23 Here are the statistics on the battle-seasoned warriors who came down from the north to David at Hebron to hand over Saul's kingdom, in accord with God's word: 24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear, 6,800 battle-ready; 25 from Simeon, 7,100 stalwart fighters; 26 from Levi, 4,600, 27 which included Jehoiada leader of the family of Aaron, bringing 3,700 men 28 and the young and stalwart Zadok with twenty-two leaders from his family; 29 from Benjamin, Saul's family, 3,000, most of whom had stuck it out with Saul until now; 30 from Ephraim, 20,800, fierce fighters and famous in their hometowns; 31 from the half-tribe of Manasseh, 18,000 elected to come and make David king; 32 from Issachar, men who understood both the times and Israel's duties, 200 leaders with their families; 33 from Zebulun, 50,000 well-equipped veteran warriors, unswervingly loyal; 34 from Naphtali, 1,000 chiefs leading 37,000 men heavily armed; 35 from Dan, 28,600 battle-ready men; 36 from Asher, 40,000 veterans, battle-ready; 37 and from East of Jordan, men from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, heavily armed, 120,000. 38 All these soldiers came to David at Hebron, ready to fight if necessary; they were both united and determined to make David king over all Israel. And everyone else in Israel was of the same mind - "Make David king!" 39 They were with David for three days of feasting celebration, with food and drink supplied by their families. 40 Neighbors ranging from as far north as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali arrived with donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen loaded down with food for the party: flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep - joy in Israel! David Goes to Get the Chest of God
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
(Read 1 Chronicles 12:23-40)
When the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul; and provision is made, not as here, for a few days, but for the whole life, and for eternity. Happy are those who wisely perceive it to be their duty and interest, to submit to the Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of David; who renounce for his sake all that is not consistent; whose earnest endeavours to do good are directed by the wisdom that God giveth, through acquaintance with his word, experience, and observation. If any man lack this wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.