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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [First Chronicles, Chapter XII].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T C H R O N I C L E S</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XII.</FONT>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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What the mighty men did towards making David king we read in the
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foregoing chapter. Here we are told what the many did towards it. It
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was not all at once, but gradually, that David ascended the throne. His
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kingdom was to last; and therefore, like fruits that keep longest, it
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ripened slowly. After he had long waited for the vacancy of the throne,
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it was at two steps and those above seven years distant, that he
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ascended it. Now we are here told,
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I. What help came in to him to Ziklag, to make him king of Judah,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:1-22">ver. 1-22</A>.
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II. What help came in to him in Hebron, to make him king over all
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Israel, above seven years after,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:23-40">ver. 23-40</A>.</P>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David's Army.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1055.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Now these <I>are</I> they that came to David to Ziklag, while he
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yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they
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<I>were</I> among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
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2 <I>They were</I> armed with bows, and could use both the right
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hand and the left in <I>hurling</I> stones and <I>shooting</I> arrows out
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of a bow, <I>even</I> of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
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3 The chief <I>was</I> Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the
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Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and
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Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
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4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and
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over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and
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Josabad the Gederathite,
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5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and
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Shephatiah the Haruphite,
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6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam,
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the Korhites,
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7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
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8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into
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the hold to the wilderness men of might, <I>and</I> men of war <I>fit</I>
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for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces
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<I>were like</I> the faces of lions, and <I>were</I> as swift as the roes
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upon the mountains;
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9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
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10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
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11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
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12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
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13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.
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14 These <I>were</I> of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one
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of the least <I>was</I> over a hundred, and the greatest over a
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thousand.
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15 These <I>are</I> they that went over Jordan in the first month,
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when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all
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<I>them</I> of the valleys, <I>both</I> toward the east, and toward the
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west.
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16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the
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hold unto David.
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17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto
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them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart
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shall be knit unto you: but if <I>ye be come</I> to betray me to mine
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enemies, seeing <I>there is</I> no wrong in mine hands, the God of our
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fathers look <I>thereon,</I> and rebuke <I>it.</I>
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18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, <I>who was</I> chief of the
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captains, <I>and he said,</I> Thine <I>are we,</I> David, and on thy side,
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thou son of Jesse: peace, peace <I>be</I> unto thee, and peace <I>be</I> to
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thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received
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them, and made them captains of the band.
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19 And there fell <I>some</I> of Manasseh to David, when he came
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with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them
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not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him
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away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to <I>the jeopardy
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of</I> our heads.
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20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah,
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and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu,
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and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that <I>were</I> of Manasseh.
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21 And they helped David against the band <I>of the rovers:</I> for
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they <I>were</I> all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the
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host.
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22 For at <I>that</I> time day by day there came to David to help
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him, until <I>it was</I> a great host, like the host of God.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's
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friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the
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forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for
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his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act
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offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while
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he <I>kept himself close, because of Saul</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and
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well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul
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was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him
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with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them
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in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their
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forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers
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of the war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the
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government is here recorded to their honour.</P>
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<P>
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I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin
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to him, came over to David,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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What moved them to it we are not told. Probably a generous indignation
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at the base treatment which Saul, one of their tribe, gave him,
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animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the guilt and
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reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are described
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to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and
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slinging, and used both hands alike--ingenious active men; a few of
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these might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading
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men of them are here named. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+20:16">Judg. xx. 16</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan,
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had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness
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for it, that they <I>separated themselves from their brethren</I> (a
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laudable separation it was) to go to David, though he was <I>in the
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hold in the wilderness</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They
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were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's
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strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most
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of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers
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of fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any
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service,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+22:2">1 Sam. xxii. 2</A>.
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But these Gadites were brave men, <I>men of war, and fit for the
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battle,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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For,
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1. They were <I>able-bodied men,</I> men of incredible swiftness, not
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to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered
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forces. In this they were <I>as swift as the roes upon the
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mountains,</I> so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had
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<I>faces like the faces of lions,</I> so that no man could out-fight
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them.
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2. They were disciplined men, trained up to military exercises; they
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could handle shield and buckler, use both offensive and defensive
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weapons.
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3. They were officers of the militia in their own tribe
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
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so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had them at
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command, hundreds, thousands.
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4. They were daring men, that could break through the greatest
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difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this to David,
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they swam over the Jordan, when it <I>overflowed all its banks,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
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Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus
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in a dependence upon the divine protection.
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5. They were men that would go through with the business they engaged
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in. What enemies those were that they met with in the valleys, when
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they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to flight
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with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both
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<I>towards the east and towards the west;</I> which way soever they
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turned, they followed their blow, and did not do their work by
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halves.</P>
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<P>
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III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
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Their leader was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that
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afterwards sided with Absalom
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+17:25">2 Sam. xvii. 25</A>)
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or no does not appear. Now here we have,</P>
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<P>
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1. David's prudent treaty with them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
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He was surprised to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy
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of the intentions of their coming, having been so often in danger by
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the treachery of the men of Ziph and the men of Keilah, who yet were
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all men of Judah. He might well be timorous whose life was so much
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struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been deceived in so many
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that he said, in his haste, <I>All men are liars.</I> No marvel that he
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meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with
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them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the
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Son of David.
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[1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder:
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"<I>If you have come peaceably unto me, to help me,</I> though you have
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come late and have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no
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great strength with you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully
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accept your good-will, and <I>my heart shall be knit unto you;</I> I
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will love you and honour you, and do you all the kindness I can."
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Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and sincere, will
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find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though clogged
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with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But,
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[2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul,
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under colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger,
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as he is, and will be, of every thing that is treacherous and
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perfidious. Never was man more violently run upon, and run down, than
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David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he had the
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testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He
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meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil,
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and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him
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that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though
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a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the
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righteous God, who hath said, <I>Vengeance is mine,</I> do both. <I>The
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God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.</I></P>
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<P>
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(2.) In this appeal observe,
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[1.] He calls God the <I>God of our fathers,</I> both his fathers and
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theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him; for they were
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both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents on the
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same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right
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him if he should be abused; for he was the <I>God of his fathers</I>
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and therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel
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and therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly
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concerned in determining controversies between contesting Israelites.
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[2.] He does not imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they
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should deal treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the
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divine wisdom and justice: The Lord <I>look thereon,</I> and judge as
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he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and <I>rebuke it.</I> It becomes
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those that appeal to God to express themselves with great temper and
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moderation; for the wrath of man <I>works not the righteousness of
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God.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. Their hearty closure with him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
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Amasai was their spokesman, on whom the <I>Spirit of the Lord came,</I>
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not a spirit of prophecy, but a spirit of wisdom and resolution,
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according to the occasion, putting words into his mouth,
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unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction and
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to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer,
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more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all
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his associates,
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(1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest,
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against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the
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hazard of all that was dear to him: <I>Thine are we, David, and on thy
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side, thou son of Jesse.</I> In calling him <I>son of Jesse</I> they
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reminded themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and
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Salmon, who in their days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul
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called him so in disdain
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+20:27,22:7">1 Sam. xx. 27; xxii. 7</A>),
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but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was
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on his side; and therefore, <I>Thine are we, David, and on thy
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side.</I> It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side
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with God and have God with them.
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(2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a
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health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and
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well-wishers: "<I>Peace, peace, be unto thee,</I> all the good thy
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heart desires, and <I>peace be to thy helpers,</I> among whom we desire
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to be reckoned, that peace may be on us."
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(3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "<I>For thy God helpeth
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thee;</I> therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not
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but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those
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that have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every
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time of need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take
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instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord
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Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On
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his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we must
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be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and
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kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down
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all opposing rule, principality, and power.</P>
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<P>
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3. David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and
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friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as
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soon as satisfaction is given us: <I>David received them,</I> and
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preferred them to be <I>captains of the band.</I></P>
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<P>
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IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
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Providence gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men
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marched through their country upon this occasion. Achish took David
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with him when he went out to fight with Saul; but the lords of the
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Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the story,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+29:4-11">1 Sam. xxix. 4</A>,
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&c. In his return some
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great men of Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the
|
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Philistines struck in with David, and very seasonably, to help him
|
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<I>against the band of Amalekites</I> who plundered Ziklag; they were
|
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not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good service upon
|
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that occasion,
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+30:1-31">1 Sam. xxx.</A>
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See how Providence provides. David's interest grew strangely just when
|
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he had occasion to make use of it,
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
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Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, <I>till he had a great host.</I>
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When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength
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to bring forth.</P>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David's Army.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1048.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>23 And these <I>are</I> the numbers of the bands <I>that were</I> ready
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armed to the war, <I>and</I> came to David to Hebron, to turn the
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kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
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24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear <I>were</I> six
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thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
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25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war,
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seven thousand and one hundred.
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26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.
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27 And Jehoiada <I>was</I> the leader of the Aaronites, and with him
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<I>were</I> three thousand and seven hundred;
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28 And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's
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house twenty and two captains.
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29 And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three
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|
thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the
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ward of the house of Saul.
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30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight
|
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hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of
|
|
their fathers.
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31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which
|
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were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
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32 And of the children of Issachar, <I>which were men</I> that had
|
|
understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the
|
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heads of them <I>were</I> two hundred; and all their brethren <I>were</I>
|
|
at their commandment.
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33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war,
|
|
with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep
|
|
rank: <I>they were</I> not of double heart.
|
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34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with
|
|
shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
|
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35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand
|
|
and six hundred.
|
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36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war,
|
|
forty thousand.
|
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37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the
|
|
Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of
|
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instruments of war for the battle, a hundred and twenty
|
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thousand.
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38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a
|
|
perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and
|
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all the rest also of Israel <I>were</I> of one heart to make David
|
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king.
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39 And there they were with David three days, eating and
|
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drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.
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40 Moreover they that were nigh them, <I>even</I> unto Issachar and
|
|
Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and
|
|
on mules, and on oxen, <I>and</I> meat, meal, cakes of figs, and
|
|
bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep
|
|
abundantly: for <I>there was</I> joy in Israel.
|
|
</FONT></P>
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<P>
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|
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting the
|
|
settlement of David upon the throne, after the death of Ishbosheth. We
|
|
read
|
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|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+11:1"><I>ch.</I> xi. 1</A>,
|
|
|
|
and before
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+5:1">2 Sam. v. 1</A>)
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|
|
|
that <I>all the tribes of Israel came,</I> either themselves or by
|
|
their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king; now here we have
|
|
an account of the quota which every tribe brought in <I>ready armed to
|
|
the war,</I> in case there should be any opposition,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
We may observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. That those tribes that lived nearest brought the fewest-Judah but
|
|
6800
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
Simeon but 7100
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>);
|
|
|
|
whereas Zebulun, that lay remote, brought 50,000, Asher 40,000, and the
|
|
two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan 120,000. Not as if the
|
|
next adjacent tribes were cold in the cause; but they showed as much of
|
|
their prudence in bringing few, since all the rest lay so near within
|
|
call, as the others did of their zeal in bringing so many. The men of
|
|
Judah had enough to do to entertain those that came from afar.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The Levites themselves, and the priests (called here the
|
|
<I>Aaronites</I>), appeared very hearty in this cause, and were ready,
|
|
if there were occasion, to fight for David, as well as pray for him,
|
|
because they knew he was called of God to the government,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:26-28"><I>v.</I> 26-28</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Even some of the kindred of Saul came over to David
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>),
|
|
|
|
not so many as of the other tribes, because a foolish affection for
|
|
their own tribe, and a jealousy for the honour of it, kept many of them
|
|
long in the sinking interest of Saul's family. Kindred should never
|
|
over-rule conscience. Call no man <I>Father</I> to this extent, but God
|
|
only.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. It is said of most of these that they were <I>mighty men of
|
|
valour</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:25,28,30"><I>v.</I> 25, 28, 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
of others that they were <I>expert in war</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:35,36"><I>v.</I> 35, 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
and of them all that they <I>could keep rank,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>.
|
|
|
|
They had a great deal of martial fire, and yet were governable and
|
|
subject to the rules of order--warm hearts but cool heads.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. Some were so considerate as to bring with them arms, and all
|
|
instruments for war
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:24,33,37"><I>v.</I> 24, 33, 37</A>),
|
|
|
|
for how could they think that David should be able to furnish them?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. The men of Issachar were the fewest of all, only 200, and yet as
|
|
serviceable to David's interest as those that brought in the greatest
|
|
numbers, these few being in effect the whole tribe. For,
|
|
|
|
1. They were men of great skill above any of their neighbours, men that
|
|
<I>had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.</I>
|
|
They understood the natural times, could <I>discern the face of the
|
|
sky,</I> were weather-wise, could advise their neighbours in the proper
|
|
times for ploughing, sowing reaping, &c. Or the ceremonial times, the
|
|
times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore they are said to
|
|
<I>call the people to the mountain</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+33:19">Deut. xxxiii. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
for almanacs were not then so common as now. Or, rather, the political
|
|
times; they understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and
|
|
the tendencies of the present events. It is the periphrasis of
|
|
statesmen that they <I>know the times,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Es+1:13">Esth. i. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those of that tribe were greatly intent on public affairs, had good
|
|
intelligence from abroad and made a good use of it. They knew <I>what
|
|
Israel ought to do:</I> from their observation and experience they
|
|
learned both their own and others' duty and interest. In this critical
|
|
juncture they knew Israel ought to make David king. It was not only
|
|
expedient, but necessary; the present posture of affairs called for it.
|
|
The men of Issachar dealt mostly in country business, and did not much
|
|
intermeddle in public affairs, which gave them an opportunity of
|
|
observing others and conversing with themselves. A stander-by sees
|
|
sometimes more than a gamester.
|
|
|
|
2. They were men of great interests; for <I>all their brethren were at
|
|
their commandment.</I> The commonality of that tribe having <I>bowed
|
|
their shoulder to bear</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+49:15">Gen. xlix. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
the great men had them at their beck. Hence we read of <I>the princes
|
|
of Issachar,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+5:15">Judg. v. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
They knew how to rule, and the rest knew how to obey. It is happy
|
|
indeed when those that should lead are intelligent and judicious, and
|
|
those who are to follow are modest and obsequious.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VII. It is said of them all that they engaged in this enterprise
|
|
<I>with a perfect heart</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
and particularly of the men of Zebulun that they were <I>not of double
|
|
heart,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were, in this matter, <I>Israelites indeed, in whom was no
|
|
guile.</I> And this was their perfection, that they were of one heart,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>.
|
|
|
|
None had any separate interests, but all for the public good.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VIII. The men of Judah, and others of the adjacent tribes, prepared for
|
|
the victualling of their respective camps when they came to Hebron,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:39,40"><I>v.</I> 39, 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those that were at the least pains in travelling to this convention, or
|
|
congress of states, thought themselves obliged to be at so much the
|
|
more charge in entertaining the rest, that there might be something of
|
|
an equality. A noble feast was made (was <I>made for laughter,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+10:19">Eccl. x. 19</A>)
|
|
|
|
upon this occasion, for there was <I>joy in Israel,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+12:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
And good reason; for <I>when the righteous</I> bear <I>rule the city
|
|
rejoices.</I> Thus, when the throne of Christ is set up in a soul,
|
|
there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul: and provision is made
|
|
for the feasting of it, not as here for two or three days, but for the
|
|
whole life, nay, for eternity.</P>
|
|
|
|
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