1 Chronicles – Chapter 12

Old Testament40 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most valiant and excellent…" — so begins 1 Chronicles 12. The chapter centers on David, Saul and Manasses. Across its 40 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most valiant and excellent warriors,

2Bending the bow, and using either hand in hurling stones with slings, and shooting arrows: of the brethren of Saul of Benjamin.

3The chief was Ahiezer, and Joas, the sons of Samoa of Gabaath, and Jaziel, and Phallet the sons of Azmoth, and Beracha, and Jehu an Anathothite.

4And Samaias of Gabaon, the stoutest amongst the thirty and over the thirty; Jeremias, and Jeheziel and Johanan, and Jozabad of Gaderoth;

5And Eluzai, and Jerimuth, and Baalia, and Samaria, and Saphatia the Haruphite;

6Elcana, and Jesia, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jesbaam of Carehim:

7And Joela, and Zabadia the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

8From Gaddi also there went over to David, when he lay hid in the wilderness most valiant men, and excellent warriors, holding shield and spear: whose faces were like the faces of a lion, and they were swift like the roebucks on the mountains.

9Ezer the chief, Obdias the second, Eliab the third,

10Masmana the fourth, Jeremias the fifth,

11Ethi the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

12Johanan the eighth, Elzebad the ninth,

13Jerenias the tenth, Machbani the eleventh,

14These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the army: the least of them was captain over a hundred soldiers, and the greatest over a thousand.

15These are they who passed over the Jordan in the first month, when it is used to flow over its banks: and they put to flight all that dwelt in the valleys both toward the east and toward the west.

16And there came also of the men of Benjamin, and of Juda to the hold, in which David abode.

17And David went out to meet them, and said: If you are come peaceably to me to help me, let my heart be joined to you: but if you plot against me for my enemies whereas I have no iniquity in my hands, let the God of our fathers see, and judge.

18But the spirit came upon Amasai the chief among thirty, and he said: We are thine, O David, and for thee, O son of Isai: peace, peace be to thee, and peace to thy helpers. For thy God helpeth thee. So David received them, and made them captains of the band.

19And there were some of Manasses that went over to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to fight: but he did not fight with them: because the lords of the Philistines taking counsel sent him back, saying: With the danger of our heads he will return to his master Saul.

20So when he went back to Siceleg, there fled to him of Manasses, Ednas and Jozabad, and Jedihel, and Michael, and Ednas, and Jozabad, and Eliu, and Salathi, captains of thousands in Manasses.

21These helped David against the rovers: for they were all most valiant men, and were made commanders in the army.

22Moreover day by day there came some to David to help him till they became a great number, like the army of God.

23And this is the number of the chiefs of the army who came to David, when he was in Hebron, to transfer to him the kingdom of Saul, according to the word of the Lord.

24The sons of Juda bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred well appointed to war.

25Of the sons of Simeon valiant men for war, seven thousand one hundred.

26Of the sons of Levi, four thousand six hundred.

27And Joiada prince of the race of Aaron, and with him three thousand seven hundred.

28Sadoc also a young man of excellent disposition, and the house of his father, twenty-two principal men.

29And of the sons of Benjamin the brethren of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto a great part of them followed the house of Saul.

30And of the sons of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, men of great valour renowned in their kindreds.

31And of the half tribe of Manasses, eighteen thousand, every one by their names, came to make David king.

32Also of the sons of Issachar men of understanding, that knew all times to order what Israel should do, two hundred principal men: and all the rest of the tribe followed their counsel.

33And of Zabulon such as went forth to battle, and stood in array well appointed with armour for war, there came fifty thousand to his aid, with no double heart.

34And of Nephtali, a thousand leaders: and with them seven and thirty thousand, furnished with shield and spear.

35Of Dan also twenty-eight thousand six hundred prepared for battle.

36And of Aser forty thousand going forth to fight, and challenging in battle.

37And on the other side of the Jordan of the sons of Ruben, and of Gad, and of the half of the tribe of Manasses a hundred and twenty thousand, furnished with arms for war.

38All these men of war well appointed to fight, 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.

39And they were there with David three days eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.

40Moreover they that were near them even as far as Issachar, and Zabulon, and Nephtali, brought loaves on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, to eat: meal, figs, raisins, wine, oil, and oxen, and sheep in abundance, for there was joy in Israel.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 12

Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most valiant and excellent warriors,

1 Chronicles 12:1

And David went out to meet them, and said: If you are come peaceably to me to help me, let my heart be joined to you: but if you plot against me for my enemies whereas I have no iniquity in my hands, let the God of our fathers see, and judge.

1 Chronicles 12:17

And this is the number of the chiefs of the army who came to David, when he was in Hebron, to transfer to him the kingdom of Saul, according to the word of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 12:23

And of Zabulon such as went forth to battle, and stood in array well appointed with armour for war, there came fifty thousand to his aid, with no double heart.

1 Chronicles 12:33

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, 1 Chronicles was written with the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship in view. Chapter 12 of 29 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 40 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, Saul, Manasses and Jeremiah, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most…" The chapter ends with: "Moreover they that were near them even as far as Issachar, and Zabulon, and Nephtali, brought loaves on asses, and on…" The wider setting of 1 Chronicles is this: Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of 1 Chronicles 12 presents a concrete episode in the history of David's legacy and Temple preparation. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most valiant and excellent warriors," The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of David's legacy and Temple preparation. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 958).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

People in This Chapter

David14 mentionsSaul7 mentionsManasses5 mentionsJeremiah2 mentions

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims 1 Chronicles Chapter 12 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in 1 Chronicles Chapter 12. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 265).

As you continue through 1 Chronicles, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 12 about?

1 Chronicles 12 contains 40 verses. It opens with "Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most…" and closes with "Moreover they that were near them even as far as Issachar, and Zabulon, and Nephtali, brought loaves on asses, and on…". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 12?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now these are they that came to David to Siceleg, while he yet fled from Saul the son of Cis, and they were most valiant and excellent warriors," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 12?

This chapter mentions David, Saul, Manasses, Jeremiah.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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