“For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.” — 1 Chronicles 12:22

Leaders cannot be successful without supportive followers, and as the complexity of a leader’s task grows, ideally the support team around him or her will grow as well. 

Here in the United States, the word “leader” may bring to mind the president of our country. Today, the president has a cabinet that includes the vice-president and the heads of many federal executive departments, thousands of people who work under them, and a White House staff that numbers more than five hundred. However, that was not always the case. 

The first President of the United States, George Washington, had just four men who served as advisors and assisted him in carrying out his duties. Thomas Jefferson had one messenger and one secretary at his disposal, and he personally paid both of their salaries—in fact, it was not until 1857 that a U. S. President was provided with a personal secretary. Abraham Lincoln responded to his own mail, while Grover Cleveland often answered the White House telephone. Until the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, there were never more than six people working in the White House. 

From 1933 to 1939, in response to the Great Depression, Roosevelt expanded the scope of the federal government’s powers. In 1939, he asked Congress to approve the Reorganization Act of 1939, which created the Executive Office of the President. In the decades since, the presidential support staff has grown exponentially to the bureaucracy it is today. 

This chapter of 1 Chronicles continues the record of King David’s support staff—the valiant and courageous men who pledged themselves to David and proved their loyalty to him. Our focus verse relates that men from around the country continued coming to David until the number supporting him was like “the host of God.” 

Many of us will never be called upon to be leaders, but we can be brave and determined supporters! Just as God drew the men of Israel together and aligned their talents, abilities, and resources behind David, each of us has a supporting role to fill in God’s service. No matter what task is assigned to us—no matter if our names are listed on the ledger of “mighty men” or not—we know that God keeps a record. He notes every deed done for His cause. And one day, those who have been faithful to God and done their best for the advancement of His Kingdom will be rewarded.

BACKGROUND

After listing in chapter 11 the key military men who had accomplished heroic deeds on behalf of David, the writer of Chronicles expanded the record in chapter 12. This chapter provides two lists of military personnel who joined themselves to David and helped him weld together a powerful nation: those who came to David at Ziklag (verses 1-22), and those from each of the tribes who came to Hebron to make David king over a united Israel (verses 23-37). The chapter concludes with a description of the three-day celebration that took place when David was crowned king (verses 38-40). 

Ziklag, referred to in verse 1, was the Philistine city where David fled for sanctuary when he was pursued by Saul. According to 1 Samuel 27:5-7, King Achish gave the city to David and his army of six hundred, and it became David’s military base. 

Notably, among the soldiers who came to Ziklag to pledge allegiance to David were some from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s own tribe (verse 2). Even Saul’s own “brethren” had deserted him and had determined to aid David in becoming the next king of Israel. These men of Benjamin were trained in the use of bows and slings, so they would have been a valuable addition militarily. 

The Gadites, listed in verses 8-15, were impressive warriors who were expert in the use of shield and spear—in other words, they were skilled in both defensive and offensive combat. The comment that their faces “were like the faces of lions” (verse 8) means that they were unafraid, fierce, and terrifying to their enemies. Perhaps as proof of the courageous valor of these men, the writer described in verse 15 an instance when these brave warriors had crossed the Jordan at a dangerous time. 

In verses 16-22, David received soldiers from Benjamin and Judah at his stronghold. The precise location of this hold is uncertain, but it may have been the cave of Adullam described in 1 Samuel 22:1. Alternatively, it may have been one of the strongholds of En-gedi where David sometimes sought refuge during his flight from Saul (see 1 Samuel 23:29—24:10), or it may have been Ziklag itself as his home base. The fact that David “went out to meet them” (verse 17) is an indicator of his trust in God, because he had justifiable reason to doubt their loyalty. Then “the spirit came upon Amasai,” the chief captain, and he declared the group’s favorable intentions toward David. With that validation, David received them and gave them leadership roles in his army. 

Verses 23-37 give details regarding the military men representing each tribe who came to David in Hebron. Special mention is made of the representatives of Issachar in verse 32; the statement that they “were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” means they were capable of determining the right course of action for the nation. 

David spent seven and one half years in Hebron, and during that time, his power and military support continued to expand. 

The final three verses of the chapter describe a great national feast in Israel. The people were so elated at the crowning of their rightful and anointed king that they contributed abundantly by sending in supplies for the celebratory event.

AMPLIFIED OUTLINE

II. The reign of David
     B. The establishment of his kingdom
          1. The securing of David’s throne
               d. The soldiers of David against Ziklag (12:1-22)
               e. The list of those who sought to crown David (12:23-40)

A CLOSER LOOK

1. In verse 8, what animals’ characteristics did the writer use in his description of the warriors from Gad?
2. Why do you think such detailed lists are given of the men who joined themselves to David?
3. Although most of us will not engage in physical combat, what attributes of the men described in this chapter would be good for us to emulate in our lives?

CONCLUSION

God assembled a band of men to support David. Just as each of them had unique talents and roles to fill, each of us has a place in God’s service.