1 Chronicles 12:40

40 but also they that were nigh them, till to Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought loaves on asses, and camels, and mules, and oxen, for to eat; (and also) meal, bundles of pressed figs, and dried grapes, wine, and oil, oxen and wethers, to all plenty (in all plenty); for joy was in Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:40 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 12:40

Moreover, they that were nigh
To Hebron, or bordered on the tribe of Judah:

even unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali;
as far as to those tribes, and including them:

brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules;
all which were creatures used to carry burdens:

and on oxen;
who, though commonly employed in ploughing, yet, on this occasion, might be made use of either in drawing wagons laden with provisions, such as follow, or in carrying loads on their backs; though, as Tully F7 observes, their backs show they were not formed to receive and carry burdens:

and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and
oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly,
that is, food made of flour, pastries, besides bread, before mentioned, with dried figs, pressed and made into cakes, and clusters of grapes dried, and of liquids, wine and oil, which make cheerful, and beef and mutton in great plenty:

for there was joy in Israel;
that their civil wars were ended; that they were united into one kingdom again; and had a king over them according to their hearts' desire, the darling of the people, of whom they had raised expectations; being a valiant, prudent, and good man, who studied the good both of church and state, and, above all, was one of God's choosing, appointing, and anointing: greater joy there will be, when David's son and antitype, Zion's King, reigns, when he shall be King over all the earth, and there will be one Lord, and his name one, ( Psalms 97:1 ) ( Isaiah 52:7 ) ( Zechariah 14:9 ) ( Revelation 11:15-17 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F7 De Natura Deorum, l. 2. prope finem.

1 Chronicles 12:40 In-Context

38 All these men warriors and ready to battle, came with perfect heart into Hebron, to make David king upon all Israel (All these men of war and ready for battle, came with perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king upon all Israel); but also all the residue of Israel were of one heart, that David should be made king upon all Israel.
39 And they were there at David three days, and ate and drank; for their brethren had made ready to them; (And they were there with David for three days, and ate and drank; for their kinsmen had made provisions for them;)
40 but also they that were nigh them, till to Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought loaves on asses, and camels, and mules, and oxen, for to eat; (and also) meal, bundles of pressed figs, and dried grapes, wine, and oil, oxen and wethers, to all plenty (in all plenty); for joy was in Israel.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.