1Chronicles 11:1 ¶ Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
1Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
1Chronicles 11:3 Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.
These verses are basically a repeat of 2Samuel 5:1-3.
After ruling for 7.5 years in Judah from Hebron…
2 Samuel 2:11 “And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.”
…the leaders of the rest of the tribes of Israel came to David to make him their king. They first presented themselves as brothers—all children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They noted that even when Saul was king, David had established himself as a great military leader. Interestingly, they then admitted that they knew that it was the LORD’s will for David to be their leader and protector. (So why had they not made him king after Saul’s death in the first place?)
Interesting note: The word for “feed” in verse two references tending a flock. David’s early days were spent as a shepherd for his father’s flocks. His days as the king of Israel would be spent as shepherd of his Heavenly Father’s flocks.
1Chronicles 11:4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.
1Chronicles 11:5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.
Guzik provides this note on Jerusalem: “To this point Jerusalem was a small Canaanite city in the center of Israel. Some 400 years after God commanded Israel to take the whole land, this city was still in Canaanite hands.”
Though we aren’t given any of David’s reasoning, he wanted to make Jerusalem his capital. The IVP Old Testament Commentary adds some insight: “The city is strategically located along an east-west road that runs from the fords of the Jordan near Jericho to the coastal highway. It is also by the most significant north-south road that runs through the hill country from Beersheba to Beth Shan. Its location is also strategic because of its position by the border between Judah and Benjamin. The deep valleys on the east and west of the ridge and the reliable water supply found at the Gihon spring combined to make the location defensible and desirable.”
To make Jerusalem his capital, David had to conquer the Jebusites that were living there. 2Samuel tells us that the Jebusites felt so secure behind their walls that they taunted David,. They declared that even the blind and lame of their city could prevent him from conquering their city.
JFB provides some insight regarding this taunt: “To understand the full meaning and force of this insulting taunt, it is necessary to bear in mind the depth and steepness of the valley of Gihon, and the lofty walls of the ancient Canaanitish fortress.”
2 Samuel 5:6 “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.”
1Chronicles 11:6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.
David challenged his men. He declared that whoever was the first one to lead a victorious attack on the Jebusites would become his top military commander. His nephew Joab, son of his sister Zeruiah, successfully answered that challenge. The NIV Commentary notes that he did this by: “…ascending a concealed watershaft from the Gihon spring so as to end up within the city walls.” This statement is supported by some of the other translations.
NRSV - 2 Samuel 5:8 “David had said on that day, ‘Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates.’”
NASB - 2 Samuel 5:8 “David said on that day, ‘Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.’”
ESV - 2 Samuel 5:8 “And David said on that day, ‘Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.’”
CJB - 2 Samuel 5:8 “What David said on that day was, ‘In order to attack the Y’vusi, you have to climb up [from the spring outside the city] through the water tunnel.’”
1Chronicles 11:7 And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.
1Chronicles 11:8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
1Chronicles 11:9 So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.
David took up residence in the fort, and the area became known as the city of David. He then built the city all around the fort, starting at Millo (the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall); while Joab built up and repaired the rest of the city.
JFB provides this note from Calmet: “David built a new town to the north of the old one on Mount Zion; but Joab was charged with a commission to restore the part that had been occupied by the ancient Jebus, to repair the breaches made during the siege, to rebuild the houses which had been demolished or burned in the sacking of the town, and to preserve all that had escaped the violence of the soldiery. This work of reconstruction is not noticed elsewhere.”
David’s influence became stronger and stronger because the LORD of hosts, the armies of heaven, was with him.
The LORD is referenced this way at least 235 times in scripture. It is a comforting reminder to the believer to know that there are spiritual forces fighting on our behalf at the command of the LORD. This is pictured different times in the scriptures; e.g., when Elisha was surrounded by the enemy (2Kings 6) and when the angel was sent to Daniel with a message (Daniel 9).
1Chronicles 11:10 ¶ These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
At this point, the writer begins a section about David’s “mighty men,” those who had pushed for David to become king and held the highest positions in his court. Point is made again that these men knew that it was the LORD’s will for David to become king.
1Chronicles 11:11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time.
Chief among his mighty men was Jashobeam (called Adino in Samuel), an Hachmonite. Once he had killed 300 men with his spear in a single battle. It should be noted that there is a discrepancy in the number killed with the account in Samuel where it is stated that he killed 800.
2 Samuel 23:8 “These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.”
This is bound to be a copy error—either number would be a tremendous feat. Some commentators note that the number in Samuel is probably correct.
1Chronicles 11:12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.
1Chronicles 11:13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
1Chronicles 11:14 And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.
Second in command was Eleazar, son of Dodo, the Ahohite; he was one of the top three of the mighty men. He once fought with David to protect a field full of barley from being confiscated by the Philistines; the people had fled in fear. It is emphasized that the LORD gave them the victory. The record in Samuel adds the following.
2 Samuel 23:9–10 “And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day;”
1Chronicles 11:15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
1Chronicles 11:16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines’ garrison was then at Bethlehem.
1Chronicles 11:17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!
1Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,
1Chronicles 11:19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
The writer now relates an incident that shows the courage and commitment to David of his mighty men. David was staying in the stronghold at the cave of Adullam when the three of his 30 captains came to see him. The Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim by Bethlehem. David expressed his desire for just one drink from the well that was at the gate to the city of Bethlehem, his hometown. The three mighty men proceeded to get through the Philistine camp and get some water to bring back to David. Much to their surprise I am sure, David refused to drink the water; he pour it out as an offering before the LORD. I like the way the CJB words it: “My God forbid that I should do such a thing! Am I to drink the blood of these men who went and put their lives in jeopardy? They risked their lives to bring it!”
1Chronicles 11:20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.
1Chronicles 11:21 Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
Abishai, brother of Joab, was another nephew of David’s. Though the wording is confusing, it seems he was chief of the next three of the mighty men. He was noted for killing 300 with his spear. A search of the scripture for Abishai reminds of the time that he volunteered to go with David into Saul’s camp when they stole Saul’s spear and his cruse of water (see 1Samuel 26). Previous studies revealed that he and his brother Joab disobeyed David more than once for reasons they considered justified in protecting him and dispensing justice.
It seems that the historian has forgotten to name the third of the top three. He includes his name, however, in chapter 23 of 2Samuel—Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite.
2 Samuel 23:11–12 “And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.”
1Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
1Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
1Chronicles 11:24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.
1Chronicles 11:25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.
Benaiah, son of Jehoida who was the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, was yet another of the top mighty men. He was known for killing two heroes (from the Hebrew) of Moab and for killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He had also killed a 7.5’ tall Egyptian that carried a heavy spear. Using a staff as his weapon, he was able to take the spear away from the Egyptian and kill him with his own spear. It is noted that, along with Abishai, he was in the second rank of the top men. David appointed Benaiah as chief over his bodyguards.
Research indicates that weaver’s beams are the two strong beams that are at the top and bottom of a weaver’s loom that brace it. In biblical times they measured 2-2.5 inches in diameter.
The chapter closes with a listing of the rest of David’s mighty men. I counted 47 more along with those previously named; the group has grown from the initial 30. The listing in 2Samuel 23 ends with Uriah the Hittite (v41), the warrior whom David had killed so he could marry Bathsheba.
1Chronicles 11:26 Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
1Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
1Chronicles 11:28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
1Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
1Chronicles 11:30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
1Chronicles 11:31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
1Chronicles 11:32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
1Chronicles 11:33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
1Chronicles 11:34 The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,
1Chronicles 11:35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
1Chronicles 11:36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
1Chronicles 11:37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,
1Chronicles 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,
1Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,
1Chronicles 11:40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
1Chronicles 11:41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
1Chronicles 11:42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
1Chronicles 11:43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
1Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,
1Chronicles 11:45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
1Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
1Chronicles 11:47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.
1Chronicles 12:1 ¶ Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
1Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
We learned in 1Samuel 27 that David sought asylum with the Philistines during the time that his life was in danger from Saul. Achish, king of Gath, decided to give him the city of Ziklag, where he and his men lived for 16 months. He was accompanied at that time by a group of men from the tribe of Benjamin that was loyal to him. They were armed with bows and could shoot arrows and use their slings with precision with both right and left hands.
The IVP Commentary offered an interesting insight on this section: “Left-handedness was not acceptable in the ancient world because it was generally associated with evil or demons. As a result, anyone who was left-handed became ambidextrous because the use of the left hand in many situations was not approved. In battle, however, the ability to use either hand could become a distinct advantage. For instance, battle strategies were often designed to force the enemy to be moving to their left while fighting. For a right- handed soldier, this would put his shield (in his left hand) away from the enemy and expose him to attack. An ambidextrous soldier could easily switch the shield to his right hand without compromising his ability to fight as he moved. An ambidextrous bowman using a tree or rock for protection would have a wider range of target available because he could shoot from either side without exposing himself to the enemy.”
The verses below identify their leader as Ahiezer, then goes on to name the rest of these men.
1Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
1Chronicles 12:4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
1Chronicles 12:5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,
1Chronicles 12:6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,
1Chronicles 12:7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
1Chronicles 12:8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;
There were also some men from the tribe of Gad that were loyal to David. These courageous warriors were ready for battle and could handle shield and spear; they were known for their fleetness of foot on the mountains.
1Chronicles 12:9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
1Chronicles 12:10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
1Chronicles 12:11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
1Chronicles 12:12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
1Chronicles 12:13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.
1Chronicles 12:14 These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.
1Chronicles 12:15 These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.
This section lists those that are identified as captains of the troops of Gad. The weakest one among them was considered worth 100 regular soldiers and the strongest worth over a thousand. They crossed the Jordan River in the first month when it was at flood stage and drove out those living in the valleys to the east and west.
The first month was in the spring when the snows were melting off the mountains and filling the rivers to flood stage.
1Chronicles 12:16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
1Chronicles 12:17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
More men came to David from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. He went out to meet them and determine if they came in peace to help him. He promised to receive them as brothers if they did. If, however, they came as enemies, he called for God’s judgment upon them because he was innocent of any wrongdoing against them.
1Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
The writer notes that the spirit (the Holy Spirit) came upon Amasai, who later became one of the leaders of David’s mighty men. He declared that they were loyal to David and wished him only peace because they recognized that God was with him. David accepted them and gave them leadership positions.
These men knew from observation that the LORD was with David. I pray that would be true about me as others observe my life.
1Chronicles 12:19 And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads
1Chronicles 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.
Some of the men of Manasseh also came to side with David while he was at Ziklag. We are reminded that the Philistines decided not to let David go to war with them because they feared he would turn against them in battle against fellow Israelites. The writer identifies seven of the captains, each a leader of a group of 1000 men from Manasseh.
1Chronicles 12:21 And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.
1Chronicles 12:22 For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.
These men helped David and his troops at Ziklag defeat the Amalekites who had raided and plundered them and retrieve all that had been stolen (see 1Samuel 30). All of them were strong men of courage and seasoned leaders.
David’s army grew day by day until it seemed to number like the host of God.
In the next section we jump forward in time to when the people came to Hebron to make David king over a unified kingdom.
1Chronicles 12:23 ¶ And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
1Chronicles 12:24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
1Chronicles 12:25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.
1Chronicles 12:26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.
1Chronicles 12:27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;
1Chronicles 12:28 And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father’s house twenty and two captains.
1Chronicles 12:29 And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
1Chronicles 12:30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.
1Chronicles 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
1Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
1Chronicles 12:33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
1Chronicles 12:34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
1Chronicles 12:35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.
1Chronicles 12:36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.
1Chronicles 12:37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.
This section lists the numbers of the men that came to Hebron ready to make David their king.
From Judah – 6,800 men armed with shield and spear
From Simeon – 7,100 strong, courageous warriors
From Levi – 4,600; Jehoiada led those descended from Aaron, numbering 3,700; Zadok, a strong and courageous young man, led 22 captains from his family.
From Benjamin, King Saul’s tribe – 3,000; it is noted that most of this tribe remained loyal to the family of Saul.
From Ephraim – 22,800 strong and courageous men
From the half tribe of Manasseh – 18,000 men that had been specifically chosen to represent their people in support of David.
From Issachar – 200 leaders plus the men under their command. This tribe is noted for their wisdom in understanding the times in which they lived and in making wise choices in light of that knowledge.
It should be said of all followers of Jesus that we can recognize the signs of the times in which we live and that such knowledge guides our choices. The LORD Jesus was very clear to tell us Himself about the times that would signal His return as King. The Holy Spirit also spoke throughout scripture to inform us about those times. We should certainly be looking up expectantly for the rapture since the times detailed that announce His return as King are certainly obvious.
From Zebulun – 50,000 disciplined warriors with undivided loyalty.
From Naphtali – 1,000 captains leading 37,000 men armed with shield and spear.
From Dan – 28,600 experienced warriors
From Asher – 40,000 experienced warriors that were ready for battle
From east of the Jordan River from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh – 120,000 men armed with all types of weapons
This was a total of at least 339,100 men.
1Chronicles 12:38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
1Chronicles 12:39 And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.
1Chronicles 12:40 Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
All of these men that were seasoned warriors came with a unified heart to make David king over all of Israel. All the people of Israel wanted David as their king. They stayed and celebrated with David for three days. Those from the tribes of Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali in the surrounding area brought lots of food to feed those that were celebrating the crowning of David as their king.
I liked this application from Meyer as quoted by Guzik: “The enthroning of David was the uniting of the kingdom. Herein is the secret of the unity of the Church. We shall never secure it by endeavouring to bring about an unity in thought, or act, or organization. It is as each individual heart enthrones the Saviour that each will become one with all kindred souls in the everlasting kingdom.”