1 Chronicles 12

21, 22. they helped David against the band--that is, the Amalekites who had pillaged Ziklag in David's absence. This military expedition was made by all his men ( 1 Samuel 30:9 ), who, as David's early helpers, are specially distinguished from those who are mentioned in the latter portion of the chapter.

22. the host of God--that is, a great and powerful army.

1 Chronicles 12:23-40 . THE ARMIES THAT CAME TO HIM AT HEBRON.

23. these are the numbers of the bands . . . that came to David to Hebron--after the death of Ish-bosheth
to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord--( 1 Chronicles 10:14 , 1 Chronicles 11:3 1 Chronicles 11:10 ). The account commences with the southern tribes, Levi being associated with Judah and Simeon, as the great majority of the leading men in this tribe resided in Judah; and, after recounting the representatives of the northern tribes, it concludes with those on the east of Jordan.

27. Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites--not the high priest, for that was Abiathar ( 1 Samuel 23:9 ), but the leader of the Aaronite warriors, supposed to be the father of Benaiah ( 1 Chronicles 11:22 ).

29. Benjamin . . . three thousand--This small number shows the unpopularity of the movement in this tribe; and, indeed, it is expressly stated that the mass of the population had, even after Ish-bosheth's death, anxiously endeavored to secure the crown in the family of Saul.

32. children of Issachar, . . . that had understanding of the times, &c.--Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military, and had declared for David.

33. Zebulun . . . could keep rank--that is, were more disciplined soldiers than the rest.
not of double heart--Though their numbers were large, all were in a high degree well affected to David.

38. all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king--that is, entertained a unanimous desire for his elevation.

39, 40. there they were with David three days, eating and drinking--According to the statements made in the preceding verses, the number of armed warriors assembled in Hebron on this occasion amounted to three hundred thousand. Supplies of provisions were abundantly furnished, not only by the people of the neighborhood, but from distant parts of the country, for all wished the festivities to be on a scale of liberality and magnificence suitable to the auspicious occasion.