David is Made King Over All of Israel
March 14, 2021
Commentary
Many brave and experienced soldiers came to Hebron (300,000) to make David king over a once again united monarchy. Every tribe was represented, including the Levites and both halves (east and west of Jordan) of Manaseh. The decision to make David king was one of total unity. All the tribes are listed in order to show that David’s support was broad-based, a point that was not made in 2 Samuel.
It is interesting to note in Numbers 1:47-50 that God said the Levites were to be exempt from military service. The question may be, why then are they listed as part of David’s army? It seems that they were exempt from the draft but they strongly supported David and volunteered their services to help install him as king.
The people were ready for change. They had suffered much under Saul’s leadership because of his disobedience to God (10:13). They were so happy that they celebrated the coronation of the new king with three days of joyous feasting and worship. God is the author of joy and, if we are celebrating for the right reasons, He will join us in our celebrations. It states that 200 chiefs from the tribe of Issachar “had understanding of the times” (v. 32). As a result their knowledge and judgement provided the information needed for making important decisions for the nation.
Application
It is important for me to know what is happening in society today in order to plan the best course of action in my life. Knowledge of current events, trends, and needs will help me to understand peoples thoughts and attitudes. This will help me make wise decisions and make God’s message relevant for peoples lives.
1 Chronicles 12:23– 40 (NET)
23 The following is a record of the armed warriors who came with their leaders and joined David in Hebron in order to make David king in Saul’s place, in accordance with the Lord’s decree:
24 From Judah came 6,800 trained warriors carrying shields and spears.
25 From Simeon there were 7,100 warriors.
26 From Levi there were 4,600. 27 Jehoiada, the leader of Aaron’s descendants, brought 3,700 men with him, 28 along with Zadok, a young warrior, and 22 leaders from his family.
29 From Benjamin, Saul’s tribe, there were 3,000, most of whom, up to that time, had been loyal to Saul.
30 From Ephraim there were 20,800 warriors, who had brought fame to their families.
31 From the half-tribe of Manasseh there were 18,000 who had been designated by name to come and make David king.
32 From Issachar there were 200 leaders and all their relatives at their command—they understood the times and knew what Israel should do.
33 From Zebulun there were 50,000 warriors who were prepared for battle, equipped with all kinds of weapons, and ready to give their undivided loyalty.
34 From Naphtali there were 1,000 officers, along with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears.
35 From Dan there were 28,600 men prepared for battle.
36 From Asher there were 40,000 warriors prepared for battle.
37 From the other side of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, there were 120,000 men armed with all kinds of weapons.
38 All these men were warriors who were ready to march. They came to Hebron to make David king over all Israel by acclamation; all the rest of the Israelites also were in agreement that David should become king. 39 They spent three days feasting there with David, for their relatives had given them provisions. 40 Also their neighbors, from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. There were large supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine, olive oil, beef, and lamb, for Israel was celebrating.