1 Chronicles 12 28

1 Chronicles 12:28 kjv

And Zadok, a young man mighty of valor, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

1 Chronicles 12:28 nkjv

Zadok, a young man, a valiant warrior, and from his father's house twenty-two captains;

1 Chronicles 12:28 niv

and Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 officers from his family;

1 Chronicles 12:28 esv

Zadok, a young man mighty in valor, and twenty-two commanders from his own fathers' house.

1 Chronicles 12:28 nlt

This also included Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 members of his family who were all officers.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 28 Meaning

This verse describes the arrival of Zadok, characterized as a vigorous and courageous young man, accompanied by twenty-two commanders or leaders from his own household. They came to join David during his time in Hebron, affirming their loyalty and bringing significant organizational and military support to his cause. It highlights not only Zadok's personal strength and character but also the influential support from his priestly family, demonstrating their commitment to David's ascent to the throne over all Israel.

1 Chronicles 12 28 Context

1 Chronicles 12:28 is situated within a detailed account of the military and political consolidation of David's kingship. Chapters 11-12 specifically enumerate the various groups of valiant men and leaders who came to David, first at Ziklag during Saul's reign, and then overwhelmingly at Hebron after Saul's death, where David was ultimately anointed king over all Israel (1 Chr 12:23-40). The listing of these men, categorized by tribe, profession, and military capacity, emphasizes the divine favor on David and the unanimous, skilled support he garnered from across Israel. Historically, this period marked the pivotal transition from tribal rule and Saul's fragmented kingdom to a unified monarchy under David, setting the stage for the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the planning of the Temple, central themes in the Chronicler's narrative. The Chronicler highlights the willing heart and formidable abilities of those who aligned themselves with God's chosen king.

1 Chronicles 12 28 Word analysis

• And: (Heb. waw, "and" or "but") A simple conjunction, connecting this specific entry to the preceding list of groups who had come to join David. It signifies a continuation and adds Zadok and his contingent to the growing support for David.
• Zadok: (Heb. Tzāḏôq, meaning "righteous" or "just"). A highly significant figure in the Bible, later serving as High Priest alongside Abiathar and ultimately becoming the exclusive High Priest under Solomon. The Chronicler, writing post-exile, often elevates Zadok due to his lineage tracing directly to Eleazar, Aaron's son, establishing him as the legitimate high priestly line. His early allegiance demonstrated here underscores his steadfast loyalty and prefigures his later crucial role.
• a young man: (Heb. na'ar, a versatile term for a male, often a youth, servant, or simply a person in their vigorous and active prime). It conveys energy, potential, and readiness for action rather than necessarily indicating extreme youth. Here, it suggests someone in the active stage of life, full of vitality and capable of significant contribution.
• mighty of valor: (Heb. gibbor ḥayil). This is a robust composite phrase describing a person of remarkable strength and character.
  • mighty: (Heb. gibbor, "strong one," "warrior," "hero," "powerful"). This term speaks of prowess, physical might, and capacity for heroic deeds, often in a military context.
  • of valor: (Heb. ḥayil, "strength," "ability," "wealth," "virtue," "army," "force"). When combined with gibbor, it forms gibbor chayil, which transcends mere physical strength. It denotes a person of great substance, competence, courage, noble character, and even social standing. Applied to Zadok, a future priest, it indicates his active contribution, leadership skills, and courage beyond ritual duties.
• and of his father's house: This phrase indicates that Zadok's support was not solitary but extended to his entire patriarchal household or family lineage. This signifies a broad, collective, and established commitment from a powerful and influential family, showing deep-rooted loyalty to David.
• twenty and two captains:
  • twenty and two: A specific, noteworthy number, signifying a substantial and organized contingent. It indicates a significant contribution of manpower and leadership, underscoring the serious and organized nature of the support Zadok brought.
  • captains: (Heb. sārim, "chiefs," "commanders," "leaders," "princes"). These were individuals holding authority, capable of leading and organizing groups of men. Their presence indicates that Zadok's family contributed a formidable, structured leadership force to David's cause.

1 Chronicles 12 28 Bonus section

The Chronicler's persistent focus on the Zadokite priesthood reflects a post-exilic concern for the purity and legitimacy of the priestly line, particularly in contrast to the line of Ithamar (from which Abiathar descended). Zadok's early and valiant support for David, underscored in this verse, justifies his later ascendancy and the establishment of his lineage as the authorized priests for the Temple, a theological point later reiterated in Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple. This emphasis also contrasts with the subsequent dismissal of Abiathar from the priesthood due to his support of Adonijah against Solomon, further solidifying Zadok's unique position through his unblemished loyalty. The significant number of "twenty and two captains" also demonstrates the socio-political power wielded by priestly families, transcending mere religious roles and proving vital in unifying the kingdom under David.

1 Chronicles 12 28 Commentary

This seemingly straightforward verse holds considerable depth, particularly within the Chronicler's theological agenda. By highlighting Zadok, described as a "mighty man of valor," among those who came to David at a crucial juncture, the Chronicler implicitly lays the groundwork for Zadok's later preeminence as the High Priest of Israel. It portrays Zadok not merely as a priestly functionary, but as an active, courageous, and influential leader, bringing a significant contingent from his family (22 captains) to David's cause. This demonstrates a robust, tangible commitment beyond spiritual counsel. The emphasis on "valor" for a priest signifies that God's service could encompass leadership and courage in all spheres, not just ritual. It also serves to legitimize the Zadokite priesthood, which eventually became the exclusive priestly line, by demonstrating their early and unwavering loyalty to the Davidic covenant and the chosen king. This early, steadfast support by Zadok's powerful family contrasted with others who may have wavered or supported different factions, ultimately cementing his divine appointment. This example encourages believers to commit wholeheartedly and actively, with all their abilities and resources, to Christ and His kingdom, being men and women "mighty of valor" for righteousness, regardless of their specific calling.