When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. When David went to ZiklagThis phrase sets the historical context during the time when David was fleeing from King Saul. Ziklag was a Philistine town given to David by Achish, the king of Gath. The Hebrew root for "Ziklag" (צִקְלַג) suggests a place of winding or bending, symbolizing perhaps the twists and turns in David's journey. Ziklag became a refuge for David, a place where he gathered strength and support, reflecting God's provision even in exile. these were the men of Manasseh
The tribe of Manasseh was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Joseph's son. Historically, Manasseh was known for its valor and strength. The mention of "men of Manasseh" indicates a significant shift in allegiance, as these warriors chose to support David, recognizing God's anointing on him. This act of defection underscores the divine orchestration in David's rise to kingship. who defected to him
The Hebrew word for "defected" (נָפַל, naphal) can also mean to fall or to join. This implies a deliberate choice to leave Saul's service and join David, acknowledging his rightful claim to the throne. Their defection is a testament to David's growing influence and the fulfillment of God's promise to him. Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai
These names are significant as they represent the leaders who chose to support David. Each name carries a meaning that reflects their character or destiny. For instance, "Adnah" means "pleasure" or "delight," suggesting a leader who found joy in serving God's anointed. "Jozabad" means "Yahweh has bestowed," indicating a recognition of divine blessing. These leaders were not just warriors but men of faith who discerned God's hand in David's life. chiefs of thousands in Manasseh
The phrase "chiefs of thousands" indicates their high rank and authority within the tribe of Manasseh. In ancient Israel, a "thousand" was a military unit, and being a chief meant they were seasoned leaders. Their decision to join David was not just a personal choice but a strategic move that brought significant military strength to David's cause. This highlights the theme of God raising up leaders to fulfill His purposes, as these chiefs played a crucial role in establishing David's kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who at this time was not yet reigning over all of Israel. He was in Ziklag, a Philistine town, during his flight from King Saul. 2. ZiklagA town given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, where David sought refuge from Saul. 3. Men of ManassehA group of warriors from the tribe of Manasseh who defected to David, showing their support and allegiance to him. 4. Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and ZillethaiCommanders of thousands from the tribe of Manasseh who joined David, indicating their leadership and influence. 5. DefectionThe act of leaving one's own group to join another, in this case, the men of Manasseh leaving Saul's side to support David. Teaching Points Loyalty and CourageThe men of Manasseh demonstrated loyalty and courage by defecting to David. In our lives, we are called to show loyalty to God's purposes, even when it requires courage and risk. God's SovereigntyThe defection of these men to David is a testament to God's sovereign plan. God orchestrates events and aligns people to fulfill His purposes, reminding us to trust in His timing and plan. Leadership and InfluenceThe commanders who joined David were leaders of thousands, showing the importance of using one's influence for righteous causes. We are encouraged to use our positions and influence to support God's work. Unity in DiversityThe gathering of diverse tribes and people under David's leadership foreshadows the unity found in Christ. Believers from different backgrounds are called to unite in the mission of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the loyalty of the men of Manasseh to David, and how can we apply this to our loyalty to Christ today? 2. How does the defection of these men illustrate God's sovereignty in bringing about His plans? Can you think of a time when you saw God's hand in aligning circumstances in your life? 3. In what ways can we use our leadership and influence to support God's purposes in our communities? 4. How does the unity of diverse tribes under David's leadership reflect the unity we are called to have in the body of Christ? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a courageous decision to align yourself with God's purposes. What was the outcome, and how did it strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 27Provides context for David's stay in Ziklag, explaining his relationship with the Philistines and his strategic position during his flight from Saul. 2 Samuel 2Chronicles David's rise to power and eventual reign over Judah and later all of Israel, showing the fulfillment of the support he received from various tribes, including Manasseh. Hebrews 11Highlights the faith of those who followed God's chosen leaders, drawing a parallel to the faith and courage of the men of Manasseh who joined David. People Aaron, Aaronites, Adnah, Ahiezer, Amasai, Asher, Attai, Azareel, Azmaveth, Bealiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Berachah, Danites, David, Eliab, Eliel, Elihu, Elkanah, Eluzai, Elzabad, Ezer, Gad, Gadites, Gedor, Gibeon, Ishmaiah, Ismaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Isshiah, Jahaziel, Jashobeam, Jediael, Jehoiada, Jehu, Jeremiah, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Jesiah, Jesse, Jeziel, Joash, Joelah, Joezer, Johanan, Josabad, Jozabad, Kish, Korahites, Korhites, Levi, Levites, Machbanai, Manasseh, Michael, Mishmannah, Naphtali, Obadiah, Pelet, Reuben, Reubenites, Saul, Shemaah, Shemariah, Shephatiah, Simeon, Simeonites, Zadok, Zebadiah, Zebulun, ZilthaiPlaces Anathoth, Gederah, Gedor, Gibeah, Gibeon, Hebron, Jordan River, ZiklagTopics Adnah, Armies, Belonged, Captains, Chiefs, Defected, Deserted, Elihu, Eli'hu, Fallen, Fell, Heads, Jediael, Jedi'a-el, Jozabad, Joz'abad, Leaders, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Michael, Thousand, Thousands, Units, Ziglag, Ziklag, Zillethai, Zil'lethai, Zillthai, ZilthaiDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 12:19-20 7266 tribes of Israel Library Drill and Enthusiasm
'[Men that] could keep rank, they were not of double heart.'--1 CHRON. xii. 33. These words come from the muster-roll of the hastily raised army that brought David up to Hebron and made him King. The catalogue abounds in brief characterisations of the qualities of each tribe's contingent. For example, Issachar had 'understanding of the times.' Our text is spoken of the warriors of Zebulon, who had left their hills and their flocks in the far north, and poured down from their seats by the blue waters …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Channel of Power.
A Word that Sticks and Stings. I suppose everyone here can think of three or four persons whom he loves or regards highly, who are not christians. Can you? Perhaps in your own home circle, or in the circle of your close friends. They may be nice people, cultured, lovable, delightful companions, fond of music and good books, and all that; but this is true of them, that they do not trust and confess Jesus as a personal Savior. Can you think of such persons in your own circle? I am going to wait a …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power God's Answers
GOD'S ANSWERS: A RECORD OF MISS ANNIE MACPHERSON'S WORK AT THE HOME OF INDUSTRY, SPITALFIELDS, LONDON, AND IN CANADA. CLARA M. S. LOWE "Peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee." --1 CHRON. xii. 18. …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers Beneath his Banner
"Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse."--1 Chron. xii. 18. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 'Twixt God and thee but love shall be; 'Twixt earth and thee distrust and fear, 'Twixt sin and thee shall be hate and war; And hope shall be 'twixt Heaven and thee Till night is o'er. …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
To Anastasius, Bishop [1602] . Gregory to Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14), because that great river which once had left the rocks of Antioch dry has returned at length to its proper channel, and waters the subject valleys that are near, so as also to bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some an hundred-fold. For now there is no doubt that many flowers of souls are growing up in its valleys, and that …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The King.
We have now to turn and see the sudden change of fortune which lifted the exile to a throne. The heavy cloud which had brooded so long over the doomed king broke in lightning crash on the disastrous field of Gilboa. Where is there a sadder and more solemn story of the fate of a soul which makes shipwreck "of faith and of a good conscience," than that awful page which tells how, godless, wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody sword, and died a suicide's death, …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Chronicles 12:20 NIV1 Chronicles 12:20 NLT1 Chronicles 12:20 ESV1 Chronicles 12:20 NASB1 Chronicles 12:20 KJV
1 Chronicles 12:20 Commentaries
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