Those Who Came to David at Hebron (Judah’s Support)
1 Chronicles 12:1-22
1 C.12.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- הבאים: PART,qal,ptcp,masc,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לציקלג: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- עצור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- בגבורים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עזרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:1 (verbal): Explicitly situates David at Ziklag; parallels the same location and context of David’s stay in 1 Chr 12:1.
- 1 Samuel 27:6 (thematic): Reports that Achish gave Ziklag to David, explaining why David was dwelling at Ziklag while Saul reigned.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Describes Israelites coming to David (at Hebron) to acknowledge him as king—parallels the theme of men assembling to support David.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): Catalogue of David’s 'mighty men' (gibborim); parallels 1 Chr 12:1’s reference to the warriors who joined David.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still a fugitive from Saul son of Kish; they were mighty men, helpers in war.
- These are the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still confined because of Saul son of Kish; they were mighty men, warriors trained for battle.
1 C.12.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נשקי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- קשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מימינים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומשמאלים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- באבנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובחצים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בקשת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- מאחי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבנימן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 20:16 (verbal): Describes Benjaminite warriors as expert slingers who could hit a target precisely with a stone — closely parallels the résumé of Benjamin as skilled with stones and arrows.
- 1 Samuel 17:50 (thematic): David defeats Goliath with a sling and stone; thematically connects to the use of stones and slings as effective weapons mentioned in 1 Chr 12:2.
- Psalm 18:34 (thematic): Speaks of God training hands for war and bending the bow — echoes the image of trained archers and military skill in 1 Chronicles 12:2.
- 1 Chronicles 4:40-43 (structural): Another passage in Chronicles listing armed bands and men equipped with bows and other weapons — an internal parallel in genre and function (lists of warriors and their armaments).
Alternative generated candidates
- Skilled bowmen, to the right and to the left, slingers of stones and shooters of arrows—the kinsmen of Saul from Benjamin.
- Archers, skillful with the bow, both right-handed and left-handed; who shot stones and arrows with the bow—these were kinsmen of Saul from Benjamin.
1 C.12.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויואש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- השמעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הגבעתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויזיאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופלט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עזמות: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וברכה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויהוא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הענתתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-7 (structural): Immediate context: the opening section listing the men who joined David at Hebron; 1 Chr 12:3 is part of this roster and shares the same purpose and many of the same names.
- 1 Chronicles 11:32-47 (verbal): Parallel roster of David’s mighty men and chiefs in an earlier chapter; many names and groupings overlap with the lists in 1 Chr 12 (the same warrior tradition rendered in a different setting).
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): Catalogue of David’s mighty men in Samuel that corresponds to the chronicler’s lists; several personal names (e.g., Shammah/the Hararite and other chiefs) recur between the accounts.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-5 (thematic): Narrative parallel: the tribes and leaders coming to David at Hebron to make him king. 1 Chr 12’s list of supporters functions as the chronicler’s account of the same movement that 2 Sam 5 describes more narratively.
Alternative generated candidates
- The chiefs: Ahiezer and Joash, sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Hizael and Paltiel, sons of Azmaveth; Berachah and Jehu the Anathothite.
- The chief was Ahiezer and Joash, sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Berachah and Jehu the Anathothite.
1 C.12.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמעיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגבעוני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- גבור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בשלשים: PREP+NUM,m,pl,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- השלשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:32 (verbal): Another list of David's 'mighty men' (the Thirty) where many of the same warriors are enumerated; parallels the identification of Ishmaiah as one of the Thirty.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (thematic): The classic catalogue of David's mighty men (the Three and the Thirty); provides the same tradition/background for elite warrior groups to which 'the Thirty' belong.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-22 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter listing groups of warriors who joined David at Ziklag and Hebron; 12:4 fits this rosteral/structural pattern of naming individual fighters.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-14 (allusion): Narrative involving the Gibeonites and David's dealings with them; connects to the ethnic designation 'the Gibeonite' applied to Ishmaiah in 1 Chr 12:4.
- Joshua 9:3-27 (allusion): Background account of the Gibeonites making treaty with Israel; useful for understanding the ethnic label 'Gibeonite' attached to Ishmaiah and its historical/communal significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man of the thirty and above the thirty.
- Jashmaeah the Gibeonite, a mighty man of the thirty and over the thirty.
1 C.12.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירמיה: CONJ,PN,m,sg
- ויחזיאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוחנן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוזבד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגדרתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:4-7 (verbal): Verse 5 is part of this immediate Gadite roster — the same group of names (leaders of the Gederites/Gadites) listed as coming to David; a direct verbal continuation of the same list.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 (thematic): Another large, related catalogue in Chronicles of David’s warriors and supporters (the 'mighty men'); thematically parallel as an independent compilation of those who rallied to David.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (thematic): The parallel list of David’s mighty men in Samuel; while names and order differ, it serves the same structural/thematic purpose of recording David’s military supporters and heroic leaders.
- 1 Chronicles 12:40 (structural): The concluding verse that summarizes all who came to David at Hebron; it structurally ties together the individual tribal lists (including the Gadite names in v.5) into the narrative of supporters assembling around David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederite.
- Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;
1 C.12.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלעוזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירימות: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובעליה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמריהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושפטיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החרופי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:5 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter: contiguous list of names of warriors who joined David; overlaps in names and phrasing with v.6.
- 1 Chronicles 12:7 (verbal): Continuation of the same roster in chapter 12—adjacent verse that repeats the pattern of naming groups and their leaders, showing the composite list of David's supporters.
- 1 Chronicles 11:6-47 (structural): Broader, related list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11; parallels the chapter-12 rolls in function and many overlapping names, reflecting different collections of David's supporters.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (structural): Parallel roster of David's mighty men in Samuel; provides a corresponding list to Chronicles' accounts, with many equivalent names and the same overall tradition of David's elite fighters.
Alternative generated candidates
- Eluzai, Jerimoth, Baaliah, Shemaiah, and Shaphatiah the Haruphite.
- Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;
1 C.12.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלקנה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישיהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועזראל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויועזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישבעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקרחים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:6 (structural): Immediate neighboring verse in the same unit of tribal lists — continuation of the roster of men who joined David.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1 (structural): Introduces the chapter’s theme that men from Israel’s tribes came to David at Hebron; 12:7 is part of this overall movement.
- 2 Samuel 5:1 (thematic): Reports the tribes assembling around David at Hebron to make him king — the broader historical setting for the names listed in 1 Chronicles 12:7.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10–47 (thematic): Lists David’s mighty men and warriors who supported him — a related tradition and catalogue of supporters comparable to the rosters in ch. 12.
- 2 Samuel 23:8–39 (verbal): Another canonical roster of David’s mighty men with overlapping tradition and some shared names; parallels the chronicler’s presentation of David’s supporters.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joazar, and Ishbaal—the Kerethites.
- Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam the Kerethites;
1 C.12.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועאלה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וזבדיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ירחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הגדור: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:1 (structural): Introductory verse to chapter 12: both verses form part of the larger roll call of men who joined David at his stronghold/while he was fugitive and before he became king.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 (structural): Another list of David's warriors and supporters after he becomes king; overlaps structurally with 1 Chr 12 as complementary catalogue material naming men who served David.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (structural): The catalogue of David's 'mighty men' in Samuel corresponds to the warrior lists in Chronicles; there is significant overlap in personnel and function, showing parallel traditions.
- 1 Samuel 22:1-2 (thematic): Describes the band of men who joined David while he was fleeing Saul (those in distress, in debt, discontented), which is the social-contextual background for the lists in 1 Chr 12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
- Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
1 C.12.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הגדי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נבדלו: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למצד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדברה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גברי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- החיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערכי: VERB,qal,ptc,m,pl
- צנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ורמח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אריה: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- פניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- וכצבאים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- למהר: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Genesis 49:19 (thematic): Jacob's blessing/prophecy describes Gad as a raiding, martial tribe; connects to 1 Chr 12:9's portrayal of Gadites as warriors.
- Deuteronomy 33:20-21 (thematic): Moses' blessing of Gad depicts them as a troop and uses lion imagery—parallels the martial character and 'faces like lions' language in 1 Chr 12:9.
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Account of the tribe of Gad seeking land east of Jordan and noted for fighting ability; thematically parallels the depiction of Gadite warriors joining David.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-7 (structural): Immediate literary parallel within the same chapter: other tribal contingents described as 'mighty men of valor' who joined David at the stronghold, echoing the same vocabulary and function as 1 Chr 12:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the Gadites there separated to David to the stronghold in the wilderness mighty men, warriors, men of valor for battle, armed with shield and spear; their faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains for running.
- And from the Gadites there separated themselves to David to the stronghold in the wilderness mighty men, warriors fit for battle—armed with shield and spear; their faces were like the face of a lion, and they were swift as gazelles on the mountains for running.
1 C.12.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עזר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אליאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השלשי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-22 (structural): Same section listing the men who came to David at Hebron; v.10 is one entry in this larger catalogue of supporters.
- 1 Chronicles 11:6-47 (verbal): Another Chronicles list of David’s warriors and chief men; Chronicles repeats and reshuffles these warrior lists (chapters 11 and 12) with overlapping names and roles.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): Parallel list of David’s mighty men in Samuel that corresponds to the warrior traditions preserved in Chronicles; many names and descriptions overlap with the lists in 1 Chronicles.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Narrative account of the tribes coming to David at Hebron to make him king; provides the historical-theological setting for the lists of men who rallied to David in 1 Chronicles 12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ezer was chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third.
- Ahi was the chief, and Obadiah the second, and Eliab the third;
1 C.12.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משמנה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- הרביעי: ADJ,ord,m,sg,def
- ירמיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החמשי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chr. 12:32 (verbal): Same wording and idea — men of Issachar described as having 'understanding of the times' and knowing what Israel ought to do (close verbal and conceptual parallel).
- 1 Chr. 11:10-47 (structural): Another list of David's warriors and supporters; 12:11 functions within the same literary motif of cataloguing tribal contingents and notable men who joined David.
- Judges 5:15-16 (thematic): The Song of Deborah highlights Issachar (and neighboring tribes) as leaders who took decisive action; parallels theme of tribal leaders discerning and acting for Israel's welfare.
- 2 Sam. 17:1-4 (thematic): Debate between Ahithophel and Hushai concerns strategic counsel in a national crisis — echoes the idea of men who 'know what Israel ought to do' and the value of timely, wise counsel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Meshomnah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth.
- Mashma the fourth, Jeremoth the fifth;
1 C.12.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הששי: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
- אליאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השבעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-40 (structural): This verse is part of the chapter-wide roster of warriors who came to David at Hebron; the chapter lists individuals and leaders by tribe and often by ordinal position.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 (verbal): Another Chronicles passage that contains a closely related roster of David’s mighty men; names and descriptions in ch. 11 overlap with the lists and traditions preserved in ch. 12.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): Samuel’s catalogue of David’s warriors corresponds to the lists in Chronicles (many of the same names and episodes), showing a parallel tradition for the composition of David’s fighting men.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-8 (structural): A different Chronicles roster (the divisions of temple musicians) that uses the same organizational practice of enumerating names and ordinal groups, illustrating the chronicler’s habitual list-structure and use of ordinals in personnel rosters.
Alternative generated candidates
- Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh.
- Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh;
1 C.12.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השמיני: ADJ,ord,m,sg,def
- אלזבד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התשיעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 (structural): Another list in Chronicles of the warriors and supporters attached to David; both passages are part of the larger compilation of those who rallied to David and preserve overlapping material and purpose (cataloguing names and ranks).
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): The parallel Samuel passage contains the tradition of David’s mighty men and related lists of names; many of the same personal names and groupings occur there, showing dependence or common source with the Chronicler’s lists.
- 1 Chronicles 8 (thematic): Chapters 7–9 of Chronicles contain genealogical and tribal lists (especially of Benjamin) that parallel the name-lists in ch. 12; the same tribal genealogy material helps identify individuals and their tribal affiliations referenced in ch. 12.
- 1 Chronicles 9 (structural): This chapter repeats and reorganizes genealogical and resident lists for Jerusalem and the tribes, functioning like ch. 12 as part of the Chronicler’s effort to preserve names and offices; it displays similar conventions of listing names and ordinal designations.
Alternative generated candidates
- Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth.
- Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth;
1 C.12.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ירמיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העשירי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- מכבני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): List of David's mighty men that largely corresponds to the warrior-names and roster material found in Chronicles; many individual names and groupings overlap with 1 Chronicles' lists.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 (verbal): Another parallel roster of David's mighty warriors in Chronicles; 1 Chr 11 and 12 are complementary lists describing those who joined David and served as his warriors.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-5 (thematic): Describes the tribes coming to David at Hebron and recognizing his kingship—background event to which the lists of supporters in 1 Chronicles 12 are related.
- 2 Samuel 2:4-7 (thematic): Accounts of the men of Judah anointing David and the initial gathering of his supporters; provides the narrative context for the individual names and contingents enumerated in 1 Chronicles 12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jeremiah the tenth; Makhbani the thirteenth.
- Jeremoth the tenth, Machbannai the thirteenth.
1 C.12.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- למאה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הקטן: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והגדול: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,def
- לאלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:14 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter listing the Gadite leaders with virtually the same wording about officers 'one over a hundred, and the greatest to a thousand'—same roster/phraseology.
- 1 Chronicles 27:1 (structural): Later chronicler's summary of David's military organization using the same administrative units (captains of thousands and hundreds), reflecting the organizational language underlying 1 Chr 12:15.
- 2 Samuel 23:8 (thematic): Part of the lists of David's warriors/mighty men; thematically parallels 1 Chr 12's roll of fighting men who rallied to David and their military leadership.
- 1 Chronicles 5:18 (thematic): Describes the Gadites (with Reuben and half-Manasseh) as valiant warriors organized for battle—echoes the portrayal of Gad's fighting men and their leadership in 1 Chr 12:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- These were the sons of Gad, the chiefs of the troops—one over a hundred, the lesser and the greater over a thousand.
- These are the sons of Gad, the heads of the troop—one leader for a hundred and the great ones for a thousand.
1 C.12.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ממלא: VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- גדותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3ms
- ויבריחו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- העמקים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- למזרח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמערב: CONJ,PREP,NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 3:15-17 (verbal): Describes the Jordan's waters standing in a heap so the people crossed—directly parallels the image of the river being full and the crossing under miraculous conditions.
- Joshua 4:19 (structural): Notes that Israel crossed the Jordan in the first month (and gives the timing of the crossing), matching 1 Chr 12:16’s 'passed over the Jordan in the first month.'
- Psalm 114:3-4 (allusion): Poetic recollection of the Jordan turning back and the waters standing—thematises the same miraculous control of the river cited in Chronicles.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (thematic): The parting of the sea so that the people passed on dry ground provides a broader typological parallel to miraculous watery barriers permitting Israel’s passage.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it overflowed all its banks, and they drove back all the valleys to the east and to the west.
- These are they who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it overflowed all its banks; and they drove out all the inhabitants of the valleys eastward and westward.
1 C.12.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- למצד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדויד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (structural): Directly related passage in the same book: describes the assembly of Israel to David at Hebron and the transfer of loyalty that culminates from the gatherings recorded in chapter 12.
- 1 Samuel 22:1-2 (thematic): Describes people coming to David (those in distress, debt, and discontent) and joining his band—parallels the motif of supporters from various tribes rallying to David.
- 2 Samuel 2:4-7 (thematic): Reports the men of Judah anointing David king over the house of Judah—echoes the tribal support (Judah, and here Benjamin) coalescing around David as leader.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (structural): All the tribes/elders of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king over Israel; this parallels the culmination of the tribal gatherings and allegiance described in 1 Chronicles 12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And men came from Benjamin and from Judah to the stronghold to David.
- They came to David to the stronghold from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah.
1 C.12.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אם: CONJ
- לשלום: PREP
- באתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לעזרני: VERB,qal,inf,1,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- לבב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליחד: VERB,qal,inf
- ואם: CONJ
- לרמותני: VERB,qal,inf,1,sg
- לצרי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,poss1s
- בלא: PREP
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכפי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,?,sg
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cp
- ויוכח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (structural): Same overall scene: men of Israel gather around David at Hebron to support and anoint him as king — 1 Chr 12:18 is part of this cumulative account and addresses the motives of those who come.
- 1 Samuel 22:2 (thematic): Describes those distressed, indebted, or discontented joining David; parallels 1 Chr 12’s motif of various men coming to David and the questions about why they have come.
- 1 Samuel 23:15-18 (allusion): Jonathan strengthens David’s hand and reaffirms covenantal loyalty — a positive counterpoint to the concern in 1 Chr 12:18 about whether newcomers come in peace or to betray him.
- 1 Samuel 30:21-25 (thematic): David tests and adjudicates claims of those who stayed behind versus those who fought, dealing with loyalty and fair recompense — thematically related to 1 Chr 12:18’s emphasis on testing motives and allegiance.
- 2 Samuel 15:1-6 (allusion): Absalom’s public displays of friendliness that mask a bid for power illustrate the danger of hidden betrayal alluded to in David’s warning in 1 Chr 12:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- David went out to meet them and said, "If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be knit to you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies, may the God of our fathers judge."
- David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be knit to you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies, may the God of our fathers see and judge.”
1 C.12.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עמשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השלישים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2ms
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ושלום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעזרך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עזרך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- ויקבלם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+OBJ,3,m,pl
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- בראשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- הגדוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (structural): Both passages describe the leaders and tribes rallying to David at Hebron and the formal acceptance/installation of David as king—continuation of the same narrative of men coming to make David king.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Parallel account of the men of Israel coming to David and acknowledging him as king at Hebron; echoes the theme of national support and divine endorsement for David's rule.
- 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (verbal): Lists and traditions about David’s mighty men and their captains parallel Chronicles’ enumeration of warriors and the appointment of leaders (cf. appointment of captains in 1 Chr 12:19).
- 1 Samuel 30:24-25 (thematic): Both passages show David rewarding and recognizing those loyal to him (sharing spoils/making leaders), reflecting the social practice of honoring and promoting supporters who join his cause.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, the chief of the thirty, and he said, "To you, David, and to your people, O son of Jesse, peace." He added, "Peace to you, and peace to your helpers; for your help is from God." And David received them and made them captains of the band.
- Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, the chief of the thirty, and he said, “Long live David! Long live the man, the son of Jesse!” He blessed David and said, “Peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” David received them and appointed them as leaders of the raiding bands.
1 C.12.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממנשה: CONJ+PREP,NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבאו: PREP+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- על: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- עזרם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- בעצה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שלחהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- סרני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בראשינו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,pl
- יפול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 29:3-4 (quotation): Direct parallel: the lords of the Philistines object to David’s presence and insist he not go into battle because he might turn against them—same reason given for sending him away in 1 Chronicles 12:20.
- 1 Samuel 27:6-7 (structural): Background context: David was living under Achish’s protection at Ziklag (in Philistine territory), which explains how he was present with the Philistines when they assembled against Saul.
- 1 Samuel 22:1-2 (thematic): Thematic parallel: describes men in distress, debt, and discontent gathering to David (the motif of people joining David), which 1 Chronicles 12 also recounts in expanded detail.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): Contrast/correspondence: later all the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron to make him king—this is the outcome toward which the various groups joining David (including those mentioned in 1 Chr 12) are moving.
Alternative generated candidates
- Some of Manasseh went over to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul; but they did not help him, for the princes of the Philistines had counseled and sent him away, saying, "He will fall back to his master Saul."
- Now of Manasseh some had gone with the Philistines to the battle against Saul and did not help him, because the commanders of the Philistines had said, “Do not help him, that he may fall before us.”
1 C.12.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בלכתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- ציקלג: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ממנשה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עדנח: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויוזבד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וידיעאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומיכאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוזבד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ואליהוא: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וצלתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- האלפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- למנשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 12:22 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same chapter: summarizes that these were warrior leaders from Manasseh who joined David and came to Hebron, completing the account begun in 12:21.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (thematic): Parallel theme of Israelites and tribal leaders coming to David to make him king at Hebron; both passages report peoples’ supporters assembling around David.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (thematic): All the tribes/elders of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king—parallels the recruitment and recognition of David as king reflected in 1 Chr 12's lists of supporters.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-6 (thematic): Narrative setting at Ziklag: David and his men at Ziklag are attacked by the Amalekites. Connects to 1 Chr 12:21's mention of Ziklag as the place where these Manassite leaders joined David.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he went to Ziklag, Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zilthai—heads of the thousands of Manasseh—joined to him.
- But when David went to Ziklag there came to him chiefs of the thousands of Manasseh—Adnah, Jozabad, Jehial, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zelek.
1 C.12.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- עזרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- הגדוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- גבורי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:10 (structural): Like 1 Chr 12:22, this verse introduces the contingent of David’s 'mighty men'—both passages frame the band of valorous warriors who strengthened David’s rule.
- 2 Samuel 23:8 (verbal): 2 Sam 23:8 begins the list of 'David’s mighty men' (gibborim) and commanders—paralleling the language of 'mighty men of valor' and 'captains' in 1 Chr 12:22.
- 1 Samuel 22:2 (thematic): Describes people gathering to David—'everyone that was in distress...and there were with him about four hundred men'—paralleling the theme of warriors rallying to David's side.
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (thematic): All the elders of Israel come to Hebron to make David king—paralleling the broader context in 1 Chr 12 where armed supporters and tribal leaders unite to strengthen David’s kingship.
Alternative generated candidates
- They helped David in the band, for they were all mighty warriors, and they became commanders in the army.
- They helped David against the raiding bands; for they were all mighty men of valor and became officers in the army.
And these who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still in hiding from Saul son of Kish, were mighty men, warriors skilled for battle.
Bowmen, right-handed and left-handed, who hurled stones and shot arrows—archers, kinsmen of Saul from Benjamin.
The chief was Ahiezer and Joash, sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Berachah and Jehoah the Anathothite.
Yishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man of the Thirty and above the Thirty.
Jeremiah and Jahaziel and Johanan and Jozabad the Gederite.
Elozi and Jerimoth and Bealiah and Shemaryahu and Shephatiah the Haruphite.
Elkanah and Jesiah and Azarel and Joezer and Jashobeam the Kerethites.
Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
Of the Gadites there came to David to the stronghold in the wilderness valiant men of might, men of war, armed with shield and spear; their faces were like the faces of lions, and they were swift as the gazelles of the mountains in running.
Ezer was the chief; Obadiah the second; Eliab the third.
Mishmannah the fourth; Jeremiah the fifth.
Attai the sixth; Eliel the seventh.
Johanan the eighth; Elzabad the ninth.
Jeremiah the tenth; Makbani the thirteenth.
These are the chiefs of the army of the sons of Gad—each a leader of a hundred, small and great, even to a thousand.
These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it overflowed all its banks; and they drove out all the inhabitants of the valleys eastward and westward. And some of the men of Benjamin and of Judah came to the stronghold to David.
David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, then my heart shall be knit to you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies, may God do so to me and more also—may He judge.”
Then the spirit clothed Amasai the chief of the Thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David, and on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” David received them and appointed them chiefs of the bands. And men of Manasseh had defected to David when they came with the Philistines to fight against Saul; they did not help him, for the lords of the Philistines had sent them away, saying, “Why should your lord fall this day before his enemy Saul?”
When he went to Ziklag there came to him Adnah and Jozabad and Jediael and Michael and Jozabad and Elihu and Zillethai, captains of thousands of Manasseh. And they helped David against the band, for they were all mighty men of valour; and they became commanders in the army.