1 Chronicles 12 40

1 Chronicles 12:40 kjv

Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:40 nkjv

Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen?provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:40 niv

Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, olive oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:40 esv

And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:40 nlt

And people from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. Vast supplies of flour, fig cakes, clusters of raisins, wine, olive oil, cattle, sheep, and goats were brought to the celebration. There was great joy throughout the land of Israel.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 40 Meaning

First Chronicles 12:40 describes the immense nationwide celebration and unity accompanying David's anointing as king over all Israel at Hebron. It portrays people from distant regions, including Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, bringing abundant provisions such as flour, cakes of figs, raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep on various animals of burden. This lavish supply was brought for the celebration, fueled by the deep joy felt throughout Israel over the establishment of a unified kingdom under their divinely chosen leader.

1 Chronicles 12 40 Context

First Chronicles 12 focuses on the warriors and leaders from all the tribes of Israel who gathered at Hebron to make David king over all Israel. Chapters 11-12 describe this pivotal moment when David transitioned from reigning only over Judah to becoming the monarch of a united Israel. Verse 40 comes as the culmination of this gathering, vividly portraying the overwhelming support and profound joy felt throughout the nation. After a period of civil strife and division following Saul's death, the unity under David brought immense relief and celebration. This national outpouring of generosity and joy highlights the significance of David's reign as a divinely appointed period of stability and blessing for God's people, foreshadowing the peace and prosperity of a future, eternal kingdom.

1 Chronicles 12 40 Word analysis

• Moreover, those who were near them: Implies not just the immediate vicinity of Hebron, but also surrounding areas. This highlights the widespread nature of the support and participation. It signifies an initial group present with David, and others who subsequently joined.
• even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali: These three tribes resided in the northern regions of Israel, in the plains and hills of Galilee, some distance from Hebron (in the Judean hills). Their inclusion underscores the truly national character of this gathering and celebration, showing unity from distant corners of the land. It also demonstrates overcoming geographical barriers for allegiance.
  • Issachar (יִשָּׂשׂכָר - Yissaschar): Known for its strategic location in the fertile Jezreel Valley. (Gen 30:18, Judg 5:15)
  • Zebulun (זְבוּלֻן - Zĕvulun): Occupied territory extending to the Mediterranean coast in some interpretations, and noted for its industriousness. (Gen 30:20, Deut 33:18-19)
  • Naphtali (נַפְתָּלִי - Naphtali): Dwelt in the upper Galilee region, famous for its beauty and the battle of Barak and Deborah. (Gen 30:8, Judg 4)
• brought food: This refers to the act of presenting or bringing sustenance. It is an act of communal provision, showing hospitality and shared resources for a large gathering. This generosity was essential for sustaining such a vast congregation of people.
• on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen: These are various beasts of burden, illustrating the considerable quantity and bulk of the provisions being transported over distances. Donkeys and mules were common for goods, camels for heavier loads and longer distances, and oxen were used for draft and heavy carts, underscoring the scale of the logistical effort and the immense amount of food brought.
• provisions of flour: (קֶמַח - qemach) A staple grain product, foundational for daily sustenance, emphasizing basic and essential provision.
• cakes of figs: (דְּבֵלִים - devêlîm) Compressed blocks of dried figs. A compact, energy-rich, and easily transportable food, common in the ancient Near East.
• clusters of raisins: (צִמּוּקִים - tzimmuqim) Dried grapes. Another easily stored, highly nutritious, and portable food, also valued as a delicacy.
• wine: (יַיִן - yayin) Fermented grape juice, essential for refreshment and common for celebrations and feasts, signifying joy and abundance.
• oil: (שֶׁמֶן - shemen) Olive oil was a crucial commodity, used for cooking, light, anointing, and medicine. It signified wealth, abundance, and comfort.
• oxen, and sheep: Live animals brought for slaughter. These represented the most lavish part of the provision, indicating large-scale feasting, sacrifices (if any were conducted alongside the celebration), and great generosity. The immediate availability of fresh meat underscored the grand scale of the celebration.
• in abundance: (בַּדְּבֶלָה - badvēlāh or more simply referring to the quantity) This phrase stresses the overwhelming quantity and overflow of goods. It speaks of divine blessing and generosity, ensuring everyone was well-fed, and signifies prosperity.
• for there was joy in Israel: (כִּי שִׂמְחָה בְיִשְׂרָאֵל - kī simḥāh bĕYisra’el) This is the central reason given for the lavish provisions and the entire scene. The "joy" (śimḥāh) was a profound, national elation stemming from the unification of the kingdom under David, seeing God's purpose fulfilled, and a future of stability. It was not mere merriment but a spiritual celebration rooted in the culmination of divine promises and the establishment of a righteous king. This joy reflects national restoration and hope.

1 Chronicles 12 40 Bonus section

• The willingness of the northern tribes, who were geographically distant and had a history of partial allegiance to Saul's house, to bring such provisions indicates the depth of their commitment and the genuine enthusiasm for David's unified rule. This transcended previous political divisions.
• This act of generous provision and feasting reflects the communal aspects of Israelite life, where gatherings were often celebrated with shared meals. It serves as an ancient example of mutual aid and support within the community of God's people.
• The abundance of food also indicates God's favor and blessing upon the land and its people, enabling them to produce and share such plenty, showcasing a period of national prosperity as God's chosen leader took the throne.
• The scene highlights the king as the rallying point for national unity and celebration, underscoring the divinely ordained role of the monarchy in bringing God's people together.

1 Chronicles 12 40 Commentary

First Chronicles 12:40 paints a vivid picture of unity and exuberance at a watershed moment in Israel's history: David's anointing as king over all Israel. Beyond a simple chronicle of supplies, the verse underscores profound theological and historical realities. The extensive reach of the generosity, evidenced by tribes as distant as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, symbolizes a deeply unified Israel, ready to serve their new king. This widespread outpouring of provisions, delivered by every means of transport available, speaks not only of material wealth but also of a spiritual abundance – a heart freely given in support of God’s anointed.

The specified provisions – flour, figs, raisins, wine, oil, and livestock – signify complete sustenance and luxury for a large-scale festival, akin to the great feasts prescribed in the Law. Such abundance reflected God’s blessing upon His people and their land, a testament to His faithfulness in bringing about this long-awaited era of unity and peace. The concluding phrase, "for there was joy in Israel," is the true essence of the verse. This was not a perfunctory act but a joyful expression of national cohesion and spiritual fulfillment. The establishment of David's kingdom brought stability, security, and a future of covenant blessing, transforming national sentiment into profound rejoicing, a foreshadowing of the perfect reign of the Greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, and the spiritual provisions and joy in His eternal kingdom.