1 Chronicles 12 9

1 Chronicles 12:9 kjv

Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

1 Chronicles 12:9 nkjv

Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

1 Chronicles 12:9 niv

Ezer was the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third,

1 Chronicles 12:9 esv

Ezer the chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third,

1 Chronicles 12:9 nlt

Ezer was their leader.
Obadiah was second.
Eliab was third.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 9 Meaning

This verse describes a contingent of warriors from the tribe of Gad who chose to join David when he was in his stronghold in the wilderness, during a period when he was being pursued by King Saul. It emphasizes their exceptional qualities: not only were they brave, strong, and highly skilled in battle, but they also possessed fierce courage, like lions, and extraordinary speed, like gazelles. Their separation unto David signifies their deliberate and courageous loyalty to God's anointed leader, even in adversity.

1 Chronicles 12 9 Context

1 Chronicles Chapter 12 details various groups and individuals who joined David during his time in exile and later, culminating in his anointing as king. Verses 1-7 describe mighty men from Benjamin and Judah joining David at Ziklag. This specific verse (12:9) continues that theme, highlighting a distinct group from the tribe of Gad who made a perilous journey across the Jordan to align with David. Their defection from King Saul to David, when David was an outcast, underscores their discerning loyalty and courage, seeing David as God's true choice for king. The overall context of Chronicles aims to legitimate David's kingship and the continuity of God's covenant with his house, often by highlighting divine favor and the voluntary allegiance of loyal Israelites even during challenging times.

1 Chronicles 12 9 Word analysis

• Of the Gadites (מִן־הַגָּדִי): The tribe of Gad, known for being valiant men (1 Chr 5:18). Their decision to join David during his exile was significant as it crossed tribal loyalties often divided by Saul's reign, showcasing the recognition of David's divine appointment even in adversity.
• separated themselves (נִפְרְד֞וּ): From the Hebrew root paraṭ (פָּרַט), meaning to "separate," "withdraw," or "depart." This indicates a deliberate and active choice, often at risk to themselves, to align with David against the prevailing power of King Saul. It implies conviction and commitment, detaching from former allegiances to join God's chosen leader.
• unto David (אֶל־דָּוִיד֙): Signifies direct allegiance and personal loyalty. David's growing support, even in exile, underscored God's favor upon him.
• into the hold (אֶל־הַמְּצֻדָ֤ה): From Hebrew mĕtsudāh (מְצוּדָה), referring to a "fortress," "stronghold," or "mountain fastness." This represents a place of refuge and security, likely referring to one of David's wilderness strongholds (e.g., Adullam or Ziklag), indicating the dangerous environment where David dwelled and where loyal followers found protection and purpose under his leadership.
• to the wilderness (אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּר֙): Hebrew midbar (מִדְבָּר). This was the geographical and spiritual testing ground for David. The wilderness symbolizes isolation, hardship, and divine provision. Joining David here was a testament to their faith and readiness to endure trials.
• men of might (גִּבֹּרֵ֤י הַחַ֙יִל֙): Hebrew gibborê ha-ḥayil, literally "mighty men of valor/strength." Gibborim refers to powerful, heroic, and brave warriors, a title often used for elite military personnel. It speaks to their physical strength, courage, and exceptional martial ability.
• and men of war (וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י מִלְחָמָה֙): Hebrew 'anshê milḥāmāh, "men of battle." This indicates not merely strong individuals, but trained, disciplined, and experienced fighters, fully capable and ready for combat.
• fit for the battle (לַמִּלְחָמָה֙): Expresses their readiness, preparedness, and suitability for the rigors of conflict. They were equipped not just physically but mentally and strategically for warfare.
• that could handle shield and buckler (עֹרְכֵ֣י צִנָּה֩ וָרֹ֗מַח): Hebrew 'ōrəkēy tsinnāh vā-rōmaḥ. Tsinnāh (צִנָּה) is a large shield, and rōmaḥ (רֹמַח) is a spear or lance. This phrase points to their proficiency with heavy armor and offensive weapons, suggesting skilled and well-equipped infantry, capable of both defense and attack. (Note: Some versions translate rōmaḥ as buckler, referring to another type of shield rather than a spear/lance for distinction. However, in the provided text "buckler" suggests another defensive weapon.) If it's romah, then it is spear, if tshinna and magan they are two shields. But the Hebrew used here for buckler is tsinnāh (large shield) and for shield it is māḡēn (smaller, round shield often in conjunction with other weapon). Oh, the verse used here is "shield and buckler", and original is צִנָּה֙ וָרֹ֑מַח, meaning large shield and spear/lance. So the current english translation of 1 Chr 12:9 in KJV 'shield and buckler' is inaccurate; it should be 'large shield and spear'. This signifies their expertise in both defense and offense. This is not about the English word, but how I parse it in my database against the Hebrew which then changes the meaning (spear/buckler). I will explain that for clarity. This means the men were adept in both defense with a large shield and offense with a spear.
• whose faces were like the faces of lions (פְּנֵי אֲרִי): A vivid simile indicating extreme ferocity, courage, and fearlessness in battle. Lions are predators, symbols of strength, majesty, and unyielding bravery. Their countenances inspired terror in opponents.
• and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains (כַּצְבָאִ֖ים עַל־הֶהָרִֽים): Another potent simile, kaṣbā’îm ‘al-he-hārîm, "like gazelles upon the mountains." Gazelles (tsba'im) are renowned for their incredible speed, agility, and ability to traverse rugged terrain swiftly. This highlights their rapid movements, flanking abilities, and perhaps their skill in guerilla warfare in mountainous wilderness.

1 Chronicles 12 9 Bonus section

The chronicler's inclusion of such detailed descriptions of David's early adherents, like the Gadites, serves to demonstrate the legitimacy and divine favor upon David's reign. Even before he ascended the throne, God was assembling a dedicated, skilled, and valiant army for him, validating his anointing and foreshadowing the strength of his future kingdom. The imagery of lions and gazelles also reflects aspects often attributed to God Himself or His mighty acts: the roaring lion of Judah (Gen 49:9) symbolizing strength and authority, and God granting hinds' feet to traverse difficult paths (Ps 18:33). This not only praises the Gadites but subtly elevates David's leadership as divinely supported.

1 Chronicles 12 9 Commentary

This verse paints a striking portrait of the Gadite warriors who chose loyalty to David during his most vulnerable period. It's more than just a headcount; it's a testament to the divine calling of David and the discerning faith of these men. They "separated themselves," an act of deliberate spiritual and political alignment, acknowledging David as God's chosen king despite his current circumstances as an outlaw. Their description as "men of might and war" who "handled shield and buckler (large shield and spear)" emphasizes their practical military prowess and readiness. The evocative similes comparing their faces to lions and their swiftness to gazelles are not merely poetic embellishments; they underscore a core truth about exceptional warriors in God's service. The lion symbolizes indomitable courage and aggressive strength needed to face adversaries, while the gazelle signifies agility, swiftness, and an unburdened readiness to move or escape as needed. These attributes, combining valor and mobility, made them formidable assets in David's band, showcasing God's provision of capable, committed individuals for His purposes, even in hardship. It models the commitment needed for any service, facing challenges with bravery, skill, and adaptable speed.