This chapter is composed wholly of matter that is new to us, no corresponding accounts occurring in Samuel. It comprises four lists: (1) One of men, chiefly Benjamites, who joined David at Ziklag 1 Chronicles 12:1; (2) A second of Gadites who united themselves to him when he was in a stronghold ne... [ Continue Reading ]
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 - Compar... [ Continue Reading ]
INTO THE HOLD TO THE WILDERNESS - Rather, “into the hold toward the wilderness.” Some understand by this Ziklag, some En-gedi 1 Samuel 24:1; but it seems most probable that here and in 1 Chronicles 12:16 the stronghold of Adullam is intended 1 Chronicles 11:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
The marginal rendering is preferable. (Compare Leviticus 26:8).... [ Continue Reading ]
On the danger of the exploit, see the marginal reference note. This passage 1 Chronicles 12:8 seems to be taken verbatim from an ancient source, the poetical expressions in 1 Chronicles 12:8, 1 Chronicles 12:14, being especially unlike the usual style of our author.... [ Continue Reading ]
AMASAI - The marginal reference identifies him with Amasa, David’s nephew, but it seems unlikely that David would have misdoubted a band led by his own nephew. The passionate earnestness of Amasai’s speech is strongly marked in the original, and will be better seen by omitting the words which our V... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BAND OF THE ROVERS - See the marginal reference.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rather, “These are the numbers of the men, ready equipped for the host, that came to David, etc.” In the list which follows such points as (1) The large mumber sent by the trans-Jordanic tribes; (2) The large numbers from Zebulon, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, all tribes somewhat remote, and generall... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR HITHERTO ... - Rather, “For still the greatest part of them maintained their allegiance to the house of Saul.” This is given as the reason for so few coming to Hebron. It shows us that, even after the death of Ishbosheth, the Benjamites had hopes of furnishing a third king to the nation.... [ Continue Reading ]
MEN THAT HAD UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIMES - This is best interpreted politically. Compare the marginal reference... [ Continue Reading ]
EXPERT IN WAR ... - Rather “arrayed for battle with all harness of battle, who set the battle in array with no double heart,” excelling, that is, in the matter of their arms and accoutrements. The writer notes in each tribe the point in which it was most admirable.... [ Continue Reading ]