Johanan is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with various individuals. Among these, two notable figures named Johanan are mentioned in the context of those who joined David at Ziklag. This event is recorded in the book of 1 Chronicles, which provides a detailed account of the men who rallied to David during a critical period in his life.

Context of Ziklag

Ziklag was a Philistine town given to David by Achish, the king of Gath, during the time when David was fleeing from King Saul. It became a base of operations for David and his men. During this period, many warriors from various tribes of Israel defected to David, recognizing his leadership and the anointing of God upon him. This gathering of mighty men at Ziklag was a significant moment in David's rise to kingship over Israel.

Johanan the Gadite

The first Johanan mentioned in this context is identified as a Gadite. The Gadites were known for their military prowess and were one of the tribes that settled east of the Jordan River. In 1 Chronicles 12:12-14 , Johanan is listed among the valiant warriors who joined David at Ziklag:

> "These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they chased away all who lived in the valleys, to the east and to the west."

Johanan, as a Gadite, would have been part of this elite group, characterized by their bravery and skill in battle. The Gadites' commitment to David at Ziklag demonstrated their recognition of his God-given destiny to lead Israel.

Johanan the Benjamite

The second Johanan is a Benjamite, from the tribe of Benjamin, which was the tribe of King Saul. This Johanan is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:4 as one of the men who defected to David:

> "Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the Thirty and a leader over the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite."

The inclusion of a Benjamite like Johanan among David's followers is significant, as it indicates a shift in loyalty from Saul to David within Saul's own tribe. This shift underscores the growing recognition of David's legitimacy as the future king of Israel, even among those who might have been expected to remain loyal to Saul.

Significance of the Johanan Figures

The presence of these two Johanan figures among David's supporters at Ziklag highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who aligned themselves with David. Their willingness to join David reflects a broader movement within Israel, where individuals from various tribes and regions acknowledged David's leadership and the divine favor upon him.

The accounts of these two Johanan figures serve as a testament to the unity and strength that David's leadership inspired, drawing together warriors from different tribes to form a cohesive and formidable force. This unity was instrumental in David's eventual ascension to the throne and the establishment of his kingdom.1 Chronicles 12:4,12
And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
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