Warriors join David's army

I Chronicles Chapter 12

While David was hiding from Saul, he was joined by warriors who fought beside him in battle. All were expert archers and could shoot arrows or sling stones with their left hand as well as their right. They were all relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. Their name are given in verses 3 through 7. In addition, some brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad also defected to David. They were expert with both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains. Their names are given in verses 9 through 13.

The warriors from Gad were army commanders. They crossed the Jordan during flooding time and drove out all the people living in the lowlands. Others from Benjamin and Judah came to David and he met them and told them that if they came in peace to help him, then they were friends. If not, then they would betray him and the God of his ancestors would see and judge them. Amasai was one leader who felt the spirit of the Lord come upon him and David let him join the others.

Some men from Manasseh defected from the Israelite army and joined David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. But the Philistine leaders refused to let David and his men go with them and sent them back because they were afraid it would cost them their lives if David switched loyalties to Saul and turned against them. The list of men is given in verses 20 through 37.

All the men from this list came in battle array to Hebron with the purpose of making David the King. They feasted and drank with David for three days. And people from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali brought food on oxen and other livestock. Vast supplies were brought for the celebration and there was great joy in the land of Israel.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: The bow and arrow had been in use for thousands of years. Arrowheads were made of bone, wood or, or stone, because the Philistines had the monopoly on metalworking.
In these times,God choose to work the Holy Spirit through a person and gave this person certain goals. Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God's work, but to dwell in them day by day.
Notice that Levites were listed as part of David's army, even though in Numbers 1:47-50 God exempted them from military service. But they were able to support David and volunteer their service to him.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? People are drawn to great warriors or those with a great reputation, like David. Often it is the joy of hearing about their victories or the desire to see God's will done, like seeing David made King. As we are believers today in our world,we have the greatest cause of all - the salvation of people. If we are brave, determined and faithful, others will be drawn to work for us. Pray for God's guidance and support in the fight to bring salvation to people. Don't be fooled by these slick television evangelists who preach "feel good" spiritualism. Look for preaching done from the Holy Book.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.