King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 12:38 Mean?

1 Chronicles 12:38 in the King James Version says “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All these men of war, that could keep rank, 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.”

1 Chronicles 12:38 · KJV

Context

36

And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand. expert: or, keeping their rank

37

And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, 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.

39

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

40

Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel. meat: or, victual of meal

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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 · 25 words
כָּל1 of 25
H3605

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

אֵ֜לֶּה2 of 25
H428

these or those

אַנְשֵׁ֣י3 of 25

“All these men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מִלְחָמָה֮4 of 25

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עֹדְרֵ֣י5 of 25

“that could keep”

H5737

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

מַֽעֲרָכָה֒6 of 25

“rank”

H4634

an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array

בְּלֵבָ֤ב7 of 25

“heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

שָׁלֵם֙8 of 25

“with a perfect”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

בָּ֣אוּ9 of 25

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חֶבְר֔וֹנָה10 of 25

“to Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

לְהַמְלִ֥יךְ11 of 25

“king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת12 of 25
H853

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

דָּוִֽיד׃13 of 25

“to make David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַל14 of 25
H5921

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

כָּל15 of 25
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל16 of 25

“also of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְ֠גַם17 of 25
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כָּל18 of 25
H3605

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

שֵׁרִ֧ית19 of 25

“and all the rest”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל20 of 25

“also of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵ֥ב21 of 25

“heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֶחָ֖ד22 of 25

“were of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְהַמְלִ֥יךְ23 of 25

“king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת24 of 25
H853

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

דָּוִֽיד׃25 of 25

“to make David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 12:38 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 12:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:8-101 Kings 8:611 Chronicles 12:331 Chronicles 12:17-18Ezekiel 11:19Psalms 110:3

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 12 →

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