1 Chronicles 12

1 Chronicles 12:1

2. David’s Loyal Followers (Chap. 12)Chapter 11 dealt with those individuals who identified themselves with David. This chapter deals primarily with the tribes, along with their captains, who allied themselves with the king. Every tribe is listed here in chapter 12, from those who came to David when he was in hiding (vv. 1-22) to those who came to . . . Hebron after Ishbosheth’s death (vv. 23-40). “. . . and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king. . . . for there was joy in Israel” (v. 38). Many who were in trouble or distress had previously come to David to find protection (1Sa_22:1-2). But now these men came to serve David and assist him in obtaining the throne which was his by divine decree. Today the kingdom of God needs men and women who are equipped by God (v. 2), trained and swift (v. 8), strong in faith, able to prevail against overwhelming odds and put the enemy to flight (vv. 14, 15), full of the Spirit, and selflessly dedicated to Jesus (v. 32)people who have an undivided heart (v. 33)! David rightly questioned the sons of Benjamin and Judah (v. 17) because earlier he had been betrayed by some of them (1 Sam. 23). The historical events referred to in verses 19-22 can be found in 1 Samuel 29 and 30. God prevented David from fighting against Israel while he was with the Philistines. He also gave him victory over the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag and captured his family. The eastern tribes came in large numbers (v. 37), while those closer to Hebron were represented by smaller forcese.g., Judah, Simeon, etc. (vv. 24, 25 ff.). Now that Israel was united around their divinely appointed king, there was much rejoicing, feasting, and blessing (v. 40). Division and strife, caused by Saul’s disobedience, were past. Israel would now find new prosperity under their godly shepherd-king.