1 Chronicles 12 29

1 Chronicles 12:29 kjv

And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

1 Chronicles 12:29 nkjv

of the sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul, three thousand (until then the greatest part of them had remained loyal to the house of Saul);

1 Chronicles 12:29 niv

from Benjamin, Saul's tribe?3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to Saul's house until then;

1 Chronicles 12:29 esv

Of the Benjaminites, the kinsmen of Saul, 3,000, of whom the majority had to that point kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.

1 Chronicles 12:29 nlt

From the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's relatives, there were 3,000 warriors. Most of the men from Benjamin had remained loyal to Saul until this time.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 29 Meaning

This verse states that three thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin, who were related to King Saul, came to David at Hebron. It particularly highlights that up until this point, the majority of the Benjamites had remained loyal to the house of Saul, marking a significant shift in allegiance.

1 Chronicles 12 29 Context

First Chronicles chapter 12 details the warriors and leaders from various Israelite tribes who joined David at Ziklag and then later at Hebron, signifying their recognition of him as God's chosen king. This particular verse about the Benjamites comes at a pivotal moment, as David is being consolidated as king over all Israel in Hebron. Historically, following Saul's death, Israel was divided, with David reigning over Judah and Saul's son Ish-bosheth (supported by Benjamin) ruling over the other tribes from Mahanaim. This led to a civil war that lasted several years. The Benjamites, being Saul's own tribe and therefore holding deep familial and political loyalty to his house, were the last significant holdouts against David's reign. Their joining David in this large number indicates the final stage of national unity and the complete transition of the kingdom to God's divinely appointed leader, David.

1 Chronicles 12 29 Word analysis

• Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין - Binyamin): The youngest of Jacob's sons, whose name means "son of the right hand." This tribe produced Saul, Israel's first king, and was known for its martial prowess but also for a period of extreme wickedness that almost led to its eradication (Judges 19-21). Their allegiance was naturally tied to Saul's lineage.
• Kinsmen of Saul (אֲחֵי שָׁאוּל - achei Sha'ul): Literally "brothers of Saul." This phrase underscores the tribal and familial bond, emphasizing that their prior loyalty to Saul's dynasty was deep-rooted, going beyond mere political affiliation. It signifies the strong familial and clan ties characteristic of ancient Israelite society.
• Three thousand (שְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים - sheloshet alafim): A substantial contingent. This number represents a significant and decisive portion of the tribe aligning with David, showcasing a thorough shift rather than a minor defection.
• Hitherto (עַד הֵנָּה - ad hennah): Meaning "up until now" or "formerly." This crucial adverb highlights a dramatic turning point. It draws a clear distinction between their past steadfast loyalty to Saul's house and their present, newfound allegiance to David. It emphasizes the magnitude of their decision and the completeness of the kingdom's unification.
• The greatest part of them (מַרְבִּיתָם - marbitem): This phrase indicates that the majority of the Benjamites had indeed maintained their allegiance to the rival house of Saul. It acknowledges the long-standing and prevalent opposition, making their current defection to David even more remarkable and consequential. It speaks to the effectiveness of Ish-bosheth's regime within that tribe before its collapse.
• Had kept the ward of the house of Saul (שֹׁמְרִים מִשְׁמֶרֶת בֵּית שָׁאוּל - shomerim mishmeret beit Sha'ul): "Kept the ward" implies guarding, maintaining, or serving. This is not passive neutrality but active allegiance and defense of Saul's dynastic interests, likely under Ish-bosheth's leadership. They had previously dedicated their strength to preserving the former king's household and its claim to the throne, underscoring the civil conflict and the difficulty of this ultimate transfer of power.

1 Chronicles 12 29 Bonus section

The Chronicler, writing much later, particularly emphasizes the theme of unity and the legitimacy of David's kingship as divinely established. By detailing the joining of Benjamin, who historically harbored strong ties to Saul and was thus potentially the most divisive tribe, the Chronicler reinforces that David's rule was indeed universal and acknowledged by all, signifying a completed work of divine appointment. This transition also highlights a spiritual truth: that God brings His purposes to pass, overcoming deep-seated loyalties and divisions to gather all under His appointed shepherd, ultimately pointing to Christ's perfect rule.

1 Chronicles 12 29 Commentary

This verse is profoundly significant as it marks the true completion of the kingdom's unification under David, specifically by highlighting the defection of Saul's own tribe, Benjamin. For years, the Benjamites, bound by kinship to Saul, had been the primary stronghold of resistance to David's ascent. Their former allegiance to Saul's house, even after his death and during the protracted civil war, was formidable. The arrival of 3,000 Benjamite warriors to Hebron signals the final breaking of the opposition and the acceptance of God's chosen king by even those most reluctant. It demonstrates God's sovereign hand in establishing David's kingdom, as He orchestrates events and turns hearts towards His appointed leader. This reconciliation brought essential unity to the nation, necessary for David's prosperous and righteous reign as promised by God.