1 Chronicles 12 Background Information with Maps and Images (Picture Study Bible - 1 Chronicles) Free Bible Online

1 Chronicles 12

1 - Now these are those who came to David to Ziklag, while he was a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish. They were among the mighty men, his helpers in war.
2 - They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul's relatives of the tribe of Benjamin.
3 - The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;
4 - Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader of the thirty; Jeremiah; Jahaziel; Johanan; Jozabad the Gederathite;
5 - Eluzai; Jerimoth; Bealiah; Shemariah; Shephatiah the Haruphite;
6 - Elkanah, Isshiah Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
7 - and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
8 - Some Gadites joined David in the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains:
9 - Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
10 - Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11 - Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12 - Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
13 - Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbannai the eleventh.
14 - These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army: he who was least was equal to one hundred, and the greatest to one thousand.
15 - These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all who lived in the valleys, both toward the east and toward the west.
16 - Some of the children of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David.
17 - David went out to meet them, and answered them, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my adversaries, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers see this and rebuke it."
18 - Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse. Peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers; for your God helps you." Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
19 - Some of Manasseh also joined David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle; but they didn't help them; for the lords of the Philistines sent him away after consultation, saying, "He will desert to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads."
20 - As he went to Ziklag, some from Manasseh joined him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of thousands who were of Manasseh.
21 - They helped David against the band of rovers; for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the army.
22 - For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like God's army.
23 - These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to The LORD's word.
24 - The children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand eight hundred, armed for war.
25 - Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war, seven thousand one hundred.
26 - Of the children of Levi four thousand six hundred.
27 - Jehoiada was the leader of the household of Aaron; and with him were three thousand seven hundred,
28 - and Zadok, a young man mighty of valor, and of his father's house twenty-two captains.
29 - Of the children of Benjamin, Saul's relatives, three thousand: for until then, the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to Saul's house.
30 - Of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers' houses.
31 - Of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name, to come and make David king.
32 - Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their command.
33 - Of Zebulun, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all kinds of instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could command and were not of double heart.
34 - Of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty-seven thousand.
35 - Of the Danites who could set the battle in array, twenty-eight thousand six hundred.
36 - Of Asher, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, forty thousand.
37 - On the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and of the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all kinds of instruments of war for the battle, one hundred twenty thousand.
38 - All these were men of war, who could order the battle array, and came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
39 - They were there with David three days, eating and drinking; for their brothers had supplied provisions for them.
40 - Moreover those who were near to them, as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, on camels, on mules, and on oxen: supplies of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel.

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1 Chronicles Images and Notes

The Books of 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 28:9 - And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
1 Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

The Old Testament - A Brief Overview

Bible Survey - Chronicles
Hebrew Name - Divrei Hayamim "Words of the Days"
Greek Name - Paralipomenon (Greek form of the Hebrew)
Author - Ezra (According to Tradition)
Date - From 4004-536 BC Approximately
Theme of 1 Chronicles - The reign of King David
Theme of 2 Chronicles - The history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah
Types and Shadows - In Chronicles Jesus is the builder of the house of God

ARCHAEOLOGY

Ark Relief at Capernaum Synagogue

Close up of the Sculptured Block of the Ark at Capernaum

The ancient Ark of the covenant of Israel is one the most famous items in all of antiquity. There is no trace of the Ark of the covenant, yet it is memorialized by this Scripture block at the synagogue of Capernaum, created in Greco-Roman style. In the Bible the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, and later returned because of sudden plagues that happened upon their lands. Through the valley of sorek it was taken back to Israel to Beth-shemesh.

Summary of The Books of Chronicles

The English version of the Bible places the books of Chronicles after Kings, but in the Hebrew text they are placed at the very end of the Old Testament. (See this chart of Old Testament books in Hebrew order). The books of Chronicles were originally one book, as in the case of Samuel and Kings. The Hebrew title is translated the "words of the days", yet the word Chronicles is mainly adopted by a theologian named Jerome who thought that they ought to bear the title from the Greek word for time which is "Chronos". This title created a distraction from the true meaning and purpose of this wonderful book. The main purpose of Chronicles was to form a genealogical description of the 12 tribes of Israel from the earliest recorded time. This was very important considering that there was a mixed multitude that had returned from Babylon, and it was also important to determine the lineage of Judah, and to reestablish the functions and order in which each individual tribe was required to perform.

The author of Chronicles has a fervent desire to make the people of Israel aware of the true glory of their kingdom, realizing that it traces back to David and Solomon. There is nothing that would impress upon them a greater understanding than taking them back through a detailed history of their kingdom, with all of its glory and prosperity and also the horrible sin that led to the captivity and the downfall of the theocracy. The author of Chronicles had a constant focus on the Temple which had been destroyed and the dynasty of King David. There is hardly any mention of the northern kingdom of Israel, it is mainly concerned with Judah and the events in connection with King David, and the building of the Temple. Solomon is not necessarily a huge focus other than his preparations for building the Temple and its dedication. The worship of the Temple is paramount and the functions of the Levites as well. The Kings of Judah are stressed with great importance as well as the idolatry that seduced the people of God.

Hebrew tradition credits Ezra has the author of the books of Chronicles, in the beginning of the books trace the genealogical records all the way back to Adam which took place in approximately 4004 BC. The book concludes with the Jews in Babylon after the captivity.

Quick Reference Map
 Map of the Empires of David and Solomon During the Book of Chronicles
Map of the Empires of David and Solomon (Click to Enlarge)

The contents of the books of Chronicles may be outlined as follows:

Outline of the Books of Chronicles

1 Chronicles

I. Genealogical Matters (1 Chronicles 1-9) These genealogies begin with Adam (1 Chronicles 1:1) and are brought up to the time of the writer (1 Chronicles 9). It is surprising to note the large number of historical incidents mentioned in connection with the individuals named in these lists. Many of these are taken from other Old Testament scripture, but some find their origin elsewhere (1 Chronicles 4:9, 10, 38-43).

II. The Reign of David (1 Chronicles 10 -29)

1) The last days and death of Saul and the early reign of David (1 Chronicles 10-12).
2) The return of the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13-16). Included in this section is the account of the misfortune of Uzzah, who was killed when he reached forth to save the ark from falling (1 Chronicles 13).
3) David purposes to build the temple but is forbidden because of the great amount of bloodshed to which he has been a party (1 Chronicles 17).
4) The account of David's conquests (1 Chronicles 18-20).
5) The census and the plague (1 Chronicles 21).
6) David's preparations for building the temple (1 Chronicles 22). Although David was himself forbidden to build a temple for God, he set about to collect the necessary materials for such a temple, that the task of his son Solomon might be easier.
7) Designation of the duties of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23).
8) Organization of the government (1 Chronicles 24).
9) David's last words and his death (1 Chronicles 28-29).

2 Chronicles

III. The Reign of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1-9) This section includes the further preparation, the building and the dedication of the Temple, as well as various other activities of Solomon.

IV. The History of Judah to Its Fall (2 Chronicles 10 -36)

1) The revolt of the ten tribes and the reign of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10-12).
2) The reign of Abijah (2 Chronicles 13).
3) The reign of Asa (2 Chronicles 14-16). This was a period of prosperity in Judah as Asa instituted a number of moral and religious reforms, establishing himself as a servant of the Lord.
4) The reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20). This king was also diligent in his efforts to serve God. He made considerable efforts to acquaint his people with the Law.
5) The reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 21:1�22:9).
6) The reign of Athaliah, the only queen of Judah (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21).
7) The reign of Joash (2 Chronicles 24). Ascending to the throne at the age of seven, Joash, advised by the high priest Jehoida, brought about the restoration of true worship. After Jehoida's death, however, Joash himself slipped into the worship of idols.
8) Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz (2 Chronicles 25-28).
9) The reign of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32). After beginning his rule with a great religious restoration, Hezekiah helped his nation to regain a measure of power and glory.
10) Manasseh and Amon (2 Chronicles 33).
11) The reign of Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35). In the eighteenth year of a reign that began when he was only eight years old, Josiah began the most sweeping religious reforms which Judah had ever known. During the renovation of the temple, the "book of the Law" was found, encouraging the people greatly in this time of revival.
12) The last days of Judah (2 Chronicles 36). After a brief reign by Jehoahaz, the throne was taken by Jehoiakim, who reigned for eleven years. During this period he was a vassal alternatively to Egypt and Babylon. In an effort to revolt against the Babylonian rule, he lost his life. He was succeeded by Jehoiachin, who reigned only three months, after which he was carried to Babylon, where he lived a number of years. The last of the Judean kings was Zedekiah. Nebuchadnezzar had already plundered Jerusalem of much of its treasures and a considerable number of its most promising men. This took place in two raids, in 606 and 597 BC. In 586 BC, during the reign of Zedekiah, the Babylonians struck once again, this time leaving none but the poorest class of people to remain in Jerusalem. Five years later, the Babylonians came to collect about 750 more captives, even after a number, including Jeremiah, had fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 43).

Quick Reference Maps - 1 Chronicles

The Empire of David and Solomon during the Chronicles
The Period of the Kings
The Empire of David and Solomon
The Kingdom of David
Solomon's Temple Illustration
Chart - The House of the LORD
Ophir and Tarshish
Israel and Judah During the Time of Rehoboam
Samaria
Zaraphath and Mount Carmel
Ramoth Gilead

The First Day. Light.

1 Chronicles Resources

Saul, Israel's First King
King David
King Solomon
The Divided Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Southern Kingdom of Judah
The Assyrian Captivity
The Babylonian Captivity

More About the Book of 1 Chronicles
More About the Book of 2 Chronicles
1 Chronicles in the Picture Study Bible
2 Chronicles in the Picture Study Bible
Timeline of the Ancient World
Back to the Old Testament
Back to Bible History Online
 

Bibliography Information

Free Bible Online - Picture Study Bible, King James Version. New York: American Bible Society: www.free-bible.com, 1995-2013. Bible History Picture Study Bible. Nov 10, 2024.

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