1 Chronicles 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._ Of Saul's brethren of Benjamin - i:e., of the tribe of Benjamin (cf. 1 Chronicles 12:29); but some of them might be relatives of the king. This movement, to which the parties were led, doubtless, by the secret impulse of the Spirit, was of vast importance to the cause of David, as it must have been founded on their observation of the evident withdrawal of God's blessing from Saul, and His favouring presence with David, to whom it was universally known the Divine King of Israel had given the crown in reversion. The accession of the Benjamites who came first, and their resolution to share his fortunes, must have been particularly grateful to David, as it was a public and emphatic testimony, by those w

1-22 Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David's friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be throughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us....

The skill of the Benjamites as archers is noted in 1 Chronicles 8:40, and 2 Chronicles 14:8. Their proficiency in using the left hand appears in the narrative of Judges (Judges 3:15, and marginal reference) where their special excellency as slingers is also noticed. EVEN OF SAUL’S BRETHREN - Compare 1 Chronicles 12:29. Even of Saul’s own tribe there were some who separated themselves from his cause, and threw in their lot with David....

EXPOSITION This chapter is retrospective, and the contents of it are not found elsewhere. It is occupied, first (1 Chronicles 12:1), with the names and some accounts of those who had come to the help of David in three great crises in time past, to join themselves to him and his cause. And afterwards (1 Chronicles 12:23-13), with an enumeration of those representatives from the tribes who came (1 Chronicles 11:1, 1 Chronicles 11:3) to support the proceedings of the occasion when he was being made king of the whole people. Thus the chapter would divide really into four parts, t

THEY WERE ARMED WITH BOWS,.... Much used in war in those times: AND COULD USE BOTH THE RIGHT HAND AND THE LEFT, IN HURLING STONES, AND SHOOTING ARROWS OUT OF A BOW; they were ambidextrous; who could sling stones, or shoot arrows, with either, which was no small advantage to them: EVEN OF SAUL'S BRETHREN OF BENJAMIN; they were of the tribe of Benjamin, of which Saul was, and so his brethren; and they might be, at least some of them, his relations and kinsmen; who observing the unreasonableness of Saul's enmity to David, and detesting his cruelty, and sensible of the innocence of David, and of the service he had done his country; and perhaps not being ignorant of his divine right and title to the kingdom, went over to him, to comfort, strengthen, and assist him....

2. DAVID'S WARRIORS AND FRIENDS CHAPTER 12 _ 1. The Benjamite warriors with David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:1)_ 2. The other warriors (1 Chronicles 12:8) 3. Those who came to make him king (1 Chronicles 12:23) And now those are given by name who stood by David, when he was an outcast, rejected and persecuted by Saul. They were mighty men, his helpers in war. The leading company were of Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged. These joined him when he was at Ziklag. In the wilderness of Judah certain of the Gadites separated themselves unto him, “whose faces were like the faces of lions and they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains.” May

DAVID'S SUPPORTERS. An enumeration of those who rallied round David during his outlaw life in Ziklag (_cf._ 1 Samuel 27:5 f.), and a list of those who were instrumental in setting him upon the throne. 1 Chronicles 12:2. they were of Saul's brethren of Benjamin: _cf._ 1 Chronicles 12:16 ff., 1 Chronicles 12:29; it is difficult to believe that Saul was deserted by his own kinsfolk (see 2 Samuel 2:25; 2 Samuel 2:31)

COULD USE, &C. Compare Judges 3:15; Judges 20:15; Judges 20:16. SAUL'S BRETHREN: i.e. his fellow-tribesmen. Compare 1 Chronicles 12:29....

Benjamite Adherents of David 1. _to Ziklag_ David at Ziklag was a client of Achish, king of Gath (1 Samuel 27:5-6), so that the Benjamites in joining him were putting themselves under their hereditary enemies the Philistines. The yoke of Saul seemed heavy even to his own tribe (cp. 1 Samuel 8:11-18). _while he yet kept himself close_ Render, WHILE HE WAS YET SHUT UP. David was shut in, as in a prison, and unable to move freely through the land of Israel. _helpers of the war_ R.V. HIS HELPERS IN WAR....

EVEN OF SAUL'S BRETHREN OF BENJAMIN— Bishop Patrick observes, that possibly these persons came to David from a generous motive, as they could not bear to see an innocent man persecuted in so violent a manner, especially after he had refused, when he had it in his power, to hurt the person who thus pursued him....