1 Chronicles 12:39 kjv
And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.
1 Chronicles 12:39 nkjv
And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them.
1 Chronicles 12:39 niv
The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them.
1 Chronicles 12:39 esv
And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them.
1 Chronicles 12:39 nlt
They feasted and drank with David for three days, for preparations had been made by their relatives for their arrival.
1 Chronicles 12 39 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 5:1-3 | Then all the tribes of Israel came to David... "Indeed, we are your bone and your flesh." ... So King David made a covenant... and they anointed David king over Israel. | David's anointing as king over all Israel. |
| 1 Chr 11:3 | So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them... And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel. | Confirms David's anointing by all Israel. |
| Ps 133:1 | Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! | Emphasizes the unity of brothers. |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Spiritual unity in the New Covenant. |
| Eph 4:3 | endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | The importance of unity among God's people. |
| Neh 8:12 | Then all the people went their way to eat and drink... and rejoice with great joy, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. | A corporate feast marking a significant spiritual event. |
| 1 Ki 8:65-66 | So Solomon observed the feast at that time, and all Israel with him... before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, fourteen days. ... And they blessed the king and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart. | A large, celebratory feast associated with a king and divine favor. |
| Isa 25:6 | And in this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all people a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. | Prophetic vision of the great Messianic banquet. |
| Lk 15:23-24 | "Bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." | A joyous feast celebrating restoration and new life. |
| Rev 19:9 | Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" | The ultimate spiritual feast, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. |
| Ps 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. | Divine provision and feasting in a secure place. |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. | God's faithfulness in providing for His people. |
| Mt 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. | God's provision as a result of seeking His kingdom. |
| Ex 19:10-11 | Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down..." | "Three days" often signifies a period of preparation for a divine encounter or significant event. |
| Hos 6:2 | After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight. | "Three days" symbolizing restoration or resurrection. |
| Lk 24:46 | Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day..." | Christ's resurrection on the third day. |
| Rom 12:13 | distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. | Encourages mutual support and provision within the community. |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. | Community unity and shared provision in early church. |
| Deut 16:11 | You shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your son and your daughter, your male and female servants, the Levite within your gates, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are among you, at the place where the LORD your God chooses to make His name abide. | Corporate rejoicing commanded during feasts. |
| 1 Chr 12:40 | Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel. | Immediate context, detailing the abundance and widespread participation in the joyous provision. |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 39 Meaning
This verse describes the joyous and communal celebration at Hebron, where "all Israel" gathered to make David king over them. For three days, a great multitude of people feasted together, with their fellow Israelites providing abundantly for their needs. It highlights a period of unprecedented unity and enthusiastic support for David's rightful ascension to the throne of Israel, symbolizing the culmination of God's plan for a king "after His own heart."
1 Chronicles 12 39 Context
1 Chronicles 12 chronicles the valiant warriors and leaders who joined David at various stages of his ascent to the throne, first at Ziklag and then decisively at Hebron. It emphasizes the complete and unified support he received from all twelve tribes, contrasting with Saul's declining influence. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 12:39, occurs at the climax of this account, describing the celebratory scene at Hebron. Following the description of the diverse and numerous fighting men and leaders who "came with a loyal heart to Hebron to make David king," the verse sets the scene of widespread festivity. The historical context is David's coronation as king over all Israel (approximately 1010 BC), after having reigned seven and a half years over Judah in Hebron. This momentous occasion, marking the spiritual and political unification of Israel under God's chosen king, naturally culminated in a grand public feast, symbolizing the people's collective endorsement and joy. The Chronicler highlights this period of unity and enthusiasm, demonstrating divine approval and blessing upon David's reign, laying the groundwork for the temple and God's covenant promises.
1 Chronicles 12 39 Word analysis
- And there (וְשָׁם - ve·sham): This adverb points to the specific location of Hebron, where David's coronation took place. It places the focus on the event's geographical center, emphasizing the physical gathering of the multitude.
- they were with David (אֵת דָּוִיד - 'ēt dā·wîḏ): Literally "with David," signifying their presence alongside him as their leader and soon-to-be king. It speaks of their allegiance and communion with the chosen monarch, embodying a shared purpose.
- three days (שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים - šə·lō·šeṯ yāmîm): A significant biblical duration. In various contexts, "three days" can signify completion, a period of preparation, or an anticipation of a significant event or revelation. Here, it likely implies a sustained period of celebration, joy, and communal solidarity, long enough for the entire assembly to partake in the festivities and for all necessary arrangements to be made. It suggests thoroughness and abundance in their celebratory feasting.
- eating and drinking (אֹכְלִים וְשֹׁתִים - 'ō·ḵə·lîm wə·šō·ṯîm): This phrase signifies joyful feasting and communal fellowship. In the ancient Near East, eating and drinking together symbolized covenant, reconciliation, celebration, and deep social bonding. It was not merely about sustenance but a profound act of unity and rejoicing, characteristic of significant events like a royal coronation. It denotes peace, plenty, and well-being.
- for (כִּי - kî): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the extensive feasting and provision.
- their brothers (אֲחֵיהֶם - 'ă·ḥê·hem): Refers to their fellow Israelites, highlighting the sense of kinship and shared identity among the tribes of Israel. This phrase underscores the deep, familial bond that led to mutual provision and generosity, transcending tribal distinctions in this moment of unity. It emphasizes solidarity.
- had made preparation (הֵכִינוּ - hê·ḵî·nū): From the Hebrew root kun, meaning to establish, prepare, make ready, provide. This verb signifies active, intentional, and ample provision. It speaks of a planned effort to ensure that the celebration was well-resourced, reflecting the profound eagerness and support for David. It indicates a massive logistical undertaking to feed and provide for such a large gathering.
- for them (לָהֶם - lā·hem): Emphasizes that the provision was specifically and intentionally for the assembled multitude, highlighting the collective effort to ensure everyone's needs were met during this significant period of transition and celebration.
- "three days, eating and drinking": This phrase together describes a period of sustained, joyful communal feasting, indicating that the celebration was not a mere formality but a deeply enthusiastic and extended expression of loyalty and happiness. This level of feasting symbolizes a rich sense of community and celebration of new beginnings.
- "for their brothers had made preparation for them": This segment illuminates the deep unity and generosity prevalent among the Israelite tribes during David's ascension. The collective "brothers" ensuring sustenance for such a large crowd highlights mutual care, tribal cooperation, and the overwhelming support that permeated all of Israel for their new king. It exemplifies communal solidarity and selfless service.
1 Chronicles 12 39 Bonus section
The chronicler's detailed emphasis on the various tribal contingents (1 Chr 12:23-38) and the subsequent joyful feasting underscores the theological theme of unity. In the Chronicler's post-exilic context, recounting this moment of profound unity served as a powerful reminder and a call for restoration to such unity among the dispersed people of Israel. The sheer logistical feat of preparing food for such an immense gathering (12:34 speaks of 120,000 men from different tribes for battle, not just this ceremonial assembly) implicitly points to the great blessings and divine favor present at this foundational moment of the Davidic dynasty. This act of collective feasting around the newly anointed king forms a prototype for future communal gatherings of worship and celebration in God's presence, signifying peace, blessing, and the establishment of God's chosen leadership. The emphasis on the "brothers" preparing is unique, emphasizing internal strength and cohesion, rather than reliance on external provision.
1 Chronicles 12 39 Commentary
This verse serves as the celebratory climax to the extensive description of the military leaders and men who converged upon Hebron to affirm David's kingship. The depiction of "three days" of communal "eating and drinking" signifies a profound act of joyful covenant affirmation, not merely physical sustenance but deep fellowship. It powerfully conveys the unity and overwhelming popular support from "all Israel" for David. Crucially, the verse attributes this generous provision to "their brothers," underscoring the spontaneous and widespread fraternal cooperation that enabled such a large-scale feast. This collective act of provision highlights the profound sense of national solidarity that coalesced around David, a stark contrast to earlier divisions. The abundance and fellowship symbolize the peace and blessing envisioned under David's reign, foreshadowing the prosperous and secure future God promised for His people through His anointed king.