I
C H R O N I C L E S
CHAP. XII.
What
the mighty men did towards making David king we read in the foregoing chapter.
Here we are told what the many did towards it. It was not all at once, but
gradually, that David ascended the throne. His kingdom was to last; and
therefore, like fruits that keep longest, it ripened slowly. After he had long
waited for the vacancy of the throne, it was at two steps and those above
seven years distant, that he ascended it. Now we are here told, I. What help
came in to him to Ziklag, to make him king of Judah, ver. 1-22. II. What help came in to him in Hebron, to make him king over
all Israel, above seven years after, ver. 23-40.
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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. 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. 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, 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, 5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth,
and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite, 6
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,
7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor. 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; 9
Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, 10 Mishmannah
the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the
seventh, 12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13
Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh. 14 These were
of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over a
hundred, and the greatest over a thousand. 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. 16 And there came of the
children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends,
upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had,
while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when
the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in
more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul
(v. 1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and
well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so
near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with
seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own
way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their forecast and
contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the war, whose
forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is here
recorded to their honour.
I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin to him,
came over to David, v. 2. What moved them to it we are not told.
Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of their
tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the
guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are
described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and
slinging, and used both hands alike--ingenious active men; a few of these
might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are
here named. See Judg. xx. 16.
II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan, had such
a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness for it, that they
separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable separation it was)
to go to David, though he was in the hold in the wilderness (v.
8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They were
but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's strength.
Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most of them men of
broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of fortune, that came
to him rather for protection than to do him any service, 1 Sam. xxii. 2. But
these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the battle, v.
8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible swiftness, not
to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered forces.
In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains, so that no
man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces of lions,
so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men, trained up
to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both
offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their
own tribe (v. 14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them
they had them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that
could break through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other,
perhaps this to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all
its banks, v. 15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God
that can venture thus in a dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were
men that would go through with the business they engaged in. What enemies
those were that they met with in the valleys, when they had passed Jordan,
does not appear; but they put them to flight with their lion-like faces, and
pursued them with matchless fury, both towards the east and towards the
west; which way soever they turned, they followed their blow, and did not
do their work by halves.
III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, v. 16. Their leader was
Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom (2
Sam. xvii. 25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,
1. David's prudent treaty with them, v. 17. He was surprised to see
them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their
coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and
the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous
whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been
deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No
marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,
(1.) How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with them. As
they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son of David.
[1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If
you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and
have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with
you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and
my heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do
you all the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are
cordial and sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good
God, though clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But,
[2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under
colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and
will be, of every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more
violently run upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David
himself), and yet he had the testimony of his conscience that there was no
wrong in his hands. He meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in
the day of evil, and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his
cause to him that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause,
though a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the
righteous God, who hath said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of
our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.
(2.) In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our fathers,
both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him;
for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents
on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right
him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and
therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and
therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in
determining controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not
imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal
treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and
justice: The Lord look thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's
hearts), and rebuke it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express
themselves with great temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not
the righteousness of God.
2. Their hearty closure with him, v. 18. Amasai was their spokesman, on
whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy, but a
spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words into
his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction
and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer, more
lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his associates,
(1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest, against
all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the hazard of all
that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of
Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded themselves that he
was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their days were princes
of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (1 Sam. xx. 27; xxii. 7),
but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was on his
side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side. It is good,
if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God with them.
(2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a health, but
praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace,
peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to
thy helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on
us." (3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God
helpeth thee; therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not
but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that
have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every time of
need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take
instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His
we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On his side we must be
forward to appear and act. To his interest we must be hearty well-wishers:
"Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and kingdom;" for his God helpeth
him, and will till he shall have put down all opposing rule, principality, and
power.
3. David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and friendship.
Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as satisfaction
is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains
of the band.
IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence gave
them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their
country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to
fight with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We
have the story, 1 Sam. xxix. 4, &c. In his return some great men of
Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in
with David, and very seasonably, to help him against the band of Amalekites
who plundered Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did
David good service upon that occasion, 1 Sam. xxx. See how Providence
provides. David's interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make
use of it, v. 22. Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a
great host. When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find
strength to bring forth.
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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.
24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand
and eight hundred, ready armed to the war. 25 Of the children of
Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one
hundred. 26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six
hundred. 27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites,
and with him were three thousand and seven hundred; 28 And
Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two
captains. 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. 30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty
thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house
of their fathers. 31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen
thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
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. 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. 34 And of Naphtali a thousand
captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six
hundred. 36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in
war, forty thousand. 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, a hundred and twenty
thousand. 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.
39 And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their
brethren had prepared for them. 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.
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting the settlement
of David upon the throne, after the death of Ishbosheth. We read (ch.
xi. 1, and before 2 Sam. v. 1) that all the tribes of Israel came,
either themselves or by their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king;
now here we have an account of the quota which every tribe brought in ready
armed to the war, in case there should be any opposition, v. 23. We
may observe here,
I. That those tribes that lived nearest brought the fewest-Judah but 6800 (v.
24), Simeon but 7100 (v. 25); whereas Zebulun, that lay remote, brought
50,000, Asher 40,000, and the two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan
120,000. Not as if the next adjacent tribes were cold in the cause; but they
showed as much of their prudence in bringing few, since all the rest lay so
near within call, as the others did of their zeal in bringing so many. The men
of Judah had enough to do to entertain those that came from afar.
II. The Levites themselves, and the priests (called here the Aaronites),
appeared very hearty in this cause, and were ready, if there were occasion, to
fight for David, as well as pray for him, because they knew he was called of
God to the government, v. 26-28.
III. Even some of the kindred of Saul came over to David (v. 29), not
so many as of the other tribes, because a foolish affection for their own
tribe, and a jealousy for the honour of it, kept many of them long in the
sinking interest of Saul's family. Kindred should never over-rule conscience.
Call no man Father to this extent, but God only.
IV. It is said of most of these that they were mighty men of valour (v.
25, 28, 30), of others that they were expert in war (v. 35, 36),
and of them all that they could keep rank, v. 38. They had a
great deal of martial fire, and yet were governable and subject to the rules
of order--warm hearts but cool heads.
V. Some were so considerate as to bring with them arms, and all instruments
for war (v. 24, 33, 37), for how could they think that David should be
able to furnish them?
VI. The men of Issachar were the fewest of all, only 200, and yet as
serviceable to David's interest as those that brought in the greatest numbers,
these few being in effect the whole tribe. For, 1. They were men of great
skill above any of their neighbours, men that had understanding of the
times, to know what Israel ought to do. They understood the natural times,
could discern the face of the sky, were weather-wise, could advise
their neighbours in the proper times for ploughing, sowing reaping, &c. Or
the ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore
they are said to call the people to the mountain (Deut. xxxiii. 19),
for almanacs were not then so common as now. Or, rather, the political times;
they understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies
of the present events. It is the periphrasis of statesmen that they know
the times, Esth. i. 13. Those of that tribe were greatly intent on public
affairs, had good intelligence from abroad and made a good use of it. They
knew what Israel ought to do: from their observation and experience
they learned both their own and others' duty and interest. In this critical
juncture they knew Israel ought to make David king. It was not only expedient,
but necessary; the present posture of affairs called for it. The men of
Issachar dealt mostly in country business, and did not much intermeddle in
public affairs, which gave them an opportunity of observing others and
conversing with themselves. A stander-by sees sometimes more than a gamester.
2. They were men of great interests; for all their brethren were at their
commandment. The commonality of that tribe having bowed their shoulder
to bear (Gen. xlix. 15), the great men had them at their beck. Hence we
read of the princes of Issachar, Judg. v. 15. They knew how to rule,
and the rest knew how to obey. It is happy indeed when those that should lead
are intelligent and judicious, and those who are to follow are modest and
obsequious.
VII. It is said of them all that they engaged in this enterprise with a
perfect heart (v. 38), and particularly of the men of Zebulun that
they were not of double heart, v. 33. They were, in this matter,
Israelites indeed, in whom was no guile. And this was their perfection,
that they were of one heart, v. 38. None had any separate interests,
but all for the public good.
VIII. The men of Judah, and others of the adjacent tribes, prepared for the
victualling of their respective camps when they came to Hebron, v. 39,
40. Those that were at the least pains in travelling to this convention, or
congress of states, thought themselves obliged to be at so much the more
charge in entertaining the rest, that there might be something of an equality.
A noble feast was made (was made for laughter, Eccl. x. 19) upon this
occasion, for there was joy in Israel, v. 40. And good reason;
for when the righteous bear rule the city rejoices. Thus, when
the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy
in that soul: and provision is made for the feasting of it, not as here for
two or three days, but for the whole life, nay, for eternity.
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