New International Versionfrom Judah, carrying shield and spear—6,800 armed for battle;
New Living TranslationFrom the tribe of Judah, there were 6,800 warriors armed with shields and spears.
English Standard VersionThe men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops.
Berean Standard BibleFrom Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.
King James BibleThe children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
New King James Versionof the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred armed for war;
New American Standard BibleThe sons of Judah who carried shield and spear numbered 6,800, equipped for war.
NASB 1995The sons of Judah who bore shield and spear were 6,800, equipped for war.
NASB 1977The sons of Judah who bore shield and spear were 6,800, equipped for war.
Legacy Standard BibleThe sons of Judah who bore shield and spear were 6,800, equipped for military duty.
Amplified BibleThose of the tribe of Judah who carried shield and spear were 6,800, armed for war;
Christian Standard BibleFrom the Judahites: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFrom the Judahites: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.
American Standard VersionThe children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.
English Revised VersionThe children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationFrom Judah's descendants there were 6,800 men equipped for war. They carried shields and spears.
International Standard VersionThe army of Judah, equipped with both shields and spears, numbered 6,800 warriors,
NET BibleFrom Judah came 6,800 trained warriors carrying shields and spears.
New Heart English BibleThe people of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed for war. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.
World English BibleThe children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand eight hundred, armed for war. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe sons of Judah, carrying buckler and spear, [are] six thousand and eight hundred, armed ones of the host.
Young's Literal Translation The sons of Judah, bearing target and spear, are six thousand and eight hundred, armed ones of the host.
Smith's Literal TranslationThe sons of Judah lifting up the shield and spear six thousand and eight hundred drawn out for the army. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe sons of Juda bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred well appointed to war.
Catholic Public Domain Versionthe sons of Judah, carrying shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred, equipped for battle;
New American BibleJudahites bearing shields and spears: six thousand eight hundred armed troops.
New Revised Standard VersionThe people of Judah bearing shield and spear numbered six thousand eight hundred armed troops. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war, eight thousand and seven hundred.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThe sons of Yehuda, the bearers of shields and those wielding spears, six thousand and eight hundred mighty men of the army. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThe sons of Juda, bearing shields and spears, six thousand and eight hundred mighty in war.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David's Army Grows at Hebron23Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: 24From Judah:6,800armedtroopsbearingshieldsand spears.25From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle.…
Cross References 2 Samuel 5:1-3Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.
2 Samuel 2:4Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
2 Samuel 2:8-11Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. ...
2 Samuel 3:17-21Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” / Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. ...
2 Samuel 5:17-25When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...
1 Chronicles 11:1-3Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.
1 Chronicles 11:10Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
1 Chronicles 11:15-19Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. / At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. / David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” ...
1 Chronicles 11:25He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.
1 Chronicles 11:42Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
1 Chronicles 12:1-2Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):
1 Chronicles 12:8-15Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: / Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third, / Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, ...
1 Chronicles 12:16-18Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. / And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” / Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.
1 Chronicles 12:23Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD:
1 Chronicles 12:38-40All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. / They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them. / And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.
Treasury of Scripture The children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war. armed. Jump to Previous ArmedBareBattleBearingBoreCarryingChildrenEightEquippedHostHundredJudahMilitaryOnesReadyServiceShieldSixSpearSpearmenTargetThousandTroopsWarJump to Next ArmedBareBattleBearingBoreCarryingChildrenEightEquippedHostHundredJudahMilitaryOnesReadyServiceShieldSixSpearSpearmenTargetThousandTroopsWar1 Chronicles 12 1.The companies that came to David at Ziklag23.The armies that came to him at HebronFrom Judah:Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. This tribe held a place of prominence, as it was from Judah that King David, and ultimately Jesus Christ, descended. The tribe of Judah was known for its leadership and military prowess, often taking a leading role in battles and governance. The mention of Judah here highlights the tribe's loyalty and support for David, who was from their own lineage. 6,800 armed troops: The number 6,800 indicates a significant military force, showcasing the strength and commitment of the tribe of Judah to David's cause. In the context of ancient Israel, assembling such a large number of troops would have been a considerable feat, reflecting the tribe's resources and organizational capabilities. This also underscores the widespread support David had among the tribes of Israel, particularly from his own tribe. Bearing shields and spears: Shields and spears were standard military equipment in ancient Near Eastern warfare. The shield provided protection, while the spear was a primary offensive weapon. The mention of these specific arms suggests that the troops were well-prepared and equipped for battle, indicating their readiness to defend and support David. This preparedness can be seen as a symbol of their commitment and determination to establish David as king, aligning with God's covenant promise to David and his descendants. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and strength. The tribe of Judah is significant as it is the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. 2. Troops Armed for BattleThis refers to the warriors from the tribe of Judah who were prepared and equipped for warfare. Their readiness symbolizes commitment and dedication to the cause of establishing David as king. 3. Shields and SpearsThese are the weapons mentioned, indicating the preparedness and capability of the troops. Shields were used for defense, while spears were offensive weapons, showing a balance of protection and aggression. 4. David's KingshipThe broader context of this passage is the support for David's kingship. The gathering of troops from various tribes, including Judah, signifies the unification of Israel under David's leadership. 5. HebronThe location where David was anointed king over all Israel. It serves as a backdrop for the assembly of these troops, highlighting the importance of this event in Israel's history. Teaching Points Preparedness for Spiritual BattleJust as the troops of Judah were armed and ready for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, equipped with the armor of God to face spiritual challenges. Unity in PurposeThe gathering of troops from various tribes to support David highlights the importance of unity among believers in pursuing God's purposes. Leadership and LegacyThe tribe of Judah's role in supporting David reflects the importance of godly leadership and the legacy it creates, pointing to the ultimate leadership of Christ. Commitment to God's AnointedThe dedication of the troops to David as God's chosen king serves as a reminder of our commitment to follow and support Christ, the Anointed One. Balance of Defense and OffenseThe use of shields and spears illustrates the need for a balanced approach in our spiritual lives, defending against evil while actively advancing God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 12:24?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 12:24 demonstrate the importance of unity among believers?
3.What can we learn from Judah's commitment to David in 1 Chronicles 12:24?
4.How does Judah's support for David reflect God's sovereignty in leadership?
5.How can we apply Judah's example of loyalty to our church community today?
6.What other biblical examples show God's people rallying behind a chosen leader?
7.What is the significance of Judah's 6,800 armed troops in 1 Chronicles 12:24?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 12:24 reflect the military organization of ancient Israel?
9.Why is the tribe of Judah emphasized in 1 Chronicles 12:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12?
11.Why doesn't Daniel 1 mention any resistance from Judah's religious authorities against the Babylonian cultural assimilation?
12.(1 Chronicles 12:23–37) Do the large numbers listed for each tribe align with archaeological or historical data from that period?
13.Why do different Old Testament books give conflicting numbers for the same censuses and battles?
14.Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9?What Does 1 Chronicles 12:24 Mean From Judah• The verse opens by naming the tribe: “From Judah.” In Scripture, Judah consistently occupies a place of leadership—Jacob’s blessing foretold it (Genesis 49:10: “The scepter will not depart from Judah …”). • Judah was the tribe from which David came (1 Samuel 17:12;2 Samuel 2:4) and, ultimately, the Messiah (Matthew 1:1). 1 Chronicles emphasizes Judah’s prominence again in 5:2: “though Judah prevailed over his brothers and the ruler came from him.” • By recording Judah first among the tribes that rallied to David at Hebron, the chronicler underscores God’s sovereign plan: the tribe designated for kingship steps forward in loyalty to the king God chose (Psalm 78:68). 6,800 armed troops• The exact figure—6,800—affirms the historical reality of the event; these were literal men counted for service, echoing earlier censuses such asNumbers 1:46. • Their presence testifies that David’s kingship was not a mere personal ambition but was supported by a sizeable, committed force. Like Gideon’s refined army (Judges 7:7), the number highlights God’s provision of the right warriors at the right time. • The chronicler later records similarly precise troop totals under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:14–18), showing a pattern: God equips His chosen leaders with identifiable, measurable resources. Bearing shields and spears• Shields speak of defense; spears of offense. Together they portray balanced preparedness. Under Rehoboam, Judah similarly “strengthened the fortresses and stocked them with shields and spears” (2 Chronicles 11:12), signifying vigilance. • The imagery foreshadows spiritual warfare language: believers are urged to “take up the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16) and wield “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). The physical readiness of Judah’s men mirrors the readiness God desires in His people today—fully equipped for both protection and advance. • Their armament also displays unity: each man bore standard-issue gear, reflecting corporate commitment rather than disparate personal agendas (cf.Nehemiah 4:16–18, where every worker had both tools and weapons). summary1 Chronicles 12:24 records that 6,800 fully equipped warriors from Judah rallied to David. The verse underscores Judah’s divinely appointed leadership role, the concrete support God provided for His king, and the balanced readiness—defensive and offensive—of those who serve God’s purposes. It invites today’s believers to stand with the true King, counted among the faithful, and armed with all God supplies for His ongoing work. (24) The sons of Judah.--The following list proceeds from south to north, and then passes over to the trans-Jordanic tribes. That bare shield and spear.--Comp.1Chronicles 12:8. Ready armed to the war.--Equipped for war fare. The tribe of Judah, which had acknowledged the sovereignty of David for the last seven years, had no need to appear in full force on the occasion of his recognition by the other tribes. Verses 24, 25. - David had already found friends and adherents in these two southern tribes of Judah and Simeon.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew From the Judahites:בְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121:A son6,800שֵׁ֧שֶׁת(šê·šeṯ)Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)armedחֲלוּצֵ֥י(ḥă·lū·ṣê)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct Strong's 2502:To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthentroopsצָבָֽא׃(ṣā·ḇā)Noun - common singular Strong's 6635:A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaignbearingנֹשְׂאֵ֥י(nō·śə·’ê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takeshieldsצִנָּ֖ה(ṣin·nāh)Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6793:A hook, a, shield, coldand spears.וָרֹ֑מַח(wā·rō·maḥ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7420:A lance, the iron point
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OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:24 The children of Judah who bore shield (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |