1 Chronicles 12:36 kjv
And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.
1 Chronicles 12:36 nkjv
of Asher, those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation, forty thousand;
1 Chronicles 12:36 niv
from Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for battle?40,000;
1 Chronicles 12:36 esv
Of Asher 40,000 seasoned troops ready for battle.
1 Chronicles 12:36 nlt
From the tribe of Asher, there were 40,000 trained warriors, all prepared for battle.
1 Chronicles 12 36 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 7:40 | All these were descendants of Asher, chosen warriors… | Asher's military capability highlighted elsewhere. |
| 1 Chr 12:23-40 | These are the numbers of the divisions… who came to David at Hebron… | Broader context of tribes joining David. |
| Num 1:3, 46 | From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war… | Census for military readiness. |
| Num 2:1-34 | The Israelites are to encamp around the Tent of Meeting… by their divisions | Tribal organization for march and battle. |
| Josh 4:12-13 | Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh crossed over… prepared for battle… | Tribes fulfilling military commitment. |
| Judg 1:31-32 | Asher did not drive out those living in Acco… but lived among them. | Asher's earlier lack of complete conquest. |
| Judg 5:18 | Zebulun risked their lives to the death; Naphtali also, on the heights of the field | Examples of tribal commitment to battle. |
| 2 Sam 5:1-3 | All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said… | All Israel acknowledging David as king. |
| Ps 18:34 | He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. | God enabling skill in warfare. |
| Ps 144:1 | Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. | Divine empowerment for skill. |
| Prov 21:31 | The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. | Preparation is important, but victory is divine. |
| Isa 2:4 | They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. | Prophetic vision of future peace, contrasting warfare. |
| Eph 6:10-17 | Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power… put on the full armor of God | Spiritual battle and divine equipment for believers. |
| 2 Tim 2:3-4 | Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | Believers as soldiers in spiritual service. |
| 2 Cor 10:3-5 | For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. | Spiritual nature of Christian conflict. |
| 1 Cor 14:8 | Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will prepare for battle? | Need for clear leadership and preparation. |
| Matt 22:14 | For many are invited, but few are chosen. | The concept of being "chosen." |
| John 15:16 | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you… | God's sovereign choice. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation… | New Testament believers as "chosen." |
| Rev 19:11 | I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True… | Christ as a warrior leading armies. |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 36 Meaning
The verse signifies that the tribe of Asher provided a substantial military contingent to David's forces, comprising forty thousand specially selected and highly proficient warriors. This highlights the widespread support David received from all the tribes of Israel, essential for consolidating his kingdom and legitimizing his rule as God's chosen king.
1 Chronicles 12 36 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 12 meticulously records the various contingents and individuals from different tribes who pledged their allegiance to David, either while he was still at Ziklag, hiding from Saul, or later when he was crowned king in Hebron. This verse, coming towards the end of this long register, specifically notes the significant contribution of the tribe of Asher. The larger historical context is David's ascent to kingship over all Israel (after reigning seven and a half years over Judah in Hebron), unifying the nation under God's chosen monarch. The chronicler emphasizes the widespread and unified support from all corners of Israel, demonstrating divine endorsement and human loyalty for David's kingdom.
1 Chronicles 12 36 Word analysis
- And of Asher: Hebrew "וּמֵאָשֵׁר" (ūmêʾāšēr). "And from Asher." This direct address identifies the specific tribal origin of the fighting force, underscoring the contribution of each individual tribe to the unified strength of Israel under David. The Chronicler highlights the role of often less-prominent tribes in the larger narrative.
- forty thousand: A large, substantial number, signifying a considerable force ready for action. Numbers in biblical accounts, while literal, can also convey vastness and strength, demonstrating abundant resources available to God's chosen leader.
- chosen: Hebrew "בָּחִיר" (bāḥîr), often implying selection for specific quality or purpose. These were not merely forty thousand random men but men specifically selected for their suitability for warfare, indicating a dedicated, perhaps elite, force. It speaks to intentionality and preparation.
- to go forth to battle: Hebrew "לָצֵאת בַּצָּבָא" (lāṣēʾṯ baṣṣābāʾ), literally "to go out into the army" or "to march out in military formation." This phrase emphasizes their readiness and specific military purpose. They were organized, equipped, and prepared to engage in combat, not merely to exist as potential fighters.
- expert in war: Hebrew "עֹשֵׂה מִלְחָמָה" (ʿōśēh milḥāmāh), literally "doers of war" or "makers of war." This does not just mean strong or brave; it points to practical proficiency, experience, and mastery in military combat. They possessed the skills, tactics, and seasoned experience necessary to be effective warriors.
- Word-group: "chosen to go forth to battle, expert in war": This full phrase is crucial. It describes a disciplined, trained, and effective fighting unit. Their "chosen" status signifies quality and selection; their ability "to go forth to battle" indicates readiness and willingness; and their being "expert in war" confirms their high level of competence and skill. This goes beyond mere numerical strength to underscore a force of considerable qualitative advantage.
1 Chronicles 12 36 Bonus section
The Chronicler's purpose in providing such detailed lists (like those in Chapter 12) is often seen as demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant with David, the broad consensus of Israel supporting his monarchy, and the preparation for the establishment of Jerusalem and the future temple. By showcasing men like those from Asher – "chosen" and "expert" – the narrative emphasizes divine empowerment and human agency working in concert. This commitment and expertise also serve as an implicit example for believers, calling them to be "chosen" and "expert" in spiritual warfare and service, ready to participate actively in God's kingdom.
1 Chronicles 12 36 Commentary
1 Chronicles 12:36 forms part of a meticulous record validating the legitimacy and universal acceptance of David's kingship by detailing the loyal warriors from various tribes who joined him. The mention of "forty thousand chosen... expert in war" from Asher, a tribe often overshadowed in military exploits by others, underscores that divine providence enabled all segments of Israel to contribute meaningfully to God's plan. It showcases David's broad base of support and the collective strength of Israel, ready to execute God's will. This account demonstrates that God not only raises leaders but also equips them with faithful and capable people for their tasks, highlighting the importance of skilled and dedicated service within the community, whether in ancient Israel's army or the church today.