Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 12:23
Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Chronicler introduces a military census at Hebron, recording armed men who have come to David to transfer Saul’s kingdom to him. This verse functions as a heading for the tribal troop counts that follow in the surrounding context.
The words — The text specifies מִסְפֵּי (mispe) as the "numbers" and חָלוּץ (chalutz) as the "man equipped" for war. The verb בָּאוּ (ba'u) marks their deliberate arrival to join David’s forces.
The thread — David’s settlement at Hebron appears in 2 Samuel 2:3, while the cataloging of chiefs who strengthen his rule continues in 1 Chronicles 11:10. The phrase "in accordance with the word of the LORD" echoes 1 Samuel 16:1, where God initiates the shift from Saul to David.
Why it lands — The text states that kingdom transfer required documented military alignment under divine instruction. It asks the reader to treat historical records as evidence of structured obedience rather than mere political maneuvering.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 2:3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
- 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”
- 1 Samuel 16:3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.”
- Psalms 89:19 You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
- 1 Samuel 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”
- 2 Samuel 3:18 Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’”
- 2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.
- 1 Chronicles 10:14 and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
- Psalms 2:6 “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”