Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Friday

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I Chronicles chapter 12

Many of the mighty men that helped David during those years that he had to hide from Saul were ambidextrous men from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe and family. There were also men from the tribe of Gad who were so fearsome that they were described as having faces like lions and were so sure-footed that they were described as being as swift as roes (deer) upon the mountains. They were also such great swimmers that they crossed the Jordan while it was in flood stage and captured the nearby valleys. Some of the men of Manasseh defected to David when he was in the area around Ziklag.

Finally, there is a numerical account given of the men from each tribe that went to Hebron to confirm David as king following the death of Saul. Of particular interest is the way the Bible describes the men of Issachar. It says they "were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; . . ." It would be great to have God note such wisdom in us! Or perhaps, what is said of the men of Zebulun who "were not of double heart."

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak, but a command is fulfilled when the people of Israel make David their king.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak, but David made it clear to the men who came to him while he was in hiding that if they only came as spies to betray him to Saul the Lord would deal with them. This is because David was innocent of trying to usurp Saul's throne. God had said that David would rule in Saul's place. If anyone had a grievance about this they would find that they were fighting God and not David.
• Amasai confirmed the belief that God had chosen David to lead the nation when he swore an oath of allegiance to him.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Like David, Jesus is God's Chosen Ruler. And like David, men turn to Him individually and join His army. One day, like David, He will lead a mighty host built from those that God called and equipped.
• There was great rejoicing and celebrating done by those who had "a perfect heart" and were "of one heart" once God's chosen king had taken the throne. Since Jesus is God's Chosen King a joyous celebration will be given in His honor, too, and the participants will be those who have a perfect heart.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The confirmation and coronation of David as king of Israel is a foretaste of the events yet to follow when Jesus will ascend the throne. All will be in agreement. All will gladly pledge their allegiance. All will have understanding of the times. All will give what they have in His service. And all will celebrate and rejoice!