1 Chronicles 12:23 - Meaning and Application

Here we have an account of those who helped settle David on the throne after Ishbosheth died. We read earlier that all the tribes of Israel came, either in person or through representatives, to Hebron to make David king (1 Chronicles 11:1; 2 Samuel 5:1). Now we are told how many from each tribe came ready for war, in case anyone tried to resist (1 Chronicles 12:23).

The tribes that lived closest brought the fewest men. Judah brought only 6,800 (1 Chronicles 12:24), and Simeon brought 7,100 (1 Chronicles 12:25). By contrast, Zebulun, which lived far away, brought 50,000, Asher 40,000, and the two and a half tribes east of the Jordan brought 120,000. This does not mean the nearer tribes were less committed. They showed wisdom by sending fewer, since help was so near at hand, while the others showed zeal by sending so many. The men of Judah already had enough to do in hosting those who came from far away.

The Levites, including the priests, called here the Aaronites, were also strongly committed to this cause. They were ready, if needed, to fight for David as well as pray for him, because they knew God had chosen him to rule (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). Even some of Saul’s relatives came over to David (1 Chronicles 12:29). Not as many did so as from the other tribes, because a foolish loyalty to their own tribe and concern for its honor kept many tied to Saul’s failing family for too long. Family ties should never control our conscience.

Most of these men are described as mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 12:25, 1 Chronicles 12:28, 1 Chronicles 12:30). Others are called skilled in war (1 Chronicles 12:35-36), and all of them could keep their ranks in order (1 Chronicles 12:38). They had strong fighting spirit, but they were also disciplined and orderly. They had warm hearts and clear heads.

Some were careful enough to bring weapons and supplies for war with them (1 Chronicles 12:24, 1 Chronicles 12:33, 1 Chronicles 12:37), since they could not expect David to provide everything for them. The men of Issachar were the fewest of all, only 200, yet they were as useful to David’s cause as the largest groups. In effect, they stood for the whole tribe. They were men of unusual wisdom. They understood the times, and they knew what Israel should do. This may mean they understood weather and seasons, or the right times for religious feasts, or, more likely here, the state of public affairs. They saw what was happening in the nation and what those events meant. At this critical moment, they knew Israel ought to make David king. It was not only wise, but necessary.

These men of Issachar were mostly country people and did not often get involved in public matters. That may have helped them observe more carefully. A person standing outside a game sometimes sees more than the players do. They also had influence, because all their brothers followed their lead. The common people in that tribe were ready to serve, while the leaders knew how to guide them. It is a blessing when those who lead are wise and thoughtful, and those who follow are humble and willing.

It is said of them all that they joined this work with a perfect heart (1 Chronicles 12:38). The men of Zebulun are especially described as not being double-hearted, meaning they were not divided in loyalty or motives (1 Chronicles 12:33). In this matter they were true Israelites, with no deceit. Their strength was that they were of one heart, with no private interests pulling them apart. They all worked for the public good.

The men of Judah and the nearby tribes also prepared food for their camps when they came to Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:39-40). Those who had spent the least effort traveling to this gathering thought it right to spend more on hospitality, so that things would be fair. A generous feast was made on this happy occasion, for there was joy in Israel (1 Chronicles 12:40). And there was good reason for joy, because when righteous people rule, a city rejoices. In the same way, when Christ’s rule is set up in a soul, there should be great joy there too. Provision is made for that joy, not just for two or three days as here, but for the whole life, indeed for eternity.