This chapter documents the warriors who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul, including ambidextrous Benjaminites skilled with bow and sling, and Gadites whose faces were like lions and who were swift as gazelles. Men from Manasseh defected to David as he marched with the Philistines, and the chapter records the military census of armed troops from each tribe who came to Hebron to make David king. The gathering is described as a great host, like the host of God, and the three-day celebration with provisions from as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali demonstrated the unified joy of all Israel in establishing David's kingship.
Read 1 Chronicles Chapter 12 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
David
Ideal king who prepared for temple worship and received God's covenant
Solomon
David's chosen successor anointed to build the temple
Saul
First King of Israel
Benjamin
Youngest Son of Jacob
Jeremiah
The Weeping Prophet
Obadiah
Prophet against Edom
Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Manasseh
King of Judah who Repented
Elihu
Young Man who Counseled Job
Simeon
The One Who Saw Salvation
Places in This Chapter
The Wilderness
View on MapThe wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Position in Book
GenealogiesChapters 1-9
Death of SaulChapters 10
David's ReignChapters 11-21
David's kingdom established, the ark brought to Jerusalem, God's covenant with David.
Temple PreparationsChapters 22-29