1 Chronicles 12:30
From Ephraim: 20,800 mighty men of valor, famous among their own clans.
From the sons of Ephraim
The tribe of Ephraim, named after Joseph's second son, holds a significant place in Israel's history. Ephraim was often seen as a leading tribe in the Northern Kingdom, and its name is sometimes used to refer to the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Hebrew root for Ephraim, "אֶפְרָיִם" (Ephrayim), means "fruitful," reflecting the tribe's growth and influence. Historically, Ephraim was known for its strength and leadership, often taking a prominent role in the affairs of Israel. This mention underscores the tribe's continued importance and contribution to David's cause.

20,800 mighty warriors
The number 20,800 signifies a substantial force, indicating the tribe's commitment and capability. The term "mighty warriors" in Hebrew is "גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל" (gibborim chayil), which conveys not just physical strength but also valor and courage. These warriors were not ordinary soldiers; they were renowned for their bravery and skill in battle. This phrase highlights the readiness and willingness of Ephraim's men to support David, reflecting their recognition of his God-ordained kingship.

famous among their own clans
The phrase "famous among their own clans" suggests that these warriors were not only known for their military prowess but also held in high esteem within their communities. The Hebrew word for "famous" is "שֵׁם" (shem), which can also mean "name" or "reputation." This indicates that their reputation extended beyond their immediate families to the broader tribal community. Their fame was likely due to their past exploits and leadership, making them respected figures whose support for David would have been influential in rallying others to his cause.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sons of Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's second son, Ephraim. This tribe was known for its strength and valor in battle.

2. Mighty Warriors
The verse highlights the 20,800 warriors from the tribe of Ephraim, emphasizing their reputation and prowess in warfare.

3. Famous Among Their Clans
This phrase indicates that these warriors were not only skilled but also held in high esteem within their own tribe, suggesting a legacy of leadership and honor.
Teaching Points
Legacy of Valor
The tribe of Ephraim is remembered for their strength and courage. As Christians, we are called to build a legacy of faith and courage in our own lives, standing firm in our convictions.

Reputation and Influence
The warriors were famous among their clans, highlighting the importance of a good reputation. Our actions and character should reflect Christ, influencing others positively.

Strength in Unity
The large number of warriors signifies the strength found in unity. The body of Christ is strongest when believers work together, supporting and uplifting one another.

God's Use of Our Abilities
Just as the warriors of Ephraim were used for a purpose, God can use our unique talents and strengths for His glory. We should seek to serve Him with what we have been given.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the reputation of the Ephraimite warriors inspire you to consider your own legacy within your community or family?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a positive reputation that reflects your faith in Christ?

3. How can the concept of unity among the Ephraimite warriors be applied to strengthen your local church or Christian community?

4. Reflect on a time when God used your abilities for His purpose. How can you be more intentional in offering your skills for His service?

5. Considering the mixed legacy of the tribe of Ephraim, how can you learn from both their strengths and weaknesses in your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 17:17-18
This passage speaks of the strength and capability of the tribe of Ephraim, reinforcing their reputation as mighty warriors.

Judges 7:24-25
The tribe of Ephraim played a significant role in the defeat of the Midianites, showcasing their strategic importance and military prowess.

Psalm 78:9
This verse reflects on the tribe of Ephraim's past failures, providing a contrast to their depiction as mighty warriors and reminding us of the complexity of their legacy.
David's Mighty Men: Description and CharacterF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Joy in (The) Israel (Of God)W. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 12:23-31, 33-40
The Hearts of All Men are in God's HandsR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
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, Zilthai
Places
Anathoth, Gederah, Gedor, Gibeah, Gibeon, Hebron, Jordan River, Ziklag
Topics
Brave, Clans, 800, Ephraim, E'phraimites, Families, Famous, Fathers, Households, Houses, Hundred, Mighty, Sons, Thousand, Throughout, Twenty, Valor, Valour, War, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 12:30

     5857   fame

1 Chronicles 12:23-37

     8329   readiness

1 Chronicles 12:23-38

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 12:24-37

     5208   armies

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 Scripture

The 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 12:30 NIV
1 Chronicles 12:30 NLT
1 Chronicles 12:30 ESV
1 Chronicles 12:30 NASB
1 Chronicles 12:30 KJV

1 Chronicles 12:30 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 12:29
Top of Page
Top of Page