1 Chronicles 12:5
Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;
Eluzai,

Eluzai joined David at Ziklag among the Benjamite warriors who recognized that God’s purpose was with David rather than Saul. His name, “God is my strength,” accords with the confidence required of men who left Saul’s sphere of influence to support the future king.

1Ch 11:10-14 Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men,…
2Sa 23:8-12 These are the names of David’s mighty men:…
1Sa 22:1-2 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam.…

Jerimoth,

Jerimoth stood with those who strengthened David during his exile. His name means “He is exalted,” fitting the larger movement by which the Lord was raising David toward the throne promised to him.

1Ch 25:4 From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel,…
1Ch 24:30 And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.…
2Ch 11:18 And Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter…

Bealiah,

Bealiah’s name means “Yahweh is Lord” and declares Yahweh as Lord. In an age marked by surrounding idolatry and recurring compromise within Israel, his allegiance in David’s company testified that Israel’s king and kingdom were to be established under the rule of Yahweh.

1Ch 11:15-19 Three of the thirty chief men went down to David…
2Sa 23:13-17 At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down…
2Sa 5:1-3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron…

Shemariah,

Shemariah’s name, “Yahweh has kept,” reflects the Lord’s preserving care over David and those who gathered to him. David’s supporters were not merely military recruits; they became instruments through whom God protected His anointed servant and advanced His covenant purposes.

2Ch 11:19 She bore sons to him: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham.
Ezr 10:32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
2Ch 11:23 Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons…

and Shephatiah the Haruphite;

Shephatiah, whose name means “Yahweh has judged,” belonged to the Haruphite family or clan. His inclusion shows that men from differing households and backgrounds were drawn together in loyalty to David, anticipating the unity God would bring to Israel under David’s reign.

1Ch 27:16 These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel:…
2Sa 3:4 his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith;…
Jer 38:1 Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eluzai
- One of the warriors who joined David at Ziklag. His name means "God is my strength."

2. Jerimoth
- Another warrior who supported David. His name can mean "Heights" or "Exaltations."

3. Bealiah
- A warrior whose name means "Yahweh is Lord."

4. Shemariah
- A supporter of David, with a name meaning "Guarded by Yahweh."

5. Shephatiah the Haruphite
- A warrior from the clan of Haruph, his name means "Yahweh has judged."
Teaching Points
The Importance of Loyal Supporters
Just as David had loyal warriors, we need faithful friends and supporters in our spiritual journey. Surround yourself with those who encourage and strengthen your faith.

Names Reflecting Faith
The names of these warriors reflect their faith and relationship with God. Consider how your identity in Christ shapes your actions and decisions.

God as Our Strength
The meaning of Eluzai's name, "God is my strength," reminds us to rely on God's power in our battles, both physical and spiritual.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse backgrounds of David's warriors show the strength found in unity. Embrace the diversity within the body of Christ to achieve common goals.

Faithfulness in Adversity
These warriors joined David during a challenging time. Their faithfulness is a model for remaining steadfast in our commitments, even when circumstances are difficult.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can the loyalty of David's warriors inspire us to be faithful in our relationships and commitments today?

2. In what ways do the meanings of the warriors' names encourage us to reflect on our identity in Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of relying on God's strength in our daily challenges?

4. What are some practical ways to foster unity and embrace diversity within our church or community?

5. How can we remain faithful to God and others during times of adversity, drawing from the example of David's warriors?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 27:2-3
This passage provides context for David's time in Ziklag, where these warriors joined him.

2 Samuel 23:8-39
Lists David's mighty men, showing the importance of loyal supporters in his reign.

Psalm 18:32-34
Highlights God as the source of strength, a theme reflected in the names and roles of David's warriors.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Discusses faith and strength in God, similar to the faithfulness of David's warriors.
David's Mighty Men: the Gadites, Benjamites, and JudahF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 12:1-22
The Service of the Supreme KingW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 12:1-15, 19-22
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
Bealiah, Beali'ah, Eluzai, Elu'zai, Hariphite, Haruphite, Har'uphite, Jerimoth, Jer'imoth, Shemariah, Shemari'ah, Shephatiah, Shephati'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 12:4

     1654   numbers, 11-99
     5087   David, reign of

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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