1 Chronicles 12 7

1 Chronicles 12:7 kjv

And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

1 Chronicles 12:7 nkjv

and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

1 Chronicles 12:7 niv

and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.

1 Chronicles 12:7 esv

And Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

1 Chronicles 12:7 nlt

Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham from Gedor.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 7 Meaning

1 Chronicles 12:7 precisely identifies two individuals, Joelah and Zebadiah, specifying their paternal lineage as sons of Jeroham, and their tribal origin as from Gedor. This verse contributes to a comprehensive roster of mighty men and warriors from various tribes who rallied to David's cause while he was still facing persecution from King Saul and before he became king over all Israel in Hebron. It signifies their active choice to align with God's anointed leader, contributing to the fulfillment of God's plan for David's kingdom.

1 Chronicles 12 7 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 12 details the varied groups of warriors and men of renown who joined David during his wilderness period and rise to power. It is a chronicler's account, focusing on the lineage and loyalty of these individuals, underscoring the divine providence in establishing David's kingdom. The verses leading up to 12:7 list various warriors from Benjamin, some of whom were King Saul's own tribe and relatives, yet they chose to support David. This particular verse continues that list, identifying two specific Benjamite brothers, Joelah and Zebadiah, by their father Jeroham, and their town, Gedor. The broader chapter highlights the widespread and diverse support David received, depicting his growing legitimacy as God's chosen king.

1 Chronicles 12 7 Word analysis

• And (וְ / wə): A simple conjunction connecting this pair of individuals to the previous lists. It signifies continuation and inclusion, emphasizing that these two, like the others, are part of the broader group supporting David.
• Joelah (יוֹעֵלָה / yō‘ē lāh): A personal name. The meaning is possibly related to "Jehovah is useful" or "Jehovah helps." The chronicler meticulously records names, emphasizing that each individual, no matter how seemingly minor, played a role in God's historical plan. The specificity ensures an accurate historical record of loyal supporters.
• and Zebadiah (וּזְבַדְיָהוּ / ūzə baḏyāhū): Another personal name. This name is common in the Old Testament, meaning "Jehovah has bestowed" or "gift of Jehovah." The repetition of "Jehovah" in the names (Yo'el and Zebadyah) may subtly point to their faith or to God's hand in their lives. The conjunction "and" links him directly to Joelah, implying they are a unit, likely brothers as specified later.
• the sons of Jeroham (בְּנֵי יְרֹחָם / bənê yərōḥām): Identifies their immediate lineage. Jeroham ("he will be shown compassion" or "cherished") serves as their father, tying them into a recognized family unit. This patrilineal identification was crucial for social standing, tribal affiliation, and historical record-keeping in ancient Israel. It underlines the importance of family units in corporate action and identity.
• of Gedor (מִגְּדֹר / migəḏōr): Specifies their geographical origin. Gedor was a town in Benjamin (1 Chr 8:31 mentions Jeroham living in Gibeon, suggesting a Gedor family associated with the town or it's a different Jeroham). This pinpointed location confirms their Benjamite identity within the region and demonstrates that David's support was geographically broad, even within Saul's tribe. The mention of specific places also aids in identifying and authenticating these figures for the original audience.

• "Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham": This phrase emphasizes the collective support of family units for David. It illustrates that allegiance to God's chosen king often involved households and kindred, strengthening the united front against Saul. The inclusion of these particular names reflects the chronicler's comprehensive record-keeping, emphasizing the detailed knowledge and memory God has for those who align with His purposes. It demonstrates that commitment to the divine plan for kingship extended even to sons of the tribe from which the deposed King Saul came.
• "of Gedor": This specific locality serves as a direct reference to the region within Benjamin where these loyal supporters originated. It underscores the penetration of David's influence into areas previously loyal to Saul. This highlights a powerful transition of loyalty, showing God's work in swaying hearts, even those previously aligned with the ruling, but divinely rejected, dynasty. This shift of allegiance from Saul to David is a critical polemic against fragmented loyalty and affirms the true succession ordained by God.

1 Chronicles 12 7 Bonus section

The chronicler’s detailed genealogies and lists in 1 Chronicles, including this specific verse, serve multiple purposes beyond mere historical record. They provided continuity for post-exilic Judah, linking them to their heritage and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The careful enumeration of these men signifies a theological principle: God knows and values every individual who aligns with His will. Even those not considered "mighty men" in other texts, like Joelah and Zebadiah, are recorded. This detail reflects God’s intricate work in establishing David’s reign and, by extension, His eternal kingdom through Christ. The shift of allegiance from Saul to David, specifically within Saul's own tribe of Benjamin, serves as a powerful message of divine intervention and a legitimization of David’s throne over any familial claims by Saul's descendants. This precision emphasizes that God's plan is not vague but involves specific individuals in specific places, gathered at specific times.

1 Chronicles 12 7 Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:7, though seemingly a simple listing of names, provides profound insights into the chronicler's theology and the nature of David's growing support. The meticulous detail in naming Joelah and Zebadiah, identifying their father Jeroham and their home in Gedor, underscores the chronicler's intent to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the loyalty David commanded, particularly from Benjamin, Saul's own tribe. This seemingly small detail speaks volumes about divine providence, showing God orchestrating the convergence of key individuals, from various backgrounds and tribes, to consolidate David's power and establish His kingdom. It implicitly serves as a polemic against the notion that David’s kingship was merely a political coup, portraying it instead as a divinely appointed movement, evidenced by the willing defection of Saul's kin. The inclusion of every name reinforces the idea that every participant in God’s plan, no matter how seemingly minor, is known and remembered.

• Example 1: Just as Joelah and Zebadiah played their part in building David's kingdom, believers today contribute to Christ's spiritual kingdom through their unique gifts and services, even in roles unseen by many.
• Example 2: The shift of loyalty from Saul to David for these Benjamites parallels how individuals may move from allegiance to worldly systems or ideas to embracing Christ as their true King.