Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away, saying, "It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.") Some from Manasseh defected to DavidThe tribe of Manasseh was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. This defection signifies a shift in loyalty from Saul, the reigning king, to David, who was anointed by God to be the next king. The defection of these warriors highlights the growing support for David among the tribes of Israel, indicating divine favor and the fulfillment of God's promise to David. This act of defection can be seen as a type of the gathering of believers to Christ, the true anointed King. when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul.
David's alliance with the Philistines was a strategic move during a time when he was fleeing from Saul. The Philistines were long-standing enemies of Israel, and David's presence among them was a complex situation. This phrase underscores the tension and danger David faced, as he was caught between his loyalty to Israel and his need for refuge. It also reflects the providential protection over David, as God used even his enemies to preserve him. (They did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers consulted and sent David away,
The Philistine rulers' decision to send David away was a result of their suspicion and fear that he might turn against them in battle. This consultation among the Philistine lords demonstrates the political and military caution of the time. It also shows God's intervention, as David was spared from fighting against his own people, which would have been a significant moral and political dilemma. saying, “It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.”)
The Philistine rulers' fear of David defecting back to Saul highlights David's reputation as a formidable warrior and leader. Their concern for their own safety ("It will cost us our heads") indicates the high stakes of ancient warfare and the precarious nature of alliances. This phrase also foreshadows David's eventual kingship, as even his enemies recognized his potential to lead and influence. The situation reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in guiding and protecting His chosen leaders. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, who was at this time fleeing from King Saul and seeking refuge among the Philistines. 2. ManassehOne of the tribes of Israel, some members of which defected to David during his time with the Philistines. 3. PhilistinesA neighboring people often at war with Israel, among whom David sought refuge. 4. SaulThe first king of Israel, who was pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 5. Rulers of the PhilistinesLeaders who decided not to allow David to fight with them, fearing he might turn against them in battle. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Leadership TransitionsDespite human plans and fears, God's purposes prevail. David's rise to leadership was orchestrated by God, even through unexpected alliances and defections. The Importance of DiscernmentThe Philistine rulers showed discernment in recognizing the potential risk of David's allegiance. Believers today must also seek wisdom and discernment in their decisions and alliances. Faithfulness in Uncertain TimesDavid's journey with the Philistines illustrates the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. Trust in God's TimingDavid's eventual kingship was a result of God's perfect timing. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises in their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the actions of the men of Manasseh who defected to David, and how does this apply to our own decisions about loyalty and allegiance? 2. How does the account of David's time with the Philistines challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem contrary to His promises? 3. In what ways can we practice discernment in our own lives, especially when forming alliances or making significant decisions? 4. How does David's experience with the Philistines encourage us to remain faithful to God's calling, even when we face opposition or uncertainty? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing in your life. How did that experience strengthen your faith and trust in Him? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 29This chapter provides a detailed account of the events surrounding David's time with the Philistines and their decision to send him away. 2 Samuel 2Chronicles the beginning of David's reign over Judah, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to David. Judges 7The account of Gideon, another leader from Manasseh, who also faced challenges in aligning with God's will. Psalm 56A psalm of David that reflects his trust in God during times of fear and uncertainty, likely written during his time with the Philistines. 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 Advisement, Battle, Consultation, Cost, Counsel, David, Defect, Defected, Deliberation, Desert, Deserted, Deserts, Didn't, Discussion, Fall, Fallen, Fell, Fight, Heads, Helped, Jeopardy, Lords, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Master, Peril, Philistines, Price, Princes, Rulers, Saul, Saying, War, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 12:19 5509 rulers 1 Chronicles 12:19-20 7266 tribes of Israel 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 12:19 NIV1 Chronicles 12:19 NLT1 Chronicles 12:19 ESV1 Chronicles 12:19 NASB1 Chronicles 12:19 KJV
1 Chronicles 12:19 Commentaries
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