King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 12:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 12:15 in the King James Version says “These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks ; and they put to flight al... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks ; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. overflown: Heb. filled over

1 Chronicles 12:15 · KJV


Context

13

Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh .

14

These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand. one: or, one that was least could resist an hundred, and the greatest a thousand

15

These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks ; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. overflown: Heb. filled over

16

And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.

17

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. to meet: Heb. before them be knit: Heb. be one wrong: or, violence


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel. The Hebrew term גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) - mighty warrior is theologically significant here, pointing to Unity of God's people under chosen leader. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Unity of God's people under chosen leader. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Church united under Christ's headship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Unity of God's people under chosen leader challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Church united under Christ's headship teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 19
H428

these or those

הֵ֗ם2 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָֽבְר֤וּ4 of 19

These are they that went over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת5 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיַּרְדֵּן֙6 of 19

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ7 of 19

month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן8 of 19

in the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְה֥וּא9 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מְמַלֵּ֖א10 of 19

when it had overflown

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

עַל11 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל12 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּדיֹתָ֑יו13 of 19
H1428

a river brink

וַיַּבְרִ֙יחוּ֙14 of 19

and they put to flight

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

אֶת15 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל16 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣עֲמָקִ֔ים17 of 19

all them of the valleys

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

לַמִּזְרָ֖ח18 of 19

both toward the east

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

וְלַֽמַּעֲרָֽב׃19 of 19

and toward the west

H4628

the west (as a region of the evening sun)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 12:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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