1 Chronicles 15

1Ch 15:1 And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

1Ch 15:1 And David made houses for himself in the City of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it.

And pitched for it a tent - The old “tent” or “tabernacle” was still in existence at Gibeon 1Ch_16:39; 2Ch_1:3; but the ark had long been separated from it, and David probably thought that something newer and more magnificent was requisite. He therefore allowed the former tabernacle to keep its place, and had another made and erected.

pitched for it a tent - that is, made an entirely new one upon the model of the former. The old tabernacle, which Moses had constructed in the wilderness and which had hitherto served the purpose of a sacred covering, was to be left at Gibeon, either because of the unwillingness of the inhabitants to part with such a venerable relic, or because there was no use for it in Jerusalem, where a more solid and sumptuous edifice was contemplated.

Made him houses - With the help of the masons and carpenters Hiram sent him, 1Ch_14:1, the royal palace is meant, with all the apartments in it, which were many and large, as so great a family he had required, and with all the out houses to it necessary for his servants, and their offices:

Prepared a place for the ark of God - In 2Sa_6:12 the whole matter is introduced by a statement that the motive which had determined the king to bring the ark to Jerusalem, was his having heard of the blessing which the ark had brought upon the house of Obed-edom.

1Ch 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

1Ch 15:2 Then David said, No one ought to carry the ark of God except the Levites, for God has chosen them to carry the ark of God, and to minister to Him forever.

None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites - We can easily understand that David, after the “breach upon Uzza” 1Ch_13:11, had carefully considered all the legal requirements with respect to moving the ark, and was anxious that they should be strictly observed.

None ought to carry the ark but the Levites - It was their business; and he should have thought of this sooner, and then the unfortunate breach on Uzza would have been prevented; 1Ch_15:13. Num_1:50 But you shall set the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all its vessels, and over all its things. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its vessels. And they shall serve it, and shall camp around the tabernacle.

1Ch 15:3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

1Ch 15:3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Jehovah to its place which he had prepared for it.

to bring up the ark of the Lord - from the house of Obededom, where it had been three months.

David gathered all Israel together - at whatever time the ceremonial took place, it was of great importance to summon a general convocation of the people, many of whom, from the long-continued disorders of the kingdom, might have had little or no opportunity of knowing anything of the ark, which had been allowed to remain so long in obscurity and neglect.

1Ch 15:4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:

1Ch 15:4 And David gathered the sons of Aaron, and the Levites.

the children of Aaron, and the Levites - Whose business it was to bear the ark when there was any occasion for it: and from hence to the end of 1Ch_15:10 an account is given of the Levites, and their number employed in this affair:

The sons of Aaron - the high priests Zadok and Abiathar, 1Ch_15:11, heads of the two priestly houses of Eleazar and Ithamar, and colleagues in the high priesthood (2Sa_20:25).

and the Levites -The Levites were the chiefs of their father’s house (1Ch_15:12); four belonging to the Kohathite branch, on whose shoulders the ark was to be borne; namely, Uriel, Shemaiah - descended from Elizaphan or Elzaphan - (Exo_6:22), Hebron (Exo_6:18; 1Ch_6:2), and Amminadab from Uzziel (Exo_6:22).

and the Levites - the six princes named in 1Ch_15:5-10, with their brethren, viz., (1Ch_15:5-7) the three heads of the families into which the tribe of Levi was divided, and which corresponded to the three sons of Levi, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, respectively (Exo_6:16): Uriel head of the Kohathites, Asaiah of the Merarites, and Joel head of the Gershonites, with their brethren.

1Ch 15:5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

1Ch 15:5 From the sons of Kohath: Uriel the chief, and a hundred and twenty of his brothers.

The sons of Kohath - Kohath is first enumerated, because Aaron the chief of the priests was descended from Kohath, and because to the Kohathites there fell, on account of their nearer relationship to the priests, the duty of serving in that which is most holy, the bearing of the holiest vessels of the tabernacle.

The sons of Kohath - The order of the sons of Levi according to primogeniture is, Gershom, Kohath, Merari Gen_46:11; Exo_6:16. But the Kohathites, of whom came the priestly family of the Aaronites, had precedence in all respects. To them especially was committed the attendance upon the ark and the bearing of it. Of the six Levitical families mentioned 1Ch_15:5-10 one only was descended from Gershom, one from Merari, and four (Uriel, Elizaphan, Hebron, and Uzziel) from Kohath.

1Ch 15:6 Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:

1Ch 15:6 From the sons of Merari: Asaiah the chief, and two hundred and twenty of his brothers.

1Ch 15:7 Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:

1Ch 15:7 From the sons of Gershom: Joel the chief, and a hundred and thirty of his brothers.

1Ch 15:8 Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

1Ch 15:8 From the sons of Elizaphan: Shemaiah the chief and two hundred of his brothers.

1Ch 15:9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

1Ch 15:9 From the sons of Hebron: Eliel the chief and eighty of his brothers.

1Ch 15:10 Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.

1Ch 15:10 From the sons of Uzziel: Amminadab the chief and a hundred and twelve of his brothers.

1Ch 15:11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

1Ch 15:11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab.

Zadok and Abiathar the priests - Zadok of the line of Eleazar (1Ch_6:1-15), and Abiathar of the line of Ithamar, were the heads of the two priestly lines, and at that time both held the office of high priest (1Ch_24:3; cf. 2Sa_15:24., 2Sa_20:25).

1Ch 15:12 And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

1Ch 15:12 And he said to them, You are the heads of the fathers of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of Jehovah, the God of Israel to the place which I have prepared for it.

sanctify yourselves - This special sanctification, which was required on all grave and important occasions, consisted in observing the strictest abstinence, as well as cleanliness, both in person and dress; and in the neglect of these rules no step could have been taken. They were charged by David to consecrate themselves with their brethren, to consecrate oneself by removal of all that is unclean, washing of the body and of the clothes, and careful keeping aloof from every defilement, avoiding sexual intimacy and the touching of unclean things.

1Ch 15:13 For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

1Ch 15:13 For because you did not do it at the first, Jehovah our God made a break on us, since we did not seek Him in due order.

Sought Him not after the due order - The “due order” was that they should have sanctified themselves and carried the ark on the shoulders of Kohathite Levites, not that it should be placed upon a cart, drawn by oxen, and rudely shaken.

the Lord our God made a breach upon us - by smiting Uzzah with death, who was no Levite, and touched the ark, which is called his "error", and for which God smote him, 2Sa_6:7.

1Ch 15:14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

1Ch 15:14 And the priests and the Levites made themselves pure in order to bring up the ark of Jehovah, the God of Israel.

1Ch 15:15 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

1Ch 15:15 And the sons of the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders, with the staves on it, as Moses commanded according to the Word of Jehovah.

Upon their shoulders - That is the staves which went through the rings rested on their shoulders, but the ark itself rested on the staves like a sedan on its poles.

1Ch 15:16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

1Ch 15:16 And David spoke to the chief of the Levites to choose their brothers to be the singers with instruments of music, lyres, and harps, and cymbals, sounding by lifting the voice with joy.

The singers - Singing had long been recognized as appropriate to religious ceremonies Exo_15:21; Jdg_5:1; 1Ch_13:8; but this is the first occasion on which we find the duty of conducting musical services expressly laid on the Levites. Henceforth, the services of the tabernacle and the temple were regularly choral, and a considerable section of the Levites was trained in musical knowledge, and set apart to conduct this portion of the national worship.

the singers with instruments - These eminent Levites were instructed to train the musicians and singers who were under them, for the solemn procession. The performers were ranged in three choirs or bands, and the names of the principal leaders are given (1Ch_15:17, 1Ch_15:18, 1Ch_15:21).

1Ch 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

1Ch 15:17 And the Levites chose Heman the son of Joel, and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah. And from the sons of Merari their brothers, was Ethan the son of Kushaiah.

Heman, Asaph, Ethan - These were the three chief musicians in the time of David; 1Ch_6. Heman was the grandson of Samuel the prophet, 1Ch_6:33. Asaph was a famous singer, often mentioned in the Psalms.

the son of Kushaiah - the same as Kishi, 1Ch_6:44.

1Ch 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

1Ch 15:18 And with them were their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers.

brethren of the second degree - Who were next unto them, both in office and skill in singing:

the porters - who, when they were not employed in singing, were doorkeepers of the sanctuary; either they had been porters at the tabernacle in Gibeon, or were so after the ark was placed in the tabernacle David prepared for it.

1Ch 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

1Ch 15:19 And the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were chosen to sound with cymbals of bronze;

cymbals of brass – mentioned in 1Co_13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.

These singers formed three choirs, according to the instruments they played. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan played brazen cymbals (1Ch_15:19); Benaiah and the seven who follow played psalteries (1Ch_15:20); while the last six played harps (1Ch_15:21).

1Ch 15:20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

1Ch 15:20 and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with harps set to Alamoth.

Psalteries on Alamoth - Some suppose that the word signifies virgins, or women singers, the persons mentioned here being appointed to accompany them with psalteries, and preside over them. The significance of the word is not known with certainty.

with psalteries on Alamoth - psalteries were another kind of instruments of music; and Alamoth was either the beginning of a song, to the tune of which those instruments played, or the tune itself, and the note of it; see Psa_46:1.

1Ch 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

1Ch 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, were to lead with lyres on the octave.

Harps on the Sheminith - According to the Targum, this signifies an instrument that sounded an octave. “Sheminith” properly means “the eighth,” and has been compared with the modern musical term “octave.” Further, “Sheminith” and “Alamoth” are regarded as contrasted, and the harps of Mattithiah and his companions are supposed to have been pitched an octave below the psalteries of Zechariah and his brethren.

to excel - The word translated “to excel,” is taken as meaning “to lead,” and Mattithiah, etc., as leaders of the singers.

This way of praising God by musical instruments, had not hitherto been in use. But David instituted it by divine direction.

1Ch 15:22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.

1Ch 15:22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song. He instructed about the song, because he was skillful.

instructed about the song – One interpretation is that this appears to have been the master singer; he gave the key and the time, for he presided in the elevation, probably meaning what is called pitching the tune, for he was skillful in music, and powerful in his voice, and well qualified to lead the band: be might have been precentor.

he instructed about the song – Another interpretation is that this is about the taking up and bearing the burden, the ark; directing when to take it up, and how far to go with it, and then rest. The Targum says it is about the ark. Chenaniah was captain of the Levites who had charge of the bearing of the ark, a chief of the Levites who bore it. In 1Ch_15:23 two doorkeepers for the ark are named; and in 1Ch_15:24, at the end of the enumeration of the Levites who were busied about the transport, two additional names are mentioned as those of men who had the same duty. Between these two pairs of doorkeepers in 1Ch_15:24, the priests, seven in number, who blew the trumpets, are named. The blowing of the silver trumpets by the priests in this solemn procession rests on the prescription in Num_10:1-10. The place assigned to these trumpet-blowing priests was either immediately before the ark, like the priestly trumpeters in the march round Jericho (Jos_6:4, Jos_6:6), or immediately after it. For, that these priests entered in the immediate vicinity of the ark, may be inferred from the fact that before and behind them were doorkeepers of the ark. The procession, then, was probably arranged in this way: (1) the singers and players in front, in three division; (2) Chenaniah, the captain of the bearers; (3) two doorkeepers; (4) the priests with the trumpets immediately before or after the ark; (5) two doorkeepers; (6) the king with the elders and captains of thousands (1Ch_15:25).

1Ch 15:23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

1Ch 15:23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were gatekeepers for the ark.

doorkeepers for the ark - They were appointed to keep the door of the tent in which the ark was to be kept, that no unallowed person might press in and touch it; and in like manner they were to attend upon the ark in the way, and to guard it from the press and touch of profane hands; for which end these two went before the ark, and their other two brethren mentioned in the close of 1Ch_15:24, came after it.

1Ch 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

1Ch 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew with the trumpets before the ark of God. And Obed-edom and Jehiah were gatekeepers for the ark.

blow with the trumpets before the ark of God - With the silver trumpets; one use of which was to blow with when the camps and ark of the Lord moved, Num_10:5.

1Ch 15:25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

1Ch 15:25 And it happened, David and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of the house of Obed-edom with joy.

So David, and the elders and captains went - The pious design of David in ordering all his principal ministers and officers to take part in this solemn work and imparting so much pomp and imposing ceremony to the procession, was evidently to inspire the popular mind with a profound veneration for the ark and to give the young especially salutary impressions of religion, which would be renewed by the remembrance that they had been witnesses of the august solemnity in which the king and the highest aristocracy of the land participated, vying with all other classes to do honor to the God of Israel.

1Ch 15:26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

1Ch 15:26 And it happened as God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, they offered seven bulls and seven rams.

When God helped the Levites - The death of Uzza had deeply impressed both David and the Levites, and it was doubted whether God would allow the ark to be moved anymore. Sacrificial animals were held ready; and when it appeared - by the movement of the ark six paces 2Sa_6:13, without any manifestation of the divine displeasure - that God was not opposing but rather helping the Levites in their task, the victims were at once offered.

God helped the Levites - Not merely granted them bodily strength to carry it, which did not require a great deal; but helped them to carry it with cheerfulness, and without fear, and so as to commit no error, nor in any respect provoke his displeasure, as when it was brought before from Kirjathjearim:

they offered seven bullocks and seven rams - The Levites seem to have entered on this duty with fear and trembling; and finding that they might advance without any such indications of divine wrath as Uzza had experienced (1Ch_13:10), they offered an ox and a fatted sheep immediately after starting (2Sa_6:13), and seven bullocks and seven rams - a perfect sacrifice, at the close of the procession (1Ch_16:1). It is probable that preparations had been made for the offering of similar sacrifices at regular intervals along the way.

1Ch 15:27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

1Ch 15:27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who carried the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers. David also had on him an ephod of linen.

A robe of fine linen – A fine cotton.

an ephod of linen - which he had besides his linen robe, and was over it; and being a shorter and tighter garment, it bound the other closer to him; It is what others, besides priests, were, on occasion, allowed to wear, see 1Sa_2:18; 1Sa_22:18.

1Ch 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

1Ch 15:28 And all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding aloud with harps and lyres.

1Ch 15:29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

1Ch 15:29 And it happened as the ark of the covenant of Jehovah came to the City of David, Michal the daughter of Saul, looking out a window, saw King David dancing and playing. And she despised him in her heart.

Michal saw David dancing and she despised him - 2Sa_6:16-20 what she said, and what David returned in answer to it, where David’s conduct is vindicated, and the nature of Michal’s disgrace and punishment hinted at.

She despised him in her heart - In the days of Saul the ark had been neglected 1Ch_13:3, and Saul had in everything shown himself to be an irreligious king. Michal seems to have been of a like spirit. She did not blame him outwardly; she thought he had disgraced himself, but she kept her mind to herself. Michal is intentionally designated the daughter of Saul here, instead of the wife of David, because on this occasion she manifested her father's disposition rather than her husband's. In Saul's time people did not trouble themselves about the ark of the covenant (1Ch_13:3); public worship was neglected, and the soul for vital religion had died out in the family of the king. Michal possessed teraphim, and in David she only loved the brave hero and exalted king: she therefore took offence at the humility with which the king, in his pious enthusiasm, placed himself on an equality with all the rest of the nation before the Lord.

1 Chronicles 14

1Ch 14:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

The only important variations from this passage compared to its equivalent in 2Sa_5:11-25 are in 1Ch_14:4-7: the list of the sons of David, and in 1Ch_14:12, where the fact is added that the idols taken from the Philistines were burned.

Now Hiram king of Tyre —The alliance with this neighboring king, and the important advantages derived from it, were among the most fortunate circumstances in David’s reign. The providence of God appeared concurrent with His promise in smoothing the early course of his reign. Having conquered the Jebusites and made Zion the royal residence, he had now, along with internal prosperity, established an advantageous treaty with a neighboring prince; and hence, in immediate connection with the mention of this friendly league, it is said, “David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel.”

1Ch 14:2 And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel — This is an important truth, that David was invested with royal honor and authority, not for his own sake so much as for that of the people of Israel. David was made to know that all his glory and greatness were given only to fit him, as the minister of God, to execute the divine purposes towards the chosen people.

1Ch 14:3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.

David took more wives at Jerusalem - His concubines are mentioned (1Ch_3:9), where also is given a list of his children (1Ch_14:5-8), and those born in Jerusalem (2Sa_5:14-16). In that, however, the names of Eliphalet and Nogah do not occur, and Beeliada appears to be the same as Eliada.

David took him more wives - He had six when he was at Hebron, 2Sa_3:2, and now he took more, which was not to his honor, and contrary to the law of God, In this conduct David transgressed an express law, which forbade the king of Israel to multiply wives unto himself Deu_17:14-17 When you come to the land which the LORD your God gives you, and shall possess it and shall live in it and shall say, I will set a king over me, like all the nations around me, you shall surely set a king over you, whom the LORD your God shall choose. You shall set a king over you from among your brothers. You may not set a stranger over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, so as to multiply horses, because the LORD has said to you, You shall return no more that way from now on. Nor shall he multiply wives to himself, so that his heart does not turn away. Nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold to himself.

David took him more wives - It seems to have been his policy, that hereby he might enlarge his family, and strengthen his interest by alliances with so many considerable families. But all these did not preserve him from coveting his neighbor's wife. Rather they inclined him to it: for men who have once broke the fence, will wander carelesly.

1Ch 14:4 Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

These are the names of his children - In 2Sa_5:14-16, eleven persons only are mentioned in the Hebrew text, here there are thirteen. It is possible that the Elishama and Eliphelet dying when young, were therefore omitted in the 2 Samuel.

1Ch 14:5 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

1Ch 14:6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

1Ch 14:7 And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

Beeliada - Eliada, 2Sa_5:16

1Ch 14:8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.

The Philistines went up to seek David - in the hope of accomplishing his ruin (for so the phrase is used, 1Sa_23:15; 1Sa_24:2, 1Sa_24:3) before his throne was consolidated. Their hostility arose, both from a belief that his patriotism would lead him, ere long, to wipe out the national dishonor at Gilboa, and by fear, that in any invasion of their country, his thorough knowledge of their weak points would give him superior advantages. They resolved, therefore, to surprise and crush him before he was fairly seated on his throne.

1Ch 14:9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

1Ch 14:10 And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

David inquired of God - “David consulted the Word of the Lord.”

1Ch 14:11 So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

Like the breaking forth of waters - “And David said, The Lord hath broken the enemies of David like to the breaking of a potter’s vessel full of water.”

Baalperazim - that is, a place of breaches

The Lord hath broken forth - He very properly attributes the victory of Jehovah, without whose strength and counsel he could have done nothing.

1Ch 14:12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

When they had left their gods there - The practice of carrying images of the gods to battle was common among the nations, and arose from the belief that there was virtue in the images themselves, and that military success would be obtained by means of them.

When they left their gods - An indication of the precipitancy of their flight, and the suddenness with which the Israelites burst upon them like a “breach of waters.” It was the custom of most nations to carry their gods with them to battle: in imitation of this custom the Israelites once took the ark and lost it in the field;

When they left their gods - When the ark fell into the hand of the Philistines, it consumed them: but when these images fell into the hands of Israel, they could not save themselves from being consumed.

And they were burned with fire - that is, his men burnt them at his command according to the law of God, so that no profit might be made of them, Deu_7:5 But you shall deal with them in this way: you shall destroy their altars and break down their images, and cut down their groves and burn their graven images with fire; In this way David fully avenged the disgrace brought upon Israel by the Philistines, when they carried away the ark in the time of Eli.

1Ch 14:13 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

the Philistines yet again spread themselves — They renewed the campaign the next season, taking the same route. David, according to divine directions, did not confront them.

1Ch 14:14 Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

turn away from them - that is, by stealing round a baca-grove, come upon their rear.

1Ch 14:15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

A sound of going - “a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees,” that is, the rustling of the leaves by a strong breeze suddenly rising, was the sign by which David was divinely apprised of the precise moment for the attack. The impetuosity of his onset was like the gush of a pent-up torrent, which sweeps away all in its course; and in allusion to this incident the place got its name.

1Ch 14:16 David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

from Gibeon to Gazer - Geba or Gibea (2Sa_5:25) in the province of Judah. The line from this to Gazer was intersected by the roads which led from Judah to the cities of the Philistines. To recover possession of it, therefore, as was effected by this decisive battle, was equivalent to setting free the whole mountain region of Judah as far as their most westerly slope.

1Ch 14:17 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

1 Chronicles 13

1Ch 13:1 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

David consulted with the captains - Such an organisation had probably been established generally through the tribes prior to the time of David: but David seems to have been the first to recognize in these officers of the host representatives of the people, to consult them on public affairs, and to give them a certain political position. Having taken the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, organized his army, got assurances of the friendly disposition of the Israelites towards him, he judged it right to do what he could for the establishment of religion in the land; and as a first step, consulted on the propriety of bringing the ark from an obscure village, where it had remained during the reign of Saul, to the royal city or seat of government.

David consulted with the captains - Gratitude for the high and splendid dignity to which he had been elevated would naturally, at this period, impart a fresh animation and impulse to the habitually fervent piety of David; but, at the same time, he was animated by other motives. He fully understood his position as ruler under the theocracy, and, entering on his duties, he was resolved to fulfil his mission as a constitutional king of Israel. Accordingly, his first act as a sovereign related to the interests of religion. He takes the opportunity of the official representatives of the nation being with him, to consult them about the propriety of establishing the ark in a more public and accessible locality. The assembly at which he spoke of this consisted of the Sheloshim, princes of thousands (2Sa_6:1). During the reign of the late king, the ark had been left in culpable neglect. Consequently the people had, to a great extent, been careless about the ordinances of divine worship, or had contented themselves with offering sacrifices at Gibeon, without any thought of the ark, though it was the chief and most vital part of the tabernacle. The duty and advantages of this religious movement suggested by the king were apparent, and the proposal met with universal approval.

1Ch 13:2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:

if it seem good unto you - if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory:

let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel - that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype Jesus ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, Heb_2:11 For both He who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of One, for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brothers,

the priests and Levites which are in their cities - given to them in the several tribes to dwell in, see 1Ch_6:54,

1Ch 13:3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

let us bring again the ark of our God to us - The symbol of the divine Presence, than which nothing was more desirable to David, and he chose to begin his reign over all Israel with it:

for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul – Saul being indifferent to religion, and careless about it; and the people also content with worship at the tabernacle at Gibeah, though the token of the divine Presence was absent.

for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul – The ark was then neglected; and the generality of the people contented themselves with going to Gibeon and offering sacrifices there, not caring, though the ark, the heart of the tabernacle, was in another place. As soon as David had power in his hand, he would use it for the advancement of religion. It ought to be the first care of those that are enriched or preferred, to honor God with their honors, and to serve him and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealth and power.

1Ch 13:4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

1Ch 13:5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

So David gathered all Israel together - The principal of them, even 30,000 select men, 2Sa_6:1 Again David gathered every chosen one in Israel, thirty thousand.

from Shihor of Egypt - called Shihor from the blackness of its water, some think the river Rhinocurura is meant, which both lay to the south of the land of Israel:

from Shihor of Egypt —a small brook flowing into the Mediterranean, near the modern El-arish, which forms the southern boundary of Palestine.

even unto the entering of Hamath - which the Targum interprets of Antiochia, the entrance of Antioch, which lay to the north of the land; so that this collection of the people was made from south to north, the extreme borders of the land:

unto the entering of Hemath — the defile between the mountain ranges of Syria and the extreme limit of Palestine on the north.

to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim - where it then was, and had been a long time, 1Sa_7:1 And the men of Kirjath-jearim came and brought up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill. And they sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

1Ch 13:6 And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

Whose name is called on it - “Where his name is invoked” or “who is worshipped there”

To Baalah that is to Kirjathjearim - The same city was called by both names.

1Ch 13:7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

In a new cart - Lest it should be profaned by being placed on any carriage that had been employed about common uses.

Uzza and Ahio - achyo signifies brother or brothers; these were the sons of Abinadab as read from 2Sa_6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab in Gibeah. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

1Ch 13:8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

Psalteries - an instrument of the harp kind; having twelve sounds.

1Ch 13:9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

Uzza put forth his hand - In Num_4:15-20, the Levites are forbidden to touch the ark on pain of death, this penalty was inflicted upon Uzzah, and he was the first that suffered for a breach of this law.

1Ch 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

The anger of the Lord - Let the case of Uzza warn us, to take heed of presumption or rashness with regard to holy things; and not to think, that a right intention will justify a wrong action.

1Ch 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

Perezuzza - That is, the breach of Uzza. Let David's displeasure on this occasion caution us, to watch over our spirit, lest when God reproves us, instead of submitting to God, we quarrel with him. If God be angry with us, shall we dare to be angry with him?

David was displeased - Grief allied to anger seems to be intended. He could not easily submit, and be reconciled to the providence; his heart was ready to rise up against God, and murmur at him for striking him dead in such an awful manner. This put a stop to the procession, and cast a damp upon their joy and mirth on this occasion, and might seem to be an ill omen to David, and be improved by his enemies against him:

David was displeased - On further reflection, David could not fail to discover where the cause of Uzzah's offence, which he had atoned for with his life, really had lain, and that it had actually arisen from the fact that he (David) and those about him had decided to disregard the distinct instructions of the law with regard to the handling of the ark. According to Num 4 the ark was not only to be moved by none but Levites, but it was to be carried on the shoulders, not in a carriage; and in Num_4:15, even the Levites were expressly forbidden to touch it on pain of death. But instead of taking these instructions as their rule, they had followed the example of the Philistines when they sent back the ark (1Sa_6:7.), and had placed it upon a new cart, and directed Uzzah to drive it, whilst, as his conduct on the occasion clearly shows, he had no idea of the unapproachable holiness of the ark of God, and had to expiate his offence with his life, as a warning to all the Israelites.

1Ch 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

David was afraid of the Lord that day - Lest he should be smitten for his error also, and especially as he had discovered some resentment at the Lord's dealing with Uzzah; when he ought to have been still and quiet, and submitted to the will of God, and owned his justice in it, confessed his own error, and been thankful for his sparing mercy vouchsafed to him:

how shall the ark of the Lord come to me - the meaning of which is not, how it should be brought to the place provided by him in Jerusalem, for there were Levites enough to carry it, but signifying that it would be either boldness and presumption in him to do it, since God had shown such a mark of his displeasure at their proceeding, whether it was the will of God it should come to him; An earlier consultation by Urim would have led him right at the first, whereas in this perplexity and distress, he was reaping the fruits of inconsideration and neglect.

how shall the ark of the Lord come to me - David's excitement at what had occurred was soon changed into fear of the Lord. If merely touching the ark of God is punished in this way, how can he have it brought up to the citadel of Zion ? He therefore relinquished his intention of bringing it into the city of David , and placed it in the house of Obed-edom the Gathite. Obed-edom was a Levite of the family of the Korahites, who sprang from Kohath, and belonged to the class of Levitical doorkeepers, whose duty it was, in connection with other Levites, to watch over the ark in the sacred tent (1Ch_15:18, 1Ch_15:24). He is called the Gittite or Gathite from his birthplace, the Levitical city of Gath-rimmon in the tribe of Dan (Jos_21:24; Jos_19:45).

1Ch 13:13 So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

David carried it aside into the house of - which was close by, on one side of the place where they were; this man was a Levite, as appears from his being afterwards appointed to be doorkeeper for the ark, and to sing praise before it, and so a proper person to commit the care of it to.

Obededom - a Levite of the family of Merari, being a son of Jeduthun, who was a Merarite. He was a porter, a player on the harp, and was one of the Levites especially designated to take part in the musical services on the occasion of bringing up the ark to Zion , and to minister before it when brought up. He is called a Gittite perhaps from Gath-Rimmon, in Manasseh, which belonged to the Kohathites Jos_21:25. Marriage with a Kohathite, or some other cause, would account for his dwelling in a Kohathite city.

1Ch 13:14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

The Lord blessed Obededom - Because he had the ark of the Lord in his house. Whoever entertains God’s messengers, or consecrates his house to the service of God, will receive God’s blessing.

The Lord blessed Obededom - him, and all his family, with spiritual blessings, and with an affluence of temporal good things; Josephus says, that Obededom was very poor before, and in a low condition, out of which he soon emerged, and came into affluent circumstances, so as to be taken notice of by his neighbors, and reported abroad;

The Lord blessed Obededom - The same hand that punished Uzzah's presumption, rewarded Obededom's humble boldness.

1 Chronicles 12

1Ch 12:1 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.

This chapter is composed wholly of matter that has no corresponding accounts occurring in Samuel. It comprises four lists: (1) One of men, chiefly Benjamites, who joined David at Ziklag 1Ch_12:1-7; (2) A second of Gadites who united themselves to him when he was in a stronghold near the desert 1Ch_12:8-15; (3) A third of Manassites who came to him when he was dismissed by the Philistines upon suspicion 1Ch_12:19-22; and (4) A fourth of the numbers from the different tribes who attended and made him king at Hebron 1 Chr. 12:23-40.

1Ch 12:1

Came to David to Ziklag - Achish, king of Gath, had given Ziklag to David, as a safe retreat from the wrath of Saul 1Sa_27:6 And Achish gave him Ziklag that day. And Ziklag belongs to the kings of Judah to this day. Ziklag was originally allotted to the Simeonites by Joshua (Jos_19:5; 1Ch_4:30), but at a later time came into possession of the Philistines, and was assigned and presented by king Achish to David, who had fled for refuge to him, as a dwelling-place for himself and his followers. In it David dwelt for a year and four months, until he went to Hebron on the death of Saul.

while he yet kept himself close, because of Saul the son of Kish - that is, when the king’s jealousy had driven him into exile from the court and the country. When he was an exile from his own country, and obliged to live retired in a foreign one, because of Saul's persecution of him, and seeking to take away his life:

they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war - not against Saul, with whom David had none, but with the Amalekites, and others.

1Ch 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.

They were armed with bows - The skill of the Benjamites as archers is noted in 1Ch_8:40, and 2Ch_14:8. Their proficiency in using the left hand appears in the narrative of Judges Jdg_3:15 where their special excellency as slingers is also noticed.

Even of Saul’s brethren - Even of Saul’s own tribe there were some who separated themselves from his cause, and threw in their lot with David.

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 of great advantage to them:

1Ch 12:3 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,

the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite - Who was of Gibeah, in the tribe of Benjamin, sometimes called Gibeah of Benjamin, and of Saul, it being his birthplace, 1Sa_11:4 and so these might be some of his kindred:

Jehu the Antothite - or Anethothite, who was of Anathoth, a city in the tribe of Benjamin, the native place of Jeremiah the prophet.

1Ch 12:4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,

Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty - That came with him, and he had the command of; this man was of Gibeon, another city in the tribe of Benjamin, Jos_18:25.

Josabad, the Gederathite - one of Gederah, a city in the tribe of Judah, perhaps on the borders of that and Benjamin;

1Ch 12:5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

Shephatiah the Haruphite - A native of Haruph or Hariph, Neh_7:24.

1Ch 12:6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,

the Korhites - in 1Ch_12:6 are, without doubt the descendants of the Levite Korah, one division of whom David made guardian of the thresholds of the tent erected for the ark of the covenant on Zion, because their fathers had been watchers of the entrance of the camp, had in that earlier time held the office of watchers by the tabernacle; see on 1Ch_9:18.

1Ch 12:7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

the sons of Jeroham of Gedor - A city in the tribe of Judah, Jos_15:58 and might now belong to Benjamin; or this was another city of the same name in that tribe.

1Ch 12:8 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;

Into the hold to the wilderness - Rather, “into the hold toward the wilderness.” Some understand by this Ziklag, some En-gedi 1Sa_24:1-2; but it seems most probable that here and in 1Ch_12:16 the stronghold of Adullam is intended 1Ch_11:15-16.

And were as swift as the roes - which are remarkable for their swiftness on the mountains. That swiftness was considered to be a grand accomplishment in a warrior, appears from all ancient writings which treat of military affairs.

And of the Gadites - Men of the tribe of Gad, who lived on the other side Jordan; these separated themselves from the rest of their tribe, from their families and dwellings, and from the government of Saul, and came over to David, and joined him either when he was in some strong hold in the wilderness of Ziph, or Maon, 1Sa_23:14, or, as some think, when he was at Ziklag, in the hold there, said to be in the wilderness of Judah: These Gadites, as with their undaunted looks and courage, intimidated their enemies, and put them to flight, so they were swift to pursue them, and overtake them.

This passage 1Ch_12:8-15 seems to be taken verbatim from an ancient source, the poetical expressions in 1Ch_12:8, 1Ch_12:14, being especially unlike the usual style of our author.

1Ch 12:9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

Ezer the first - This, and those that follow, are the names of the Gadites given, according to their age, or merit, or order in coming to David: Obadiah, Eliab, Mishmannah, Jeremiah, Attai, Eliel, Johanan, Elzabad, Jeremiah, Machbanai; in all eleven.

1Ch 12:10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

1Ch 12:11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

1Ch 12:12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

1Ch 12:13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.

1Ch 12:14 These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host - Of the militia in their own country, and of the men they brought with them; or they were such afterwards in David's army:

one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand - David, while at Ziklag, had not so large an amount of forces as to give to each of these the command of so many men. Another meaning, therefore, must be sought, that one of the least could discomfit a hundred, and the greatest was worth a thousand ordinary men; a strong hyperbole to express their uncommon valor.

one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand - or one that was least could resist an hundred, the greatest a thousand. Lev_26:8 And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight. And your enemies shall fall by the sword in front of you. Deu_32:30 How shall one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them and the LORD had shut them up?

1Ch 12:15 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.

In the first month - Perhaps this was the month Nisan, which answers to a part of our March and April. This was probably when the snows on the mountains were beginning to melt, just as Jordan began to overflow its banks or had already overflowed its banks, it made their attempt more hazardous, and afforded additional proof of their heroism. This is observed to show both the time of the year when they came over, and their zeal and ardor to assist David, and their boldness and intrepidity; fearless of danger, they threw themselves into Jordan, and swam over it, in all probability when the waters of it were so deep they could not ford it, and so rapid that they were in danger of being carried away with them:

they put to flight all them of the valleys - This was probably done at the time of their separating themselves and their purpose being discovered, they had to cut their passage through the opposing adherents of Saul, both on the eastern and western banks. The impossibility of taking the fords at such a time, and the violent rapidity of the current, make this crossing of the Jordan - in whatever way these Gadites accomplished it - a remarkable feat.

1Ch 12:16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.

the children of Benjamin and Judah - It is probable that the Benjamites invited the Judahites to accompany them, in order to prevent David being suspicious of them. Their anticipations, as the result showed, were well founded. He did suspect them, but the doubts of David as to their object in repairing to him, were promptly dispelled by Amasai or Amasa, who, by the secret impulse of the Spirit, assured him of their strong attachment and their zealous service from a unanimous conviction that his cause was owned and blessed of God (1Sa_18:12-14). Their names are not in the lists, possibly because they were not handed down in the historical works made use of by the chronicler. At their head, as we learn from 1Ch_12:18, stood Amasai, chief of the thirty, although his name does not occur in the catalogue, 1 Chron 11.

1Ch 12:17 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.

And David went out to meet them - Out of the hold where he was; either out of respect and deference to them, some of them being persons of eminence; or it may be out of suspicion, fearing they were not his friends, being, it may be, chiefly of the tribe of Benjamin, and therefore was desirous of sounding them before he admitted them:

mine heart shall be knit unto you - they should have such a share in his affections, that their hearts would be as one, as his and Jonathan's were, 1Sa_18:1,

the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it - he that sees all things, let him revenge it; and it is not only a wish that he would, but a prayer of faith that so it would be.

The God of our fathers - He calls God, the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs; thus he minds them, not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendents from the same patriarchs, and servants of the same God. And thus he encourages himself to believe, that God would right him, if he was abused. For he was the God of his fathers; therefore a blessing was entailed upon him: and a God to all Israel in particular, as well as a Judge to all the earth.

1Ch 12:18 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.

The spirit came upon Amasai - so that he proclaimed himself enthusiastic for David and his cause. All that was of importance here was to show that the resolution announced by Amasai was an effect of higher spiritual influence.

who was chief of the captains - of them that came at this time with him to David; he was believed by some scholars to be afterwards Absalom's general, and designed to be David's, but was murdered by Joab:

for thy God helpeth thee - which they perceived by the remarkable deliverances of him out of the hand of Saul, when in imminent danger.

1Ch 12:19 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.

there fell some of Manasseh to David - Of the tribe of Manasseh; they took his part, and on his side, and joined him:

but they helped them not –neither David nor his men helped the Philistines, nor did the Manassites that joined David.

for the lords of the Philistines, upon advisement - counsel taken among themselves: sent away David and his men:

he will fall to his master Saul, to the jeopardy of our heads - meaning, that he would go off with his troops to Saul, and betray them into his hands, and with their heads make his peace with him.

1Ch 12:20 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.

As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh - Others besides the former, who joined him when he went with the Philistines; these joined him when he was dismissed from them, and was returning to Ziklag. These captains of Manasseh seem to have met David as he was returning from the army of the Philistines to Ziklag. It is probable that they did not bring their companies with them; yet they both assured him of future assistance and and very likely helped him against the Amalekites who had spoiled Ziklag. 1Sa_29:11

captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh - that tribe being, as the rest were, divided into hundreds and thousands; these were captains over the thousands of the militia of the tribe.

1Ch 12:21 And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

they helped David against the band of the rovers - Against the Amalekites who had taken and burnt Ziklag, whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing. The Amalekites, who, while David was gone with the Philistines, had seized on Ziklag, and burnt it, and carried the women captive, with what spoil they could make; these coming to David assisted him in his pursuit and defeat of them:

1Ch 12:22 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.

like the host of God - Innumerable, like the stars or angels, both which are called God's hosts.

1Ch 12:23 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.

And came to David to Hebron - That is, after the death of Ishbosheth, when David had reigned seven years in Hebron:.

And these are the numbers of the bands - That were trained for war, and accounted for it: The account commences with the southern tribes, Levi being associated with Judah and Simeon, as the great majority of the leading men in this tribe resided in Judah; and, after recounting the representatives of the northern tribes, it concludes with those on the east of Jordan.

to turn the kingdom of Saul to him - to transfer it to him and his family:

1Ch 12:24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.

The sons of Judah - How does it happen that smaller tribes are so strongly represented, while Judah sends only a relatively small number of warriors? It appears that Judah's being represented by a number of warriors relatively so small, is accounted for simply by the fact that David had already been king over Judah for seven years, and consequently that tribe did not need to make him king by coming with the whole of its warriors, or the majority of them, when the other tribes were doing homage to David, but sent only a small number of its male population to this solemn act, who were witnesses in the name of the whole tribe to the homage proffered by the others. The same remark applies to the tribe of Simeon, whose domain was enclosed by that of Judah, and which had consequently recognized David as king at the same time as the larger tribe.

1Ch 12:25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.

1Ch 12:26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.

The sons of Levi - Levi had in the last year of David's reign 38,000 men from thirty years old and upwards (1Ch_23:3); and when here only 4600 Levites, besides the priestly families, are spoken of, the question arises, whether this number is to be understood to refer to the Levites in all the tribes, or only to those dwelling outside of Judah and Simeon, in the cities assigned to them by Moses and Joshua.

1Ch 12:27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;

Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites - not the high priest, for Abiathar was then high priest, and Jehoiada leader over the warriors of the house of Aaron.

1Ch 12:28 And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

Zadok - may be the same who was made high priest in place of Abiathar (1Ki_2:26, 1Ki_6:8). The father's-house of Zadok is the Aaronite family descended from Eleazar.

1Ch 12:29 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.

The sons of Benjamin - This small number shows the unpopularity of the movement in this tribe; and, indeed, it is expressly stated that the mass of the population had, even after Ishbosheth’s death, anxiously endeavored to secure the crown in the family of Saul.

For hitherto the greatest part of them kept the ward to the house of Saul - The smallness of the number from the tribe of Benjamin is explained by the remark that the majority of this tribe still held 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.

1Ch 12:30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.

The sons of Ephraim - The Ephraimites are so few (20,800 men) in contrast to the approximately 140,000 men brought into the field by the half-tribe of Manasseh 1Ch_12:31, 1Ch_12:37. But consider that Ephraim, which at the first census under Moses at Sinai had 40,500 men, had decreased to 32,500 at the second census in the wilderness of Moab, it is not improbable that at this time the tribe may not have been very strong in fighting men. For in Saul's last war with the Philistines, when they had pressed forward so far as Mount Gilboa, and also in Abner's struggle on behalf of King Ishbosheth for the re-conquest of the territory occupied by them, it probably suffered more, and was more weakened, than any of the other tribes. Perhaps also we may add that Ephraim, owing to its jealousy of Judah, which dates from the time of the judges, was not very much disposed to make David king over all Israel.

1Ch 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

Manasseh - Which was within Jordan: for of the other half beyond Jordan see 1Ch_12:37.

1Ch 12:32 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.

Men that had understanding of the times - They were intelligent men, who understood the signs of the times, well versed in political affairs, and knew what was proper to be done in all the exigencies of human life; and who now perceived that it was both the duty and political interest of Israel to advance David to the throne. Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military, and had declared for David.

1Ch 12:33 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.

Who could keep rank — that is, were more disciplined soldiers than the rest.

not of double heart — Though their numbers were large, all were solid behind David. They were sincerely loyal, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, while in their hearts they favored Saul's family. And none had any separate interests, but all were for the public good.

Expert in war - excelling with all manner of warlike weapons. The writer notes in each tribe the point in which it was most admirable.

1Ch 12:34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.

1Ch 12:35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

1Ch 12:36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.

expert in war - keeping their rank.

1Ch 12:37 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, an hundred and twenty thousand.

1Ch 12:38 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.

All these men of war that could keep rank - Well disciplined men:

came with a perfect heart to Hebron - they were all of one mind, and quite hearty and sincere in fixing David on the throne of all Israel:

all the rest also of Israel were of one heart - those who did not come were also of the same mind; it was the unanimous voice of the people that he should be their king.

with a perfect heart - The meaning of this expression may be inferred from that of a double heart in 1Ch_12:33. If a double heart is expressive of insincerity or duplicity, a perfect heart, which seems to be put in opposition to it, must signify a sincere, faithful, and entire attachment.

1Ch 12:39 And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.

there they were with David three days, eating and drinking — According to the statements made in the preceding verses, the number of armed warriors assembled in Hebron on this occasion amounted to three hundred thousand. Supplies of provisions were abundantly furnished, not only by the people of the neighborhood, but from distant parts of the country, for all wished the festivities to be on a scale of liberality and magnificence suitable to the auspicious occasion.

They were with David three days - Keeping a festival, to testify their joy on this occasion: These might have been the deputies of the different people mentioned here: one scholar thinks it is not likely that all the thousands mentioned above could have feasted with David for three days; and yet it appears there was even of these a great number, for the men of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, who were nearest to this place of rendezvous, had brought all the necessaries for such a feast. From the whole it appears most evident that the great majority of the tribes of Israel wished to see the kingdom confirmed in the hands of David.

for their brethren had prepared for them - not the inhabitants of Hebron only, but all the country round about, brought in provisions on this joyful occasion; otherwise the men of Hebron would not have been able to have provided what was sufficient for such a vast number, as appears by what follows.

1Ch 12:40 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.

Moreover, they that were nigh - To Hebron, or bordered on the tribe of Judah:

even unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali - as far as to those tribes, and including them: Not only these who performed this service, but also those of the remaining tribes dwelling near them; and indeed the men of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, those on the northern frontier of Canaan as well as those who bordered upon Judah

and on oxen - who, though commonly employed in ploughing, yet, on this occasion, might be made use of either in drawing wagons laden with provisions, such as follow, or in carrying loads on their backs.

for there was joy in Israel - that their civil wars were ended; that they were united into one kingdom again; and had a king over them according to their hearts' desire, the darling of the people, of whom they had raised expectations; being a valiant, prudent, and good man, who, above all, was one of God's choosing, appointing, and anointing: greater joy there will be, when David's son and antitype, Zion's King, reigns, when he shall be King over all the earth.