All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. All these men of warThis phrase refers to the valiant warriors who gathered to support David. The Hebrew term for "men of war" is "anshei milchamah," indicating seasoned soldiers skilled in battle. Historically, these men were not just fighters but were also loyalists who recognized David's divine anointing. Their presence underscores the unity and strength of purpose among the tribes of Israel. who could keep ranks
The ability to "keep ranks" signifies discipline and order among the troops. The Hebrew word "arak" implies arranging or setting in order, which is crucial for effective military strategy. This discipline reflects their commitment and readiness to support David, highlighting the importance of unity and organization in achieving God's purposes. came to Hebron
Hebron is a significant location in biblical history, known as the city where David was first anointed king over Judah. It is a city with deep patriarchal roots, being associated with Abraham. The gathering at Hebron symbolizes a pivotal moment of transition and fulfillment of God's promise to David. fully determined
The phrase "fully determined" translates from the Hebrew "lev shalem," meaning a whole or complete heart. This indicates the warriors' unwavering commitment and wholehearted support for David. Their determination reflects a collective recognition of David's rightful kingship as ordained by God. to make David king over all Israel
This phrase highlights the central purpose of the gathering: to establish David as the king over the united tribes of Israel. David's kingship is a fulfillment of God's covenant, and this moment marks the unification of the nation under a divinely chosen leader. It signifies a new era of leadership and divine favor. And all the rest of the Israelites
This refers to the broader community of Israel beyond the warriors. The inclusion of "all the rest" emphasizes the widespread support for David, indicating a national consensus. It reflects the collective acknowledgment of David's anointing and the desire for a unified kingdom. were of one mind
The phrase "of one mind" translates from the Hebrew "lev echad," meaning a united heart or purpose. This unity among the Israelites is crucial for the establishment of David's reign. It signifies a harmonious alignment with God's will and a shared vision for the future of Israel. to make David king
The repetition of the intent "to make David king" underscores the central theme of the verse. It highlights the divine orchestration in David's rise to power and the fulfillment of God's promise. This moment is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of aligning with His chosen leadership. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people. David's kingship is a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's covenant and promise to Israel. 2. Men of WarThese were the warriors from various tribes of Israel who gathered to support David. They were skilled in battle and committed to the cause of establishing David as king. 3. HebronA significant city in Judah where David was first anointed king over Judah before becoming king over all Israel. It served as a political and spiritual center during this period. 4. IsraelThe united tribes of God's chosen people. This event marks a pivotal moment in their history as they come together to recognize David's leadership. 5. Unity of PurposeThe collective agreement and unity among the tribes of Israel to make David king, demonstrating a shared vision and commitment to God's plan. Teaching Points Unity in PurposeThe unity of the tribes of Israel in supporting David as king serves as a powerful example of the strength and effectiveness that comes from being united in purpose. In the church today, believers are called to be of one mind in Christ, working together for the advancement of God's kingdom. Wholehearted CommitmentThe phrase "with a whole heart" emphasizes the complete dedication of the warriors to David's kingship. As Christians, we are called to serve God with our whole hearts, fully committed to His will and purposes. God's Sovereign PlanThe gathering at Hebron underscores God's sovereign plan in establishing David as king. It reminds us that God is in control and His plans will prevail, encouraging us to trust in His timing and purposes. Leadership and FollowershipDavid's acceptance as king by all Israel highlights the importance of godly leadership and the willingness of the people to follow. In our lives, we should seek to support and pray for our leaders, both spiritual and secular, as they guide us according to God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the unity of the tribes of Israel in making David king teach us about the importance of unity in the church today? 2. How can we apply the concept of "wholehearted commitment" in our personal walk with God and in our service to others? 3. In what ways can we recognize and support God's sovereign plan in our lives, even when it requires patience and trust? 4. How does the leadership of David reflect the qualities we should look for in our leaders today, both in the church and in society? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to foster unity and a shared purpose within our own communities and congregations? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter describes the anointing of David by Samuel, highlighting God's choice of David as king, which sets the stage for the events in 1 Chronicles 12:38. 2 Samuel 5This passage recounts David's anointing as king over all Israel, fulfilling the unity and purpose described in 1 Chronicles 12:38. Psalm 133This psalm celebrates the beauty and blessing of unity among God's people, reflecting the unity seen in the tribes of Israel as they support David. People Aaron, Aaronites, Adnah, Ahiezer, Amasai, Asher, Attai, Azareel, Azmaveth, Bealiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Berachah, Danites, David, Eliab, Eliel, Elihu, Elkanah, Eluzai, Elzabad, Ezer, Gad, Gadites, Gedor, Gibeon, Ishmaiah, Ismaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Isshiah, Jahaziel, Jashobeam, Jediael, Jehoiada, Jehu, Jeremiah, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Jesiah, Jesse, Jeziel, Joash, Joelah, Joezer, Johanan, Josabad, Jozabad, Kish, Korahites, Korhites, Levi, Levites, Machbanai, Manasseh, Michael, Mishmannah, Naphtali, Obadiah, Pelet, Reuben, Reubenites, Saul, Shemaah, Shemariah, Shephatiah, Simeon, Simeonites, Zadok, Zebadiah, Zebulun, ZilthaiPlaces Anathoth, Gederah, Gedor, Gibeah, Gibeon, Hebron, Jordan River, ZiklagTopics Array, Arrayed, Battle, Cause, David, Desire, Determined, Draw, Expert, Fight, Formation, Full, Fully, Heart, Hebron, Intent, Israelites, Keeping, Likewise, Making, Mind, Order, Ordering, Perfect, Purpose, Rank, Ranks, Reign, Rest, Serve, Single, United, Volunteered, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 12:38 5714 men 1 Chronicles 12:23-38 5544 soldiers 1 Chronicles 12:37-40 7266 tribes of Israel 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 4458 grape
8452 neighbours, duty to Library Drill and Enthusiasm
'[Men that] could keep rank, they were not of double heart.'--1 CHRON. xii. 33. These words come from the muster-roll of the hastily raised army that brought David up to Hebron and made him King. The catalogue abounds in brief characterisations of the qualities of each tribe's contingent. For example, Issachar had 'understanding of the times.' Our text is spoken of the warriors of Zebulon, who had left their hills and their flocks in the far north, and poured down from their seats by the blue waters …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Channel of Power.
A Word that Sticks and Stings. I suppose everyone here can think of three or four persons whom he loves or regards highly, who are not christians. Can you? Perhaps in your own home circle, or in the circle of your close friends. They may be nice people, cultured, lovable, delightful companions, fond of music and good books, and all that; but this is true of them, that they do not trust and confess Jesus as a personal Savior. Can you think of such persons in your own circle? I am going to wait a …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power God's Answers
GOD'S ANSWERS: A RECORD OF MISS ANNIE MACPHERSON'S WORK AT THE HOME OF INDUSTRY, SPITALFIELDS, LONDON, AND IN CANADA. CLARA M. S. LOWE "Peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee." --1 CHRON. xii. 18. …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers Beneath his Banner
"Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse."--1 Chron. xii. 18. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 'Twixt God and thee but love shall be; 'Twixt earth and thee distrust and fear, 'Twixt sin and thee shall be hate and war; And hope shall be 'twixt Heaven and thee Till night is o'er. …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
To Anastasius, Bishop [1602] . Gregory to Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14), because that great river which once had left the rocks of Antioch dry has returned at length to its proper channel, and waters the subject valleys that are near, so as also to bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some an hundred-fold. For now there is no doubt that many flowers of souls are growing up in its valleys, and that …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The King.
We have now to turn and see the sudden change of fortune which lifted the exile to a throne. The heavy cloud which had brooded so long over the doomed king broke in lightning crash on the disastrous field of Gilboa. Where is there a sadder and more solemn story of the fate of a soul which makes shipwreck "of faith and of a good conscience," than that awful page which tells how, godless, wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody sword, and died a suicide's death, …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Chronicles 12:38 NIV1 Chronicles 12:38 NLT1 Chronicles 12:38 ESV1 Chronicles 12:38 NASB1 Chronicles 12:38 KJV
1 Chronicles 12:38 Commentaries
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