1 Chronicles 12

1 these are they that came, etc. This chapter contains four lists, not found in 2 Sam.: 1, of those who came to David in Ziklag (1-7), 1 Sam. xxvii. 6, etc.; 2, of the Gadites and others who had previously come to him in Adullam (8-18), 1 Sam. xxii. 1, 2; 3, of those from Manasseh who adhered to him when with the Philistine king Achish, and accompanied him on his dismissal (19-22), 1 Sam. xxvii., xxix.; 4, of the great gathering that afterwards made him king in Hebron (23-40), 2 Sam. v.

kept himself close. When he was unable to appear in public in Israel, on account of Saul.

2 even of Saul’s brethren. This was the more remarkable because as Benjamites they were of the same tribe with Saul: see ver. 29.

Benjamin. The Benjamites were noted for being able to use either hand with equal facility; or for using the left hand (as in the case of Ehud, Judges iii. 15) instead of the right (Judges xx. 16).

3. Antothite. From Anathoth, a priests’ city: see Jer. i. 1.

8 into the hold to the wilderness. Rather, as R.V., to the hold in the wilderness, doubtless Adullam: 1 Sam. xxii. 1, 2.

buckler. Rather, “spear” (R.V.), as in ver. 24. These were bold and agile, light armed, fit for guerilla warfare.

16 the hold. i.e., Adullam, as in ver. 8.

17 betray me to mine enemies. David probably at first doubted the intentions of the Benjamites, because Saul was of that tribe: see ver. 2. This accession from the tribe of Benjamin appears to have been the earlier of the two.

18 the spirit came upon. Heb., “clothed.” In the two similar passages the full phrase “Spirit of God” is used: see Judges vi. 34; 2 Chron. xxiv. 20. Amasai is moved to take David’s part because it is God’s cause.

19 upon advisement. Or, “by counsel”; i.e., upon deliberation.

22 like the host of God. Rather, “like a host of God”; a common Hebraism denoting a very large and powerful host.

23 came to David. That is, after the death of Ish-bosheth (2 Sam. iv. 5).

26 the children of Levi. The Levites upon this occasion, as upon some others, came out as warriors.

27. Jehoiada. Abiathar was then high priest, and Jehoiada was captain over the warriors of the house of Aaron. Benaiah, the commander of David’s body-guard, and chief general in Solomon’s army, was his son.

29 had kept the ward. Rather, “had kept their allegiance,” as R.V.

32 had understanding. Equivalent to “understanding the signs of the times.” Cp. Matt. xvi. 3. The tribe of Issachar seems to have sent only its chiefs; but they were to express the unanimous assent of the people; who appear to have had entire confidence in the political wisdom of their leaders.

33 could keep rank, etc. R.V., “that could enter the battle array, and were not of double heart.” They were well disciplined and had a single purpose.

38 with a perfect heart. i.e., with sincere loyalty.

39 prepared for them. i.e., brought them provisions.