1 Chronicles 12:1-40
Q.1. What was amazing about the men who defected to David? Did the demands that David placed on his followers weaken his army? – (1 Chr.12:1-22)
David’s supporters had fallen out with Saul. They joined him firstly at the Cave of Adullam, then followed him to the city of Ziglag which was given to him by Achish, king of Gath (1 Chr.12:1 c.f.1 Sam.22:1-2). They were fully armed and accomplished soldiers. They included – Saul’s kinsmen from (the tribe of) Benjamin (1 Chr.12:2). There were also members of the tribe of Gad east of the Jordan – … mighty men of valour, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and who were fierce as lions and swift as gazelles … the least was equal to a hundred and the greatest a thousand … (1 Chr.12:8 & 14). Even at a time when he may have been excused for accepting almost anyone, David only enlisted those who submitted to his leadership – … If you come peacefully to me to help me, my heart shall be united with you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look on it and decide (1 Chr.12:17). God endorsed David’s stand with a message of encouragement, when – The Spirit came upon Amasai, who was the chief of the thirty, and he said, ‘We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace to you, and peace to him who helps you; Indeed, your God helps you!’ Then David received them and made them captains of the band (1 Chr.12:18). The Lord was with His anointed – day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God (1 Chr.12:22).
Q.2. How broadly did David attract supporters from the tribes of Israel? What qualities did they display? Why did they follow David? – (1 Chr.12:23-40)
After the death of Saul and his sons, David reigned for seven years and six months in Hebron, and thirty years in Jerusalem (c.f. 1 Chr.3:4). It was at Hebron where all Israel gathered to make David King, in accordance with the Word of the Lord as spoken through Samuel (c.f. 1 Chr.11:1-3). The army was inspired by the prophecies of the Lord regarding David. They gathered around him (1 Chr.12:23). Though the army grew to thousands, members of all the tribes were recorded (1 Chr.12:24-25, 29-37). David was also ably supported with a priestly following from Levi (1 Chr.12:26-28). The descriptions of the men identify qualities of valour, their renown, and understanding of the times (1 Chr.12:30-32). They comment on their battle capabilities and equipment for battle – All these, being men of war who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king (1 Chr.12:38). They were united in heart and purpose and were supported by the tribes – … There was joy indeed in Israel (1 Chr.12:40).