1 Chronicles 12 5

1 Chronicles 12:5 kjv

Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

1 Chronicles 12:5 nkjv

Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;

1 Chronicles 12:5 niv

Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah and Shephatiah the Haruphite;

1 Chronicles 12:5 esv

Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite;

1 Chronicles 12:5 nlt

Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah from Haruph;

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 5 Meaning

First Chronicles 12:5 enumerates specific individuals—Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite. These men are identified as among the Benjaminite warriors, kinsmen of Saul, who bravely joined David at Ziklag during his period of exile. Their enlistment demonstrated a significant shift of allegiance from the reigning king, Saul, to David, the anointed king-in-waiting. Their names, often carrying theological meanings like "God is my strength" or "Yah has guarded," subtly reflect the spiritual undercurrent of God's hand guiding events toward David's enthronement.

1 Chronicles 12 5 Context

First Chronicles Chapter 12 details the various groups of warriors who joined David, highlighting his rising authority and divine favor before he was officially recognized as king over all Israel. This chapter serves to underscore the legitimate transition of power from Saul to David, presenting it as God's orchestrated plan. Verses 1-7 specifically focus on those from Benjamin and Judah who joined David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from Saul. This is particularly noteworthy as Benjamin was Saul's own tribe, suggesting a profound shift in loyalty motivated by recognition of David's divine appointment and heroic leadership. These men are depicted as "mighty men, helpers in war," indicating their strength, skill, and commitment to David's cause during a precarious time in his life. The names listed in verse 5 are part of this roster, illustrating the individual commitment to David, even from within Saul's own kin.

1 Chronicles 12 5 Word analysis

• Eluzai (אֶלְעוּזַי ’el‘ūzay):

  • Word Level: A proper name. Its root elements often mean "God is my strength" or "God of my vigor."
  • Significance: Reflects a reliance on divine strength, which aligns with David's own faith-driven character and God's enabling power for his followers. It subtly suggests a man whose very name speaks of divine empowerment, fitting for a mighty warrior joining the Lord's anointed.

• and (וְ ve):

  • Word Level: Connective conjunction.
  • Significance: Joins the list of individuals, indicating sequential inclusion and adding to the collective strength being amassed.

• Jerimoth (יְרִימוֹת yerîmôt):

  • Word Level: Proper name, likely meaning "heights," "elevations," or "exaltations."
  • Significance: While primarily a name, its meaning could implicitly relate to aspirations or the rise to prominence associated with David's eventual kingship.

• and (וְ ve):

  • Word Level: Connective conjunction.

• Bealiah (בְּעַלְיָה be‘alyâ):

  • Word Level: Proper name, often interpreted as "Yahweh is my Lord" or "Yah is Master."
  • Significance: A powerful theological name for a warrior. It explicitly connects the individual to Yahweh's lordship, further emphasizing the divine mandate behind David's movement. It may signify a man committed not just to David, but to the God of Israel.

• and (וְ ve):

  • Word Level: Connective conjunction.

• Shemariah (שְׁמַרְיָה šemaryâ):

  • Word Level: Proper name, meaning "Yah has guarded" or "Yahweh has kept/preserved."
  • Significance: Suggests a sense of divine protection or favor in the life of this individual, reinforcing the belief that God was overseeing those who allied with David.

• and (וְ ve):

  • Word Level: Connective conjunction.

• Shephatiah (שְׁפַטְיָה šep̣aṭyâ):

  • Word Level: Proper name, meaning "Yah has judged" or "Yahweh has judged/decided."
  • Significance: Can allude to divine vindication or righteous judgment. In the context of David's struggle against Saul, it subtly hints that God had made a judgment in favor of David.

• the Haruphite (הַחֲרוּפִי haḥărûp̄î):

  • Word Level: A gentilic (a designation indicating origin). "Haruphite" refers to someone from a place called Haruph, though its exact location is not firmly identified.
  • Significance: Provides a geographical or familial identifier, specifying the individual and tying them to a particular lineage or region. This detail highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the chronicler, ensuring that even specific individuals from certain locales are acknowledged for their loyalty to David. It adds verifiability and concrete reality to the narrative.

1 Chronicles 12 5 Bonus section

• The chronicler's emphasis on names and origins in this chapter (including the Haruphite designation) reflects a keen interest in historical detail and the comprehensive record of those who contributed to David's success. It suggests a focus on tribal loyalty and the gradual consolidation of Israel under David.
• The fact that these Benjaminite kinsmen of Saul joined David highlights David’s magnetism as a leader, drawing support even from those most expected to oppose him. This illustrates a deeper recognition of God's hand on David than mere human charisma.
• The listing of specific names contrasts with more general descriptions of "mighty men," giving a sense of personal significance and a divine validation for each man's choice to align with David. It suggests that no individual contribution was overlooked in the building of God's kingdom.

1 Chronicles 12 5 Commentary

First Chronicles 12:5 is a meticulous listing of individual names that, on the surface, might appear merely to be part of a genealogical record. However, within the broader context of Chapter 12, these names are far from insignificant. They represent Benjaminite warriors who defected from King Saul's side to join David, even while David was living in exile at Ziklag. This voluntary shift of allegiance from Saul’s own tribe underscores David's burgeoning influence and divine legitimization. The act of these men choosing to leave Saul and support David required considerable courage, foresight, and spiritual discernment. They risked everything by joining an exiled leader, yet they recognized the true anointing of God upon David. The names themselves, rich with meaning related to God's strength, lordship, and protective hand, might subtly reinforce the chronicler's theme that God was actively at work in establishing David's kingdom. These individuals serve as a reminder that God uses courageous and faithful individuals to fulfill His purposes, even during times of political uncertainty and spiritual transition. Their willingness to follow David in his humble beginnings paved the way for the mighty kingdom that was to come, showcasing how individual loyalty contributes to a greater divine plan.