Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: The List of Those Who Join Him at Hebron

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David, the anointed king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his leadership, military prowess, and deep faith in God. After the death of King Saul, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah and established his rule in Hebron. It was here that he was joined by a diverse group of warriors and leaders from the various tribes of Israel, who recognized his God-given authority and pledged their allegiance to him. This gathering at Hebron is a significant moment in the unification of Israel under David's kingship.

Biblical Account

The account of those who joined David at Hebron is detailed in 1 Chronicles 12. This chapter provides a list of the mighty men and warriors from different tribes who came to support David. These men were not only skilled in battle but also loyal to David, recognizing him as the rightful king chosen by God.

Tribes and Warriors

1. The Benjamites: The tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, sent warriors to David. Despite their initial loyalty to Saul, many Benjamites recognized David's anointing. Among them were skilled archers and slingers, capable of using both the right and left hand in battle (1 Chronicles 12:2).

2. The Gadites: Known for their bravery and military skill, the Gadites joined David while he was still in the wilderness. They were described as "mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear" (1 Chronicles 12:8).

3. The Men of Judah: As David's own tribe, the men of Judah were among the first to support him. They were described as bearing shield and spear, ready for battle (1 Chronicles 12:24).

4. The Simeonites: The tribe of Simeon contributed valiant warriors, described as "mighty men of valor for war" (1 Chronicles 12:25).

5. The Levites: The Levites, though primarily responsible for religious duties, also sent warriors to support David. Among them was Jehoiada, the leader of the house of Aaron, and Zadok, a young man mighty in valor (1 Chronicles 12:26-28).

6. The Ephraimites: Known for their strength and valor, the Ephraimites sent a significant number of warriors to David, described as "mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers' houses" (1 Chronicles 12:30).

7. The Half-Tribe of Manasseh: From the half-tribe of Manasseh, men came to David, described as "men of renown" (1 Chronicles 12:31).

8. The Issacharites: The men of Issachar were noted for their understanding of the times and knowing what Israel should do, providing strategic insight to David's reign (1 Chronicles 12:32).

9. The Zebulunites: The tribe of Zebulun sent warriors who were "expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks" (1 Chronicles 12:33).

10. The Naphtalites: The Naphtalites contributed a large number of warriors, equipped with shield and spear (1 Chronicles 12:34).

11. The Danites: The tribe of Dan sent men prepared for battle, described as "men who could keep battle formation" (1 Chronicles 12:35).

12. The Asherites: The Asherites provided experienced warriors, ready for battle (1 Chronicles 12:36).

13. The Reubenites, Gadites, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh: From the Transjordan tribes, a significant number of warriors joined David, all described as "men of valor" (1 Chronicles 12:37).

Significance

The gathering of these tribes at Hebron signifies the widespread recognition of David's divine appointment as king. It marks the beginning of a united Israel under his leadership. The diversity and skill of the warriors who joined him underscore the strength and unity that David would bring to the nation. This assembly at Hebron is a testament to David's ability to inspire loyalty and to lead a nation under God's guidance.

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1 Chronicles 12:23-40
And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
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Library

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... the Philistine king, that he felt bound to go with Achish to fight against Israel. ...
David, after a while, went up to Hebron to be made king over Judah. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... God's vengeance for the many evils they had inflicted on Israel. ... Achish, for example,
King of Gath ... pillaging tribes, owing to the intervention of David and his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... pillar, and without ephod or teraphim; afterward shall the children of Israel return,
and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Chapter xlix
... of those of Gad we read in David's time 1 ... is able to provide what would grace any
king's table, "royal ... little whether one thinks in terms of Israel's kings or ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... David kept his father's sheep near here [154] ; he used ... not appear until the time
of the children of Israel. The king showed Job great honor, and was unwilling ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm