strategic acumen that flowed into David's cause. This was not a conscripted army, but a willing assembly drawn from across Israel, signaling widespread recognition of David's divine anointing and popular support. The emphasis on being "expert in war" underscores the quality of the commitment – skilled, disciplined, and prepared for organized conflict, rather than just brute force. This shows a prepared people coming together, using their specific gifts and abilities, to support God's chosen king and establish His kingdom in accordance with His plan. This verse serves to validate David's divinely appointed kingship and the unity emerging in Israel under his leadership.