1 Chronicles 12:24
New International Version
from Judah, carrying shield and spear—6,800 armed for battle;

New Living Translation
From the tribe of Judah, there were 6,800 warriors armed with shields and spears.

English Standard Version
The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops.

Berean Standard Bible
From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.

Berean Literal Bible
Of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand and eight hundred armed of the host.

King James Bible
The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.

New King James Version
of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred armed for war;

New American Standard Bible
The sons of Judah who carried shield and spear numbered 6,800, equipped for war.

NASB 1995
The sons of Judah who bore shield and spear were 6,800, equipped for war.

NASB 1977
The sons of Judah who bore shield and spear were 6,800, equipped for war.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sons of Judah who bore shield and spear were 6,800, equipped for military duty.

Amplified Bible
Those of the tribe of Judah who carried shield and spear were 6,800, armed for war;

Berean Annotated Bible
From Judah (praised): 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.

Christian Standard Bible
From the Judahites: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From the Judahites: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.

American Standard Version
The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.

English Revised Version
The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From Judah's descendants there were 6,800 men equipped for war. They carried shields and spears.

International Standard Version
The army of Judah, equipped with both shields and spears, numbered 6,800 warriors,

NET Bible
From Judah came 6,800 trained warriors carrying shields and spears.

New Heart English Bible
The people of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.

Webster's Bible Translation
The children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed for war.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.

World English Bible
The children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand eight hundred, armed for war.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The sons of Judah, carrying buckler and spear, [are] six thousand and eight hundred, armed ones of the host.

Berean Literal Bible
Of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand and eight hundred armed of the host.

Young's Literal Translation
The sons of Judah, bearing target and spear, are six thousand and eight hundred, armed ones of the host.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Judah lifting up the shield and spear six thousand and eight hundred drawn out for the army.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Juda bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred well appointed to war.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the sons of Judah, carrying shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred, equipped for battle;

New American Bible
Judahites bearing shields and spears: six thousand eight hundred armed troops.

New Revised Standard Version
The people of Judah bearing shield and spear numbered six thousand eight hundred armed troops.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war, eight thousand and seven hundred.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sons of Yehuda, the bearers of shields and those wielding spears, six thousand and eight hundred mighty men of the army.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The sons of Juda, bearing shields and spears, six thousand and eight hundred mighty in war.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Army Grows at Hebron
23Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: 24From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears. 25From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle.…

Cross References
From Judah:

Genesis 49:8-10
Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. / Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? / The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

1 Chronicles 5:2
And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.

2 Samuel 2:4
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
6,800 armed troops

2 Chronicles 17:14
These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor;

Numbers 1:27
those registered to the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.

Numbers 26:22
These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500.
bearing shields and spears.

2 Chronicles 14:8
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 25:5
Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield.

2 Chronicles 11:12
He also put shields and spears in all the cities and strengthened them greatly. So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

2 Samuel 2:8-11
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. …

2 Samuel 3:17-21
Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” / Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. …

2 Samuel 5:17-25
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” …

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

1 Chronicles 11:10
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:15-19
Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. / At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. / David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” …


Treasury of Scripture

The children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.

armed.

Jump to Previous
Armed Bare Battle Bearing Bore Carrying Children Eight Equipped Host Hundred Judah Military Ones Ready Service Shield Six Spear Spearmen Target Thousand Troops War
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Armed Bare Battle Bearing Bore Carrying Children Eight Equipped Host Hundred Judah Military Ones Ready Service Shield Six Spear Spearmen Target Thousand Troops War
1 Chronicles 12
1. The companies that came to David at Ziklag
23. The armies that came to him at Hebron












From Judah:
Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. This tribe held a place of prominence, as it was from Judah that King David, and ultimately Jesus Christ, descended. The tribe of Judah was known for its leadership and military prowess, often taking a leading role in battles and governance. The mention of Judah here highlights the tribe's loyalty and support for David, who was from their own lineage.

6,800 armed troops:
The number 6,800 indicates a significant military force, showcasing the strength and commitment of the tribe of Judah to David's cause. In the context of ancient Israel, assembling such a large number of troops would have been a considerable feat, reflecting the tribe's resources and organizational capabilities. This also underscores the widespread support David had among the tribes of Israel, particularly from his own tribe.

Bearing shields and spears:
Shields and spears were standard military equipment in ancient Near Eastern warfare. The shield provided protection, while the spear was a primary offensive weapon. The mention of these specific arms suggests that the troops were well-prepared and equipped for battle, indicating their readiness to defend and support David. This preparedness can be seen as a symbol of their commitment and determination to establish David as king, aligning with God's covenant promise to David and his descendants.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and strength. The tribe of Judah is significant as it is the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

2. Troops Armed for Battle
This refers to the warriors from the tribe of Judah who were prepared and equipped for warfare. Their readiness symbolizes commitment and dedication to the cause of establishing David as king.

3. Shields and Spears
These are the weapons mentioned, indicating the preparedness and capability of the troops. Shields were used for defense, while spears were offensive weapons, showing a balance of protection and aggression.

4. David's Kingship
The broader context of this passage is the support for David's kingship. The gathering of troops from various tribes, including Judah, signifies the unification of Israel under David's leadership.

5. Hebron
The location where David was anointed king over all Israel. It serves as a backdrop for the assembly of these troops, highlighting the importance of this event in Israel's history.
Teaching Points
Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
Just as the troops of Judah were armed and ready for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, equipped with the armor of God to face spiritual challenges.

Unity in Purpose
The gathering of troops from various tribes to support David highlights the importance of unity among believers in pursuing God's purposes.

Leadership and Legacy
The tribe of Judah's role in supporting David reflects the importance of godly leadership and the legacy it creates, pointing to the ultimate leadership of Christ.

Commitment to God's Anointed
The dedication of the troops to David as God's chosen king serves as a reminder of our commitment to follow and support Christ, the Anointed One.

Balance of Defense and Offense
The use of shields and spears illustrates the need for a balanced approach in our spiritual lives, defending against evil while actively advancing God's kingdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 12:24?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 12:24 demonstrate the importance of unity among believers?

3. What can we learn from Judah's commitment to David in 1 Chronicles 12:24?

4. How does Judah's support for David reflect God's sovereignty in leadership?

5. How can we apply Judah's example of loyalty to our church community today?

6. What other biblical examples show God's people rallying behind a chosen leader?

7. What is the significance of Judah's 6,800 armed troops in 1 Chronicles 12:24?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 12:24 reflect the military organization of ancient Israel?

9. Why is the tribe of Judah emphasized in 1 Chronicles 12:24?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12?

11. Why doesn't Daniel 1 mention any resistance from Judah's religious authorities against the Babylonian cultural assimilation?

12. (1 Chronicles 12:23–37) Do the large numbers listed for each tribe align with archaeological or historical data from that period?

13. Why do different Old Testament books give conflicting numbers for the same censuses and battles?

14. Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9?
What Does 1 Chronicles 12:24 Mean
From Judah

• The verse opens by naming the tribe: “From Judah.” In Scripture, Judah consistently occupies a place of leadership—Jacob’s blessing foretold it (Genesis 49:10: “The scepter will not depart from Judah …”).

• Judah was the tribe from which David came (1 Samuel 17:12; 2 Samuel 2:4) and, ultimately, the Messiah (Matthew 1:1). 1 Chronicles emphasizes Judah’s prominence again in 5:2: “though Judah prevailed over his brothers and the ruler came from him.”

• By recording Judah first among the tribes that rallied to David at Hebron, the chronicler underscores God’s sovereign plan: the tribe designated for kingship steps forward in loyalty to the king God chose (Psalm 78:68).


6,800 armed troops

• The exact figure—6,800—affirms the historical reality of the event; these were literal men counted for service, echoing earlier censuses such as Numbers 1:46.

• Their presence testifies that David’s kingship was not a mere personal ambition but was supported by a sizeable, committed force. Like Gideon’s refined army (Judges 7:7), the number highlights God’s provision of the right warriors at the right time.

• The chronicler later records similarly precise troop totals under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:14–18), showing a pattern: God equips His chosen leaders with identifiable, measurable resources.


Bearing shields and spears

• Shields speak of defense; spears of offense. Together they portray balanced preparedness. Under Rehoboam, Judah similarly “strengthened the fortresses and stocked them with shields and spears” (2 Chronicles 11:12), signifying vigilance.

• The imagery foreshadows spiritual warfare language: believers are urged to “take up the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16) and wield “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). The physical readiness of Judah’s men mirrors the readiness God desires in His people today—fully equipped for both protection and advance.

• Their armament also displays unity: each man bore standard-issue gear, reflecting corporate commitment rather than disparate personal agendas (cf. Nehemiah 4:16–18, where every worker had both tools and weapons).


summary

1 Chronicles 12:24 records that 6,800 fully equipped warriors from Judah rallied to David. The verse underscores Judah’s divinely appointed leadership role, the concrete support God provided for His king, and the balanced readiness—defensive and offensive—of those who serve God’s purposes. It invites today’s believers to stand with the true King, counted among the faithful, and armed with all God supplies for His ongoing work.

(24) The sons of Judah.--The following list proceeds from south to north, and then passes over to the trans-Jordanic tribes.

That bare shield and spear.--Comp. 1Chronicles 12:8.

Ready armed to the war.--Equipped for war fare. The tribe of Judah, which had acknowledged the sovereignty of David for the last seven years, had no need to appear in full force on the occasion of his recognition by the other tribes.

Verses 24, 25. - David had already found friends and adherents in these two southern tribes of Judah and Simeon.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the Judahites:
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

6,800
שֵׁ֧שֶׁת (šê·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

armed
חֲלוּצֵ֥י (ḥă·lū·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen

troops
צָבָֽא׃ (ṣā·ḇā)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

bearing
נֹשְׂאֵ֥י (nō·śə·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

shields
צִנָּ֖ה (ṣin·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6793: A hook, a, shield, cold

and spears.
וָרֹ֑מַח (wā·rō·maḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7420: A lance, the iron point


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:24 The children of Judah who bore shield (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 12:23
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