1 Chronicles 12:33
From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David.
From Zebulun
The tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is named after the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. Historically, Zebulun was known for its strategic location near the sea, which facilitated trade and interaction with other cultures. This tribe's inclusion in David's army signifies the unity and support from various tribes of Israel, highlighting the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:13, where Zebulun is associated with maritime commerce and prosperity.

50,000 fit for service
The number "50,000" is significant, indicating a substantial force from Zebulun. In the Hebrew context, numbers often symbolize completeness or strength. "Fit for service" suggests that these men were not only physically capable but also mentally prepared and willing to serve. This readiness reflects a disciplined and committed group, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in spiritual warfare as well.

trained for battle
The phrase "trained for battle" underscores the importance of preparation and skill in warfare. In the Hebrew tradition, training was not just physical but also involved understanding tactics and strategies. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call for believers to be well-versed in Scripture and equipped with the knowledge to defend their faith.

with all kinds of weapons of war
This indicates a comprehensive arsenal, suggesting versatility and adaptability in combat. Historically, the Israelites used a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and bows. Spiritually, this can be likened to the "armor of God" described in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are encouraged to equip themselves with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God.

who with one purpose
Unity is a central theme here. The phrase "with one purpose" highlights the collective focus and determination of the men of Zebulun. In the Hebrew context, unity among the tribes was crucial for the success of Israel. This unity is a powerful reminder of the strength found in communal faith and shared goals within the body of Christ.

were devoted to David
The devotion to David signifies loyalty and recognition of God's anointed king. David, a man after God's own heart, represents the ideal leader who unites the tribes under God's covenant. This devotion is a reflection of the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's chosen leadership, paralleling the Christian call to devotion to Christ, the ultimate King and Shepherd.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zebulun
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. Known for their loyalty and military prowess.

2. David
The anointed king of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people. At this time, David was consolidating his rule and gathering support from various tribes.

3. The Gathering at Hebron
This event marks the assembly of warriors from various tribes to support David's kingship, demonstrating unity and commitment to God's chosen leader.
Teaching Points
Unity in Purpose
The men of Zebulun were "with one purpose" devoted to David. This unity is crucial in the body of Christ, where believers are called to be of one mind and spirit in serving God's kingdom.

Preparedness for Battle
Just as the warriors were trained and equipped for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, wearing the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual challenges.

Loyalty to God's Anointed
The devotion of Zebulun to David reflects the importance of loyalty to God's chosen leaders. In the church, this translates to supporting and praying for those in spiritual leadership.

Commitment to God's Plan
The tribe's commitment to David signifies a broader commitment to God's plan and purposes. Believers are encouraged to seek and align with God's will in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the unity and purpose of the tribe of Zebulun inspire us in our local church communities today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the battles we face, drawing parallels to the physical preparedness of Zebulun's warriors?

3. How can we demonstrate loyalty and support to the leaders God has placed in our lives, both in the church and in other areas?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to commit to God's plan, even when it was challenging. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can the example of Zebulun's devotion to David encourage us to be more committed to God's purposes in our personal lives and communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 5:18
This verse highlights the bravery of the tribe of Zebulun, who risked their lives in battle, showing their longstanding reputation for courage and loyalty.

Psalm 78:70-72
These verses describe God's choice of David as king, emphasizing his shepherd's heart and integrity, which inspired loyalty among the tribes.

Ephesians 6:10-18
This passage speaks of the spiritual armor of God, drawing a parallel to the physical preparedness and unity of Zebulun's warriors.
Drill and EnthusiasmAlexander Maclaren1 Chronicles 12:33
Keeping RankT. De Witt Talmage.1 Chronicles 12:33
Singleness of HeartJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 12:33
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
Single-MindednessR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 12:33-38
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
50000, Army, Array, Battle, David, Double, Experienced, Fifty, Instruments, Loyalty, Manner, Order, Prepared, Soldiers, Thousand, Type, Undivided, War, Weapon, Zebulun
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 12:33

     5853   experience, of life
     7266   tribes of Israel
     8304   loyalty

1 Chronicles 12:23-37

     8329   readiness

1 Chronicles 12:23-38

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 12:24-37

     5208   armies

1 Chronicles 12:33-37

     5612   weapons

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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