ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 6 NOTES

LESSON 6: The Life and Times of David and His Warriors (1 CHR. 11-12)

Upon the overthrow of Saul and his house David was anointed king in Hebron. David’s tribe was Judah and Hebron was a principal city in that territory.[1]

1 Chronicles 11:1 says that “all Israel gathered” for this ceremony. The record in 2 Samuel indicated that Abner and Ishbosheth set up a rival government at Mahanaim out beyond the sea of Chinnereth [Galilee] to the east. This attempt was doomed to failure because it was Jehovah’s will that David should rule over all Israel. The rebel forces lost their power when a quarrel arose between Abner and Ishbosheth with regard to a concubine. Ishbosheth was killed by two of his servants and Abner lost his life at the hands of Joab. So “all Israel” came under David’s authority.

Once David had settled accounts with his rivals in the north and had all of Israel under his leadership, he sought out a place for the capital of his kingdom. Hebron was provincial and it was in the tribe of Judah. Jerusalem was more centrally located. It was on the border of the tribe of Benjamin and within the limits of that tribe. Jerusalem was set in a natural fortress of hills and it was very strategically elevated. Through all the years the Jebusites had occupied this city. They had not been displaced in Joshua’s day. The tribe of Benjamin had not been able to dislodge them. These native peoples were so secure in their citadel that they taunted an enemy who would presume to overthrow them (2 Samuel 5:6). The defiant attitude of the Jebusites did not alarm David. He offered the position of captain of the host to the man who would devise a way to take the city. Joab led a brave band of men through a water conduit (2 Samuel 5:8) into the city. The Jebusites were smitten and David moved in, built up the city, fortified the walls and established this as his capital. Millo was a tower and an important part of the fortification of Jerusalem. The establishment of Jerusalem was very important in the setting up of David’s kingdom.[2]^, [3]

Having introduced us to David, the chronicler now turns to a roll call of some of the warriors who were associated with the king. When David first fled from Saul (1 Samuel, chapter 21); he had just a few men with him. Not long after this in the wilderness of Judah he was the leader of a band of four hundred men. Later, as he lived near the Philistine country in Ziklag, he numbered six hundred warriors in his bands as they engaged in guerilla warfare. Very early David demonstrated his ability as a leader of men. These men who first associated themselves with David were outlaws, debtors, slaves, distressed, discontented (1 Samuel 22:2). David won their confidence. To them he was their champion, their pattern of excellence. He welded these men into a fighting force that terrorized every enemy. They became the nucleus of a mighty army which under David conquered Moab, Edom, Philistia, Ammon, Zobah, and Syria. When David received the control of the government upon Saul’s death, Israel’s territory could be contained in about six thousand square miles. When David died Israel controlled sixty thousand square miles. This territory extended from the Mediterranean Sea on the west to the Euphrates river on the north and east. Some of the men who assisted in this expansion and who heid responsible positions under David are named here.[4]

Joab must be listed among the officers of the first rank—he is the captain of the host under David. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6 as the brother of Abishai. David’s sister, Zeruiah, was the mother of three sons-Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. So these three men were nephews to David. It is likely that Joab was with David when he was running from Saul. He certainly took a prominent part in the conflict against Abner and Ishbosheth. Early in this struggle Abner killed Asahel. Joab, under the compulsion of the blood feud, waited for his opportunity. One day when Abner had come to Hebron to transfer the allegiance of the northern tribes to David, Joab caught Abner near the city gate at Hebron and there he killed Abner (2 Samuel 3:27). Joab led in the conquest of the Syrians (2 Samuel 10:13) and of the Ammonites (2 Samuel 1l:l). He also led in the conquest of the Edomites (1 Kings 11:25). David became involved with Bathsheba. Uriah, the Hittite, another mighty warrior for David, had to be removed. Joab was the general who was ordered by his commander-in-chief to put Uriah at the front of the battle (2 Samuel 11:14). When Absalom rebelled against David, Joab was still in charge of David’s army. Joab personally killed Absalom as he hung by his hair from a tree. After Absalom had been killed in the battle by Joab, David reacted by appointing Amasa, who had been Absalom’s captain, as military leader in Joab’s place. When Sheba rebelled and Amasa could not command the respect of David’s soldiers, Joab cruelly murdered Amasa and silenced the revolt. Near the conclusion of David’s reign Adonijah tried to take the throne. Joab cast his lot with this son of David, knowing that Solomon had already been designated to be king. Before David died he told Solomon not to let Joab die a natural death. After David’s death, Benaiah, Solomon’s chief executioner, killed Joab (1 Kings 2:34). Joab lived a long and turbulent life. He was one of the most important leaders in the establishment of David’s empire.[5]

Some separate incidents involving David’s warriors are recorded here in this history. Jashobeam killed three hundred on one occasion by using his spear. A reference in 2 Samuel 23:8 probably concerns the same warrior. There he is said to have slain eight hundred at one time, It is possible that these are references to different occasions. Eleazar led in an engagement against the Philistines in a barley field. The main Israelite army retreated. David and his three mighty men held their positions and repulsed the enemy. Jashobeam and Eleazar are two of the renowned warriors. Shammah (2 Samuel 23:11, 33) most likely was the third. Pas-dammim may be translated “boundary of blood”. Other bloody skirmishes had been fought there. The village was about fourteen miles southwest of Jerusalem. In this conflict the credit for the victory is Jehovah’s.[6]

Often in the record thirty chief men are referred to in relation to David’s warriors. The “three” to whom reference is made here may have been Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah. The “three” were quite likely with David at the cave of Adullam and it could well be imagined that these are the three would have the character, loyalty, and bravery to fit the account. At the time of the incident recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:15-19 the Philistine army was in the Valley of Rephaim. This valley lay just southwest of Jerusalem. Considering the risks involved in obtaining water from Bethlehem, Adullam was most likely situated in the area between the Valley of Rephaim and the Mediterranean. David’s men dared to stir up the whole Philistine army in order to satisfy David’s desire for a drink of water from the old home well at Bethlehem. David’s men “brake through the host” of the Philistines. This most likely involved face to face encounter with the enemy. David recognized that courage beyond the line of duty had been required in order for his men to procure the precious water. Motivated by a basic principle which he stated on another occasion (2 Samuel 24:24) when he said he would not offer to his God that which had not cost him something, he poured out the thirst-quenching water as an offering (a libation) to Jehovah. His soldiers surely respected him for this act of self-denial and worship.[7]

This should serve as a great lesson to God’s people today. Christians must be willing to give their all to the cause of Christ (1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). Elders in every congregation should feel that the membership would be willing to hold up their hands in every circumstance which promotes the good of the church (Heb. 13:17; Exo. 17:12). At the same time, the leadership qualities of David that endeared the loyalty of his men should be present in elders that will in turn endear that same quality in the membership (1 Pet. 5:3).[8] And does the failure of either group preclude the obligations of the remaining group? Think of David and his attitude and actions in 1 Samuel 24:10 and 26:9-11.

Abishai (1 Chr. 11:20-21), the brother of Joab (1 Chr. 2:16), is listed as chief of the three mighty men of David. When David rose to the throne Abishai served as a soldier under Joab. He slew 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt (1 Chr. 18:12-13). The statement, "Howbeit he attained not to the first three," signified that there were ranks and clear distinctions as in all well-disciplined and organized armies.[9]

Benaiah (1 Chr. 11:22-25) was the son of the chief priest Jehoiada (2 Sam. 23:20-21). He is described as being over the Cherethites (tribesmen from Philistia) and the Pelethites (known only as faithful men) who served in David's army of personal guards (2 Sam. 8:18; 15:18; 1 Kings 1:38,44). He slew two lion-like men of Moab. "Lion-like" is defined as one who is heroic and violent in nature. He is also identified as one who "slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day." What could be more difficult than to face and kill a lion? But this is not all that is said which makes this feat noteworthy. It was done in a pit. No room for escape! It would take a great warrior to defy a lion in an enclosed place on a snowy day—his mobility would be restricted and his footing would not be good due to the icy conditions. Such was the nature of this mighty man of David. Even in the face of these dangerous odds his character was not tarnished. These mighty exploits demonstrate the ability of Benaiah to be made captain over the guard of David.[10]

When we sing the song "Soldiers of Christ Arise" or “Valiant Soldiers of Christ Our King,” I cannot help thinking of men like Benaiah. The church today needs men with this kind of courage—men who, though overwhelmed by great odds, will stand and fight the good fight of the faith. Much more would be accomplished if we had this courage. We would not see members who are unfaithful in Bible class and worship attendance (Heb. 10:24-26). We would never hear excuses as to why we do not evangelize and convert our loved ones to Christ. Elders would demonstrate the courage to lead and feed the flock (Acts 20:28). Pray for "Benaiahs" who will rise to the occasion and fight Satan and the world. This was a man who was not even afraid of giants (much as did his king, he rose up and slew a giant, 1 Chr. 11:23). Giants always fall when one is on the Lord's side.[11]

Listed here in 1 Chr. 11:26-47 are the names of men whose service was noteworthy. These were all men who were great leaders in the army of David. It is interesting to note that in 1 Chr. 11:41, Uriah the Hittite is listed. This is the husband of Bathsheba, who was involved in adultery with David. As a result of this incident David put Uriah in harm's way so that he was killed (2 Sam. 11:1-27).[12]

This entire record leaves us with many unanswered questions as to the complete identity and pedigree of each of these men. Their loyalty to the king and to the cause of Israel is well demonstrated in Uriah’s obedience to his commanders and his comradeship with his fellow soldiers. Every one of them was willing to die for the king and for the people of Israel. Where do we stand in regards to our King, the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ, the Son of God?[13]

CHAPTER 12

In 1 Chronicles 11 we discussed events to which we found references recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel. 1 Chronicles 12, however, deals with things which are retrospective in nature, but not specifically noted elsewhere. As F.C. cook states it, “This account in chapter 12 is particularly valuable because this information is not repeated.”[14] The chapter is composed of four lists: (1) the Benjamites (1 Chr. 12:1-7); (2) the Gadites (1 Chr. 12:8-15); (3) the Manassites (1 Chr. 12:19-22); and (4) a host made up of different tribes who joined David at Hebron (1 Chr. 12:23-40).[15]

A matter of primary concern in verses 1-7 is the listing of David’s warriors from the tribe of

Benjamin. That there should be such able soldiers in David’s camp from Benjamin is all the more remarkable because king Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul’s own people lost faith in him some considerable time before he died on Mount Gilboa. The kind of weapons used by soldiers at this time in history is a matter of interest.[16]

The Benjamites were noted both for their use of the bow and for their ability to hurl stones. These came to join David in the building up of the army which would grow to a great company. They naturally would be an asset to any army. They were proficient in the use of their weapons because they were familiar with and practiced with them.[17] Is this not as picture then of the Christian soldier today. Are armed properly? Do we have the proper knowledge of our weapon? Are we familiar and practiced with our weapon (Eph. 6:17)? They did battle with the equipment with which he was familiar. The same is true today: We cannot battle Satan unless we are familiar with our battle array (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:15-17; Ps. 119:11; John 8:32; 17:17).

The Gadites were from the tribe of Gad, the son of Jacob and Zilpah. They occupied the eastern Plain of Jordan. These are described as being "fit for battle" and "whose faces were like the faces of lions." Smith's Bible Dictionary states: "The character of the tribe is throughout strongly marked as fierce and warlike." The indication, "having faces like lions," represents their boldness and strength in battle. Also they were compared to the roe, which is a swift animal like the deer.[18] No enemy could frighten them or make them retreat. They were agile and could run like the deer. All of these qualifications required constant training. These men were certainly well conditioned physically and mentally for the work that was theirs to do. One soldier from among the Gadites was the equal of a hundred ordinary men.[19]

Verses 16-18: David questioned their motive for coming to him. Since Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin, it is easy to see why David would worry about their reason for coming to him. Amasai gave assurance to David that they sought to be of assistance and intended no harm toward him. Confident of their purpose, David welcomed them into his service.[20]

Warriors from the tribe of Manasseh cast their lot with David (verses 19-22). As David turned back from following the Philistines into the final battle against Saul and as he returned to Ziklag, these Manassehite soldiers joined David’s men. These helpers were especially valuable at this time because David had to pursue the “band of rovers”, the Amalekites. These were important days in David’s life. Every day more and more soldiers were joining his ranks. His army was about to become “like the army of God”. This is just another way of saying that the small band of guerillas which he had gathered around him early has now become a well-organized task force.[21]

The historian now calls the roll of the tribes of Israel. Each tribe can answer for itself as soldiers have come from every part of the kingdom to join themselves to David’s army accepting him as their commander-in-chief (verses 23-40). The situation described here has to do with the time when Saul had died and David had come to Hebron where he was anointed king of Israel. The tribes presented warriors according to the following schedule:

Judah	6,800		Benjamin	3,000		Zebulun	50,000
Simeon	7,100		Ephraim	20,800		Naphtali	38,000
Levi	4,600		Manasseh (W)	18,000		Dan	28,600
Aaron	3,700		Issachar	200		Asher	40,000
Reuben-Gad-Manasseh (E)				120,000

This gave David control over an army that numbered about 340,000 men. This compares with 603,550 soldiers in Israel’s army at Sinai in Moses’ day (Numbers 1:46), When David took the last census near the close of his life, he numbered 1,300,000 warriors (2 Samuel 24:9). These 340,000 who now accept his generalship stand in sharp contrast to the 400 who first joined him as he fled from Saul. It is of interest to note that all of the tribes of Israel are represented among those who provide warriors for David. Even the tribe of Levi, which was exempt from military service, along with the house of Aaron, sent men for David’s army.[22]

The purpose of this assembly at Hebron was “to turn the kingdom of Saul over to David according to Jehovah’s word” (verse 23).[23] They came with a "perfect heart" to make David king over all Israel (1 Chr. 12:38). This kind of unity brought about joy in Israel (1 Chr. 12:40).[24]

Throughout the ages, God's people have found joy when fellowship and unity are present. When people do God's bidding joy will abound, as seen in the New Testament by those who obeyed the Gospel of Christ (Acts 8:8, 39; 16:34).[25]

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[1] Spence, H. D. M., The Pulpit Commentary, I Clxonicles, p. 143.

[2] Schaff, Philip, Lunge’s Commentary, Cbroriicles, p. 98.

[3] Robert E. Black. The Books of Chronicles in Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Toney L. Smith. “The Early Days of David’s Reign” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Robert E. Black. The Books of Chronicles in Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.

[14] F.C. Cook. The Bible Commentary, p. 340.

[15] Toney L. Smith. “The Early Days of David’s Reign” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.

[16] Robert E. Black. The Books of Chronicles in Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.

[17] Toney L. Smith. “The Early Days of David’s Reign” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.

[18] Ibid.

[19] Robert E. Black. The Books of Chronicles in Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.

[20] Toney L. Smith. “The Early Days of David’s Reign” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.

[21] Robert E. Black. The Books of Chronicles in Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.

[22] Ibid.

[23] Ibid.

[24] Toney L. Smith. “The Early Days of David’s Reign” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.

[25] Ibid.