1 Chronicles 12:25
From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle.
From the Simeonites
The tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. Historically, the Simeonites were known for their fierce and warrior-like nature, as seen in Genesis 34 with the incident at Shechem. The Simeonites' inclusion here signifies their loyalty and commitment to David's kingship, despite their earlier dispersion within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This reflects a unity among the tribes of Israel under David's leadership, a key theme in the Chronicler's narrative.

Mighty men of valor
This phrase, "gibborim chayil" in Hebrew, denotes not only physical strength and bravery but also a noble character and dedication to a cause. These men were not just warriors; they were heroes of faith and integrity, embodying the ideal of a godly warrior. Their valor is a testament to their faith in God's promises and their willingness to fight for the establishment of a righteous kingdom under David, who is a type of Christ, the ultimate King.

For war
The context of war here is significant, as it underscores the ongoing struggle for the establishment of David's rule over all Israel. This was not merely a physical battle but a spiritual one, representing the conflict between God's chosen king and the forces of opposition. The Simeonites' readiness for war highlights their preparedness and willingness to engage in the spiritual battle for God's purposes, a call echoed in the New Testament for believers to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

7,100
The specific number of warriors from the tribe of Simeon indicates the substantial support David received from this tribe. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic meaning, and while the exact significance of 7,100 is not explicitly stated, the number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. This could suggest the completeness of the Simeonites' commitment to David, reflecting the broader theme of unity and divine order in the establishment of David's kingdom. This unity and completeness are a foreshadowing of the perfect and eternal kingdom established by Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Danites
The tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah. Known for their warrior spirit, they played a significant role in Israel's military endeavors.

2. David's Army
The context of this verse is the gathering of warriors to support David as he ascends to the throne of Israel. This assembly of troops from various tribes signifies the unification of Israel under David's leadership.

3. Ziklag
The place where David was residing when these warriors came to support him. It was a Philistine town given to David by Achish, king of Gath, during his time of refuge from Saul.
Teaching Points
Unity in Purpose
The gathering of the Danites and other tribes to support David illustrates the importance of unity among God's people. Just as they united for a common cause, Christians are called to unite in purpose to advance God's kingdom.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
The readiness of the Danites for physical battle serves as a metaphor for spiritual readiness. Believers are encouraged to be spiritually prepared, equipped with the armor of God, to face spiritual battles.

Commitment to God’s Anointed
The support for David, God's anointed king, reflects the importance of aligning with God's chosen leaders. In the Christian context, this can be seen as a call to support and pray for church leaders and those in spiritual authority.

Faithfulness in Service
The Danites' willingness to serve in David's army demonstrates faithfulness and loyalty. Christians are called to be faithful in their service to God and His church, using their gifts and talents for His glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the Danites' readiness for battle about being prepared for spiritual challenges in our own lives?

2. How does the unity of the tribes under David's leadership inspire us to seek unity within our own church communities?

3. In what ways can we support and pray for our spiritual leaders, as the tribes supported David?

4. How does the concept of being "ready for battle" apply to our daily walk with Christ, especially in the context of Ephesians 6:10-18?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to unite with others for a common purpose. How did that experience strengthen your faith and commitment to God's work?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 18
This chapter provides background on the tribe of Dan, highlighting their search for territory and their warrior nature, which is consistent with their readiness for battle in 1 Chronicles 12:25.

2 Samuel 5
This chapter describes David's anointing as king over all Israel, which is the culmination of the support he receives from the tribes, including the Danites.

Ephesians 6:10-18
This passage on the armor of God can be connected to the readiness for battle mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:25, emphasizing spiritual preparedness in the Christian life.
David's Mighty Men: Description and CharacterF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Joy in (The) Israel (Of God)W. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 12:23-31, 33-40
The Hearts of All Men are in God's HandsR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
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, Zilthai
Places
Anathoth, Gederah, Gedor, Gibeah, Gibeon, Hebron, Jordan River, Ziklag
Topics
Battle, Host, 100, Mighty, Ones, Ready, Seven, Simeon, Simeonites, Sons, Thousand, Valor, Valour, War, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 12:23-28

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 12:23-37

     8329   readiness

1 Chronicles 12:23-38

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 12:24-37

     5208   armies

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 Scripture

The 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

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