1 Chronicles 12 37

1 Chronicles 12:37 kjv

And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

1 Chronicles 12:37 nkjv

of the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, from the other side of the Jordan, one hundred and twenty thousand armed for battle with every kind of weapon of war.

1 Chronicles 12:37 niv

and from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with every type of weapon?120,000.

1 Chronicles 12:37 esv

Of the Reubenites and Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh from beyond the Jordan, 120,000 men armed with all the weapons of war.

1 Chronicles 12:37 nlt

From the east side of the Jordan River ? where the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh lived ? there were 120,000 troops armed with every kind of weapon.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 37 Meaning

1 Chronicles 12:37 records that the tribe of Asher contributed a significant force of forty thousand highly skilled and fully equipped soldiers to join David at Hebron, signifying their dedicated support for his anointment as king over all Israel. This emphasizes their readiness and military capability in the establishment of the unified kingdom.

1 Chronicles 12 37 Context

1 Chronicles 12 details the diverse and powerful contingents of warriors and leaders who joined David, first at Ziklag and then more significantly at Hebron, where he was formally anointed king over all Israel. The chapter meticulously lists the various tribes and the specific military attributes and numbers of their men. The purpose of this meticulous accounting by the Chronicler is to emphasize the widespread national unity and overwhelming support for David, indicating God's providential hand in establishing his kingdom. Verse 37 specifically highlights the contribution from the tribe of Asher, located in the northern region, demonstrating that support for David extended throughout the entire geographical breadth of Israel. It serves to underscore the collective strength and unanimous resolve of the people to install God's chosen leader.

Word Analysis

• Of Asher (מֵאָשֵׁר - mē'āshēr):
  • Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, tracing their lineage to Jacob's eighth son. Their territory in the northern coastal plains was known for its agricultural abundance (Gen 49:20).
  • Historically, Asher's military engagement was sometimes inconsistent (Judg 5:17), making their significant contribution here particularly notable as an indicator of comprehensive national unity under David. This highlights David's ability to unite tribes across diverse histories and regions.
• Forty thousand (אַרְבָּעִים אֶלֶף - ʾarbaʿîm ʾelef):
  • This numerical value signifies a substantial military contribution, underscoring the tribe of Asher's strength and commitment.
  • The use of large numbers throughout Chronicles often emphasizes the blessing and power of God displayed through His people, reflecting divine favor on David's ascendant kingdom. It speaks to the vastness of the support he received.
• Experienced soldiers (יֹצְאֵי צָבָא - yotze'ei tzava):
  • The Hebrew phrase יֹצְאֵי (yotze'ei), meaning "those going out" or "those who march forth," combined with צָבָא (tzava), "army" or "host," describes soldiers who are not mere recruits but are proven, seasoned veterans.
  • This implies a quality of troops well-versed in warfare, having already engaged in battles and demonstrated their competence and discipline. They possessed practical military skill and prowess.
• Prepared for battle (לַעֲרֹךְ מִלְחָמָה - la'arokh milchamah):
  • לַעֲרֹךְ (la'arokh), meaning "to array," "to set in order," or "to prepare," indicates that these soldiers were organized, equipped, and in a state of immediate readiness for military engagement.
  • מִלְחָמָה (milchamah), "war" or "battle," confirms their specific purpose. They were not merely present but were actively poised for combat operations. This signifies strategic readiness and disciplined execution.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Of Asher, forty thousand": This specific enumeration from one of the less prominent tribes militarily highlights the widespread, tangible support for David. It illustrates the coming together of disparate elements of Israel under one king, demonstrating national cohesion and the comprehensive nature of the support base for David's kingdom.
  • "experienced soldiers prepared for battle": This phrase emphasizes not just the quantity but also the quality and readiness of David's forces. These were not casual supporters but formidable, trained warriors. This collective proficiency would be crucial for establishing and defending the new, unified kingdom, demonstrating a prepared, disciplined force vital for security and expansion.

1 Chronicles 12 37 Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:37 succinctly highlights a critical aspect of David's ascent to kingship: the widespread, skilled, and immediate support from all parts of Israel. The inclusion of "forty thousand experienced soldiers prepared for battle" from the tribe of Asher is significant. It showcases that even tribes like Asher, not always noted for their military prowess, contributed substantially, signifying true national unity under God's chosen king. The emphasis on "experienced" and "prepared" soldiers underscores that David's emerging army was not a collection of raw recruits but a formidable force of battle-ready veterans, capable of securing and defending the new unified kingdom. The Chronicler uses such details to portray David's reign as divinely blessed and supported by the whole nation, reflecting a period of unity, strength, and effective governance that mirrored the ideals for the post-exilic community.

Bonus Section

• Chronicler's Emphasis: The detailed list in 1 Chronicles 12, including verse 37, underscores the Chronicler's primary focus: demonstrating the legitimacy and broad support for David's monarchy as established by divine decree. The comprehensive list of warriors from various tribes portrays an ideal of national unity in serving God's chosen leader, which served as a hopeful model for the post-exilic community of Israel.
• Significance of Tribal Contributions: The inclusion of Asher's substantial military contribution counters the perception of Asher as being less active in national defense during earlier periods (e.g., Judges 5:17). This indicates a transformed and unified Israel rallying around David, demonstrating an unprecedented level of collective strength and purpose in fulfilling God's plan for His kingdom.
• Theology of Preparedness: The phrase "prepared for battle" has a theological resonance, mirroring the New Testament call for spiritual vigilance and readiness. Just as physical soldiers must be equipped and ready for earthly warfare, believers are exhorted to be spiritually prepared and armed for the spiritual battles they face, living disciplined lives in service of God's eternal kingdom (Eph 6:10-18).