1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 11:1-3

This section parallels 2 Samuel 5:1-3. Israel showed their unity in coming together to declare they were of the same flesh and bone as David and to declare him as their King. They acknowledged that David was leading Israel even while Saul was king.

1 Chronicles 11:4-9

Jerusalem was still a Jebusite city at this time. David led the Israelites to Jerusalem but the Jebusites felt confident in saying that he wouldn't be coming into the city. Israel was a stronghold because of its geographical setting. It was easy to defend. David and all of Israel conquered it anyway. Joab led the way and becaeme David's commander of the military. David moved his seat of power from Hebron to Jerusalem and called it the City of David. Probably the most important part of this passage was that the Lord was with him. It shows David wasn't the highest authority in the land; Yahweh was; and David yielded to Him as the commander in chief.

1 Chronicles 11:10-46

The list of David's mighty men is similar to 2 Sam 23:8-39. se men became known as warriors for their great battles. y came from many places and were good in battle but it was following David, who in turn followed the Lord, that made them great. We see their loyalty and care for David when he was in hiding from Saul in the cave of Adullam. y made this dangerous trek to retrieve water for him after David voiced this desire. In pouring out this water to the Lord, he was making an oath not to drink it because it was so costly to these men. Was David admitting his desire was dangerous and he should have remained silent? Great care must be taken by leaders; their words have great meaning and move people, sometimes unintentionally.

This pouring out of the water was to honor these men, to worship God and declare that David himself was unworthy of this brave act. This is quite a contrast to the David we see later in life who plotted to kill Uriah to cover his sin.

Asahel, Joab's brother was killed by Abner, commander of Ishbosheth's armies. This is recoreded in 2 Samuel 2:18-23.

©2016 Doug Ford