FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation 1 Chronicles 12:16
KJVAnd there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
Read it in context
The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 12:1 (1 Chronicles 12:1 to 1 Chronicles 12:22).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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,
- 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,
- 12:5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,
- 12:6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,
- 12:7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
- 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;
- 12:9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
- 12:10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
- 12:11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
- 12:12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
- 12:13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.
- 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.
- 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.
- 12:16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 11:1–12:40): David, Israel's elders, and the warriors and tribal groups joining him are described in the establishment of his kingship. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag. Read 1 Chronicles 12:1 through 1 Chronicles 12:22 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:1 to 1 Chronicles 12:22). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 12:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 12:1, 1 Chronicles 12:22, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The genealogies extend past the exile.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 12
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
David’s Army Grows at Hebron
1 Chronicles 12:23–40FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The people and their lines
1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David's reign and the ark
1 Chronicles 13:1–20:8FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.