1 Chronicles · Chapter 12

Verse 1. Came to David to Ziklag] Achish, king of Gath, had given Ziklag to David, as a safe retreat from the wrath of Saul.

Verse 1. Now these are they that came to David, &c. — This author thought fit to do those the honour of having their names recorded, (which was omitted in the book of Samuel,) who came and joined themselves to him when he was in exile; and were afterward great assistants to him in his wars. While he kept himself close — Or was shut out from his own land and people: for the writer speaks not of that time when he was shut up, and hid himself in caves in the land of Judah, but when he was at Ziklag.

1. Ziklag — See on 1 Samuel 27:5-12. While he yet kept himself close because of Saul — Rather, while he was yet shut up from the presence of Saul; that is, during the time of his exile, when, on account of Saul’s designs against his life, (1 Samuel 27:1,) he dared not appear in the presence of that monarch, nor publicly move through the coasts of Israel. Helpers of the war — Assistants of David in such wars as are referred to in verses 15, 21; 1 Samuel 23:5; 27:8; 30:8-18.

V. 2. Even-Of Saul’s own tribe: who were moved hereto by God’s spirit, by the conscience of their duty to David; and by their observation of God’s departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David.

Verse 2. Could use both the right hand and the left — With like nimbleness and certainty: compare Judges 3:15; and 20:16. Saul’s brethren of Benjamin — Of Saul’s own tribe: who were moved hereto by God’s Spirit, by the conscience of their duty to David, and by their observation of God’s departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David.

2. Could use both the right hand and the left — Hence their skill had been acquired by long and careful practice. See Judges 3:15; 20:16, notes. Even of Saul’s brethren — That is, who were members of his own tribe. Even these revolted from Saul, and cast in their lot with David.

V. 4. Thirty-Who came attended with thirty valiant Benjamites, and was their commander.

Verse 4. A mighty man among the thirty — Who came attended with thirty valiant Benjamites and was their commander.

Verse 8. And were as swift as the roes] That swiftness was considered to be a grand accomplishment in a warrior, appears from all ancient writings which treat of military affairs.

Verse 8. There separated themselves — From Saul, to whom they had hitherto adhered, and from their brethren of their own tribe, who yet maintained Saul’s cause; and from their families, and the places where they lived, from whom they went to David. Into the hold to the wilderness — Or rather, into the hold of the wilderness; that is, either to the cave of Adullam or Engedi, or rather to Ziklag, which was in the wilderness of Judah, and may be here called the hold or fortress, for the same reason for which that name is given to the city of David, 1 Chronicles 11:7, (see the Hebrew,) namely, because it was a strong, well-fortified place. Whose faces were like the faces of lions — Who were full of courage, and by the majesty and fierceness of their countenances terrified their adversaries. As swift as the roes upon the mountains — As their very looks daunted their enemies, and put them to flight, so they could easily pursue, and overtake, and destroy them in their flight.

8. The Gadites… unto David into the hold to the wilderness — The “hold” here referred to is most probably the cave of Adullam; see on 1 Samuel 22:1-2. It may, however, be understood generally of the several holds or fastnesses in which David hid himself at various times.

Verse 14. Over a thousand. David at Ziklag had but six hundred men;— the query is, whether these had already been captains over a thousand, or whether David after his coronation promoted them to that rank?

14. One of the least was over a hundred, and the greatest over a thousand — Thus the Vulgate; but the marginal reading gives the sense of the Hebrew: One that was least could resist a hundred, and the greatest a thousand. The least or smallest of these heroes was able to cope with a hundred ordinary men, while the mightiest could maintain battle with a thousand. The expression is to be regarded as proverbial. Comp. Leviticus 26:8; Deuteronomy 32:30; Joshua 23:10.

Verse 15. In the first month] Perhaps this was the month Nisan, which answers to a part of our March and April. This was probably before the snows on the mountains were melted, just as Jordan began to overflow its banks; or if we allow that it had already overflowed its banks, it made their attempt more hazardous, and afforded additional proof of their heroism.

Verse 15. These are they that went over Jordan, &c. — Namely, in Saul’s time, when, it seems, the enemies of the Israelites had made an inroad, and done some mischiefs to the Israelites beyond Jordan, to whose help these persons then came. When it had overflowed all its banks — As it commonly did about that time. Probably these, being men of great courage and dexterity, swam over Jordan, at the time here specified, through their ardent desire to help their brethren, and to fight with their enemies. And they put to flight all them of the valleys — The people that lived in the valleys or deserts beyond Jordan, who, it seems, when Saul was engaged against the Philistines, took that advantage to fall upon the Israelites beyond Jordan. Both toward the east and toward the west — Both the people that lived more eastward and remote from Jordan, and those that lived more westward and nearer to it.

15. These — Namely, these Gadites. The writer thus gives in this verse an instance of their valour. Went over Jordan in the first month — That is, in Abib, (April,) when the river usually overflows all its banks, and the crossing is both difficult and dangerous. Put to flight all them of the valleys — This expedition of the Gadites was, perhaps, a mere scheme of predatory conquest; or, it may have been undertaken to punish the people of these valleys for marauding expeditions they had carried on. If, however, we should understand “the hold” of verse 8 to be that of Mizpeh of Moab, where David dwelt awhile, (1 Samuel 22:3-5,) this exploit of the Gadites may have taken place at the time they separated themselves from the rest of the Gadites. In resorting unto David they may have met with opposition from Saul’s partisans, and were therefore obliged to fight their way through the valleys east and west of the Jordan.

V. 17. The God of our fathers-He calls God, the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs; thus he minds them, not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendents from the same patriarchs, and servants of the same God. And thus he encourages himself to believe, that God would right him, if he was abused. For he was the God of his fathers; therefore a blessing was entailed upon him: and a God to all Israel in particular, as well as a Judge to all the earth.

Verse 17. David went out to meet them, and answered — That is, spake, for that word is often used in the Scriptures, even of him that speaks first. My heart shall be knit unto you — I shall ever esteem and love you, and show this by my actions to you hereafter. But if ye be come to betray me, &c. — Which your number, and quality, and near relation to Saul, give me some cause to suspect. Seeing there is no wrong in my hands — I have done no injury to Saul nor to you; but have spared him and you when it was in my power to have destroyed you. The God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it — Namely, by his power, manifested for me, and against you, for your perfidiousness. In saying, the God of our fathers, meaning both his fathers and theirs, he suggests a reason why they should not deal ill with him: namely, because they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and servants of the same God. And thus he encourages himself to believe, that God would right him if he were injured. For he was the God of his fathers, therefore a blessing was entailed upon him: and a God to all Israel in particular, as well as a Judge to all the earth.

Ver. 17. If to betray me: for these were Saul’s brethren! God moved their hearts to fulfil his pleasure, for they saw that David would rise to the throne.

17. If ye be come to betray me to mine enemies — Here we observe an instance of David’s caution and reserve. He had some suspicion that these men of Benjamin and Judah might be crafty emissaries from Saul.

V. 18. The Spirit-Not only saving graces, but other heroical and generous motions are ascribed to God’s spirit, which here stirred up in him a more that ordinary greatness of mind and resolution.

Verse 18. The spirit came upon Amasai] “The spirit of fortitude clothed Amasai, the chief of the mighty men; and he answered, For thy sake, O David, are we come, that we may be with thee, thou son of Jesse. Prosperity be to thee by night and by day; and prosperity be to thy helpers; for the Word of the Lord is thy assistant.”-T.

Verse 18. The Spirit came upon Amasai — Not only saving graces, but other heroical and generous motions are ascribed to God’s Spirit, which here stirred up in him a more than ordinary greatness of mind and resolution. Thy God helpeth thee — We have seen evidences of God’s singular and gracious care of thee, and kindness to thee; and if we should oppose thee we should fight against God, and his word and providence. Then David made them captains of the band — Of those forces which they brought with them: or, he put them among the heads, or officers of his band; that is, he gave them commands, either now in his small army, each according to his quality; or afterward, when he was advanced to the kingdom: for it is not here said when he did this.

18. The spirit came upon Amasai — Hebrews clothed Amasai, that is, enwrapped him as with armour. See note on Judges 6:34. Thine are we, David — This speech of Amasai is full of emotion, and rises to poetic parallelism.

To thee, O David!

And with thee, O son of Jesse!

Peace, peace unto thee,

And peace unto thy helpers;

For helpeth thee thy God.

Verses 19, 20. They helped them not — That is, the Manassites here named, and the rest of David’s forces, to whom they had now joined themselves, did not help the Philistines in battle, as David had pretended to do. As he went to Ziklag — As he returned thither from the camp of the Philistines.

19. There fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul — On David’s connexion with this war, see 1 Samuel 28:1-2; 29:1-11. As the march with the Philistines led David through the territory of Manasseh, it was easy for members of this tribe to join him as he returned to Ziklag.

V. 20. As-As he returned from the camp of the Philistines to Ziklag.

Verses 19, 20. They helped them not — That is, the Manassites here named, and the rest of David’s forces, to whom they had now joined themselves, did not help the Philistines in battle, as David had pretended to do. As he went to Ziklag — As he returned thither from the camp of the Philistines.

V. 21. Against-Against the Amalekites who had taken and burnt Ziklag, whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing.

Verses 21, 22. They helped David against the band, &c. — Against the Amalekites, who had taken and burned Ziklag, and whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing. Or, as in the margin, with a band, or troop of soldiers, which they brought along with them to David’s assistance. They were all mighty men of valour — Therefore they readily came to David’s help. At that time, day by day — While David was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron. There came to David — like the host of God — An innumerable multitude, like the stars or angels of God, both which are called God’s host.

21. They helped David against the band — The predatory horde of Amalekites, which, during David’s absence, had fallen upon Ziklag, and taken the women and children captive. See 1 Samuel 30.

V. 22. That time-While he was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron. Like-Innumerable, like the stars or angels, both which are called God’s hosts.

Verse 22. Like the host of God.] “That is, a very numerous army; like the army of the angel of God.”-T.

Verses 21, 22. They helped David against the band, &c. — Against the Amalekites, who had taken and burned Ziklag, and whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing. Or, as in the margin, with a band, or troop of soldiers, which they brought along with them to David’s assistance. They were all mighty men of valour — Therefore they readily came to David’s help. At that time, day by day — While David was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron. There came to David — like the host of God — An innumerable multitude, like the stars or angels of God, both which are called God’s host.

Ver. 22. Like the host of God, who is the Lord of hosts, whose army is greater than that of all princes. This figure of speech shows how men ran to David after the noble action of taking away Saul’s spear, and sparing his life.

22. A great host, like the host of God — That is, strong, mighty, glorious. Compare “hill of God,” Psalm 68:15, “cedars of God,” Psalm 80:10, margin; “city of God,” Jonah 3:3, margin.

Verse 23. And came to David to Hebron] That is, after the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son. See 2 Samuel 4:5.

Verses 23, 24. According to the word of the Lord — Whereby he had settled the crown on David after Saul’s death. Six thousand, &c. — Who came hither in the name of their brethren: for that whole tribe adhered to David.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

V. 24. Six thousand, &c.-Who came hither in the name of their brethren; for that whole tribe stuck to David.

Verses 23, 24. According to the word of the Lord — Whereby he had settled the crown on David after Saul’s death. Six thousand, &c. — Who came hither in the name of their brethren: for that whole tribe adhered to David.

24. Judah… six thousand and eight hundred — It has been thought strange that David’s own tribe should have had so small a representation in comparison with remote tribes like Zebulun, Naphtali, and Asher. Compare verses 33, 34, 36. But David had already ruled over Judah seven years, and on this occasion it was unnecessary for his own tribe to be present in great numbers. The same remarks apply to the tribe of Simeon, which had already become largely identified with that of Judah.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

26. Levi four thousand and six hundred — These came from the various Levitical cities. They were not reckoned among the warriors of the nation, (Numbers 1:47,) but came as representatives of their tribe to confirm the covenant with David.

V. 27. Jehoida-Not the high-priest, for that was Abiathar, 1 Samuel 23:6, but one of eminent place under him.

Verse 27. Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites] Abiathar was then high priest, and Jehoiada captain over the warriors of the house of Aaron.

Verses 27-29. Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites — Not the high-priest, for that was Abiathar, (1 Samuel 23. 6,) but one of some eminent place under him. And Zadok — Thought to be the same who was made high-priest in Solomon’s time, (1 Kings 2:35,) which, if true, he must have been very young at that time. Twenty and two captains — Whom he brought along with him. Had kept the ward of the house of Saul — Had endeavoured to keep the crown in their own tribe, and in Saul’s family.

27. Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites — Not high priest, but civil ruler and tribal representative.

Verses 27-29. Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites — Not the high-priest, for that was Abiathar, (1 Samuel 23. 6,) but one of some eminent place under him. And Zadok — Thought to be the same who was made high-priest in Solomon’s time, (1 Kings 2:35,) which, if true, he must have been very young at that time. Twenty and two captains — Whom he brought along with him. Had kept the ward of the house of Saul — Had endeavoured to keep the crown in their own tribe, and in Saul’s family.

28. Zadok — Not necessarily the high priest of this name.

V. 29. Kept the ward-Endeavoured to keep the crown in Saul’s family.

Verses 27-29. Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites — Not the high-priest, for that was Abiathar, (1 Samuel 23. 6,) but one of some eminent place under him. And Zadok — Thought to be the same who was made high-priest in Solomon’s time, (1 Kings 2:35,) which, if true, he must have been very young at that time. Twenty and two captains — Whom he brought along with him. Had kept the ward of the house of Saul — Had endeavoured to keep the crown in their own tribe, and in Saul’s family.

29. Benjamin… three thousand — A very great number could hardly be expected on this occasion from the tribe of Saul. Hence the writer adds, that hitherto, that is, up to that time, the greatest part of them had kept the ward (rather, were keeping charge) of the house of Saul. They still were adhering in sympathy and attachment to the house of their fallen king.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

V. 31. Manasseh-Which was within Jordan: for of the other half beyond Jordan he speaks, ver. 37. By name-Who were not ashamed publickly to own David by putting their names to some paper presented to them for that purpose.

Verse 31. Of the half-tribe of Manasseh — Which was within Jordan: for of the other half beyond Jordan he speaks verse 37. Which were expressed by name — Who were not ashamed publicly to own David by putting their names to some paper presented to them for that purpose.

31. Expressed by name — These representatives of Manasseh were duly elected and designated by name to go and make David king.

V. 32. The times-They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. And they shewed their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul while he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom: and as they could not join David, while Abner lived, and had the command of the other tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king.

Verse 32. Children of Issachar] According to the Targum they were all astronomers and astrologers: “and the sons of Issachar, who had understanding to know the times, and were skilled in fixing the beginnings of years, the commencement of months, and the intercalation of months and years; skilful in the changes of the moon, and in fixing the lunar solemnities to their proper times; skilful also in the doctrine of the solar periods; astrologers in signs and stars, that they might show Israel what to do; and their teachers were two hundred chiefs of the Sanhedrin: and all their brethren excelled in the words of the law, and were endued with wisdom, and were obedient to their command.”-T. It appears that in their wisdom, experience, and skill, their brethren had the fullest confidence; and nothing was done but by their direction and advice.

Verse 32. That had understanding of the times — They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. And they showed their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul, while he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom; and as they could not join David, while Abner lived, and had the command of the other tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so, as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king.

Ver. 32. The children of Issachar that had understanding of the times, by the study of astronomy and gentile literature.

32. That had understanding… to know what Israel ought to do — These representatives of Issachar displayed superior judgment on this occasion in estimating the circumstances of the times, and discerning the course of action Israel should pursue.

V. 33. Double heart-They were sincerely loyal, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, while in their hearts they favoured Saul’s family. And none had any separate interests, but all were for the public good.

Verse 33. Fifty thousand — For this tribe, being next to that of Issachar, which was generally well affected to David, were probably very much swayed by their opinion and advice. Which could keep rank — Or, which were prepared, or ordered for battle, or to fight for David if occasion required. Not of double heart — They were sincerely loyal, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, while in their hearts they favoured Saul’s family. And none had any separate interests, but all were for the public good.

Ver. 33. Expert in war. In Saul’s time the young men of Israel, almost without exception, learned the arts of war.

33. Zebulun… expert in war… fifty thousand — Their numbers and prowess were still in keeping with their ancient fame acquired in the war with Sisera, Judges 5:18. Which could keep rank… not of double heart — This should all be taken together as a single sentence, who set the battle in array with no double heart. The word rendered keep rank, occurs only here and in verse 38. Our version seems to have hit the true meaning, but not to have expressed it clearly. The thought is, that the Zebulunite warriors were skillful in falling into rank, or arranging themselves in battle array. They were trained to do this without the least wavering or hesitation, (literally, not with heart and heart,) but with a firm and single mind.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

LIST OF WARRIORS WHO MADE DAVID KING OF ALL ISRAEL, 23-40. This list is a most interesting and important document in the annals of David. It indicates the proportion of sympathy and help (the number of votes, so to speak) he received from the various tribes at the time referred to in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3, when “all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,” to transfer to his hands the kingdom of Saul. Bertheau thinks that we have here only an extract from a complete list which contained the names and number of the chiefs, and also the number of warriors. This, however, is uncertain. The list may, indeed, have undergone some corruption, but it contains so many evidences of genuineness that we may well regard it as in the main a faithful copy.

23. The numbers of the bands — Literally, the numbers of the heads. This the Septuagint and Vulgate take in the sense of the number of chiefs, or captains; but as the following list is devoted chiefly to the numbers of the warriors, it is better to understand the word (ycar) as our translators have rendered it, bands, or companies, as it is rendered in Judges 7:16, 20; 9:34; 1 Samuel 11:11.

38. The rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king — That is, they made no opposition, and raised no remonstrance. How much so-ever some lacked sympathy for David, and mourned over the lost cause of Saul, all were convinced in their hearts that David was the divinely chosen king.

Verse 39. They were with David three days] These were the deputies of the different people mentioned here: it is not possible that all the thousands mentioned above could have feasted with David for three days; and yet it appears there was even of these a great number, for the men of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, who were nearest to this place of rendezvous, had brought all the necessaries for such a feast. From the whole it appears most evident that the great majority of the tribes of Israel wished to see the kingdom confirmed in the hands of David; nor was there ever in any country a man more worthy of the public choice. As a statesman, warrior, hero, poet, and divine, he stands unrivalled in the annals of the world: by him alone were the Israelites raised to a pitch of the highest splendour; and their name became a terror to their enemies, and a praise in the earth. But, alas, how are the mighty now fallen!

I CHRONICLES

39. Three days, eating and drinking — It was a day of joy to all the land, and the great assembly at Hebron did well to celebrate it with abundant festivity.

Verse 40. They that were nigh them — That lived not far from Hebron, the place where they now were. Unto Issachar, &c. — This is added by way of amplification and explication, to show that this was not to be understood of those Israelites only who lived in the neighbourhood of Hebron, but of those also who lived at some distance, yet were nearer to Hebron than some of the other tribes here named. And on oxen — Which, though not commonly used in this manner, nor very fit for such purposes, yet were now employed, because the quantity of provisions which they brought was very great, as the number of the people at Hebron were, and of horses they had few in Israel, and most of their asses, camels, and mules, here mentioned, were probably used to carry men, women, and children, to this great, and public, and happy solemnity. For there was joy in Israel — Partly because their civil wars were wholly ended, and they were all united under one king; and partly because they had now a king of eminent valour and piety, and therefore expected to be saved from all their enemies and calamities, as indeed they were. Such was the joy and feasting when David was made king. And when the throne of the Son of David is set up in any soul, there is great joy in that soul; and provision is made for the feasting of it, not as here, merely for two or three days, but for the whole life, nay, for eternity.

40. Even unto Issachar — Not only the tribes near Hebron, but those on the far off northern frontier contributed provisions for this great national feast.

The numbers of this list amount to 340,822, including 8,322 Levites and priests. When now we remember that the nation numbered 600,000 warriors in the time of Moses, (Numbers 1:46,) and 800,000 (besides the 500,000 of Judah) in the last years of David’s reign, (2 Samuel 24:9,) it seems probable that the numbers of the present list, both in the aggregate and in detail, are substantially correct. We need not suppose that all the warriors of all the tribes went to Hebron to make David king, but that about 300,000 appeared on that occasion is every way probable. With this vast host of warriors the newly elected king of “all Israel” proceeded at once to the conquest of Jerusalem. See 1 Chronicles 11:1-9.