and Joelah and ZebadiahJoelah and Zebadiah are mentioned as part of the group of warriors who joined David at Ziklag. These names are not widely referenced elsewhere in the Bible, indicating they were likely not prominent leaders but still significant enough to be recorded. Their inclusion highlights the diverse support David received, reflecting the unity and strength of his followers. The names themselves, Joelah meaning "Jehovah is able" and Zebadiah meaning "Yahweh has bestowed," suggest a divine favor and blessing upon these individuals, aligning with the theme of God's providence in David's rise to kingship.
the sons of Jeroham
Jeroham, their father, is not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, but his mention signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in the chronicling of Israel's history. The reference to their father underscores the familial connections that were crucial in the tribal and clan-based society of ancient Israel. This detail also emphasizes the loyalty and commitment of entire families to David's cause, reflecting the broader support he garnered from various tribes.
from Gedor
Gedor is identified as a location in the territory of Judah, though its exact location is debated among scholars. It is often associated with a place of strategic importance, possibly a fortified city or a region known for its warriors. The mention of Gedor situates Joelah and Zebadiah within the geographical context of Judah, highlighting the regional support David received. This connection to Judah is significant, as it foreshadows David's eventual kingship over the united tribes of Israel, with Judah being his initial stronghold. The support from Gedor and similar locations underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to David, as he gathers a diverse and loyal following.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joelah and ZebadiahThese are the sons of Jeroham, mentioned as part of the group of warriors who joined David at Ziklag. Their inclusion highlights their valor and loyalty to David during a critical time in his rise to kingship.
2.
JerohamThe father of Joelah and Zebadiah. His lineage is noted, which is significant in the chronicling of the tribes and families that supported David.
3.
GedorA place associated with the tribe of Benjamin. It is significant as it represents the geographical and tribal origins of Joelah and Zebadiah, indicating the diverse support David received.
4.
David's Gathering at ZiklagThis event marks a pivotal moment when David, not yet king, was gathering support from various tribes of Israel. The warriors who joined him were crucial in establishing his future reign.
Teaching Points
Loyalty and Support in LeadershipJoelah and Zebadiah's decision to join David illustrates the importance of loyalty and support in leadership. True leaders often emerge with the backing of committed followers.
Diversity in UnityThe gathering of warriors from different tribes, including those from Gedor, highlights the strength found in diversity. Unity in purpose can transcend tribal and geographical boundaries.
God's Sovereign PlanThe inclusion of various individuals in David's rise to power demonstrates God's sovereign orchestration of events. Believers can trust that God is at work in assembling the right people for His purposes.
Legacy and InfluenceThe mention of Joelah and Zebadiah's lineage underscores the impact of family legacy and influence. Our actions and decisions can have lasting effects on future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 12:7?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 12:7 demonstrate the importance of unity among believers?
3.What can we learn from the loyalty of the warriors in 1 Chronicles 12:7?
4.How does 1 Chronicles 12:7 connect with Ephesians 4:3 on maintaining unity?
5.In what ways can we apply the dedication shown in 1 Chronicles 12:7 today?
6.How does the commitment in 1 Chronicles 12:7 inspire your personal faith journey?
7.What is the significance of 1 Chronicles 12:7 in the context of David's army?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 12:7 reflect the unity among the tribes of Israel?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Chronicles 12:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12?
11.(2 Chronicles 10) Why do some details in this chapter differ from or omit parts of the parallel account in 1 Kings 12?
12.Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?
13.In 1 Chronicles 28:3, why would a God of peace forbid David from building the temple simply because he had shed blood, yet historically use wars and conquests to establish Israel?
14.In 1 Chronicles 18:4, how do we reconcile the figure of 7,000 horsemen with 2 Samuel 8:4, which mentions 1,700 instead?What Does 1 Chronicles 12:7 Mean
Joelah— Identified first among the two brothers listed in1 Chronicles 12:7, Joelah stands as a tangible reminder that God values individual faithfulness.
• The men named in this verse are part of the Benjamite warriors who “came to David at Ziklag while he was still banished from Saul” (1 Chron 12:1; cf.1 Samuel 27:6).
• Joelah’s willingness to leave Saul’s tribe and side with David pictures personal allegiance to God’s anointed king, foreshadowing every believer’s call to side with Christ even when it costs (Matthew 16:24;John 6:68).
• His placement in the inspired record shows that no step of obedience is overlooked by the Lord (Hebrews 6:10).
Zebadiah— Zebadiah, named directly after Joelah, shares the same courageous choice.
• Like his brother, he rejected the security of Saul’s regime for the uncertainty of life with David, trusting God’s promise regarding the future throne (2 Samuel 5:2;Psalm 78:70-71).
• The notice of brothers acting together highlights family influence for righteousness—an echo of Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
• Their joint appearance also models unity within God’s people (Psalm 133:1;Philippians 1:27).
the sons of Jeroham— Scripture links these two brothers to their father, Jeroham, underscoring godly heritage.
• A father is honored when his children walk in truth (Proverbs 23:24; 3John 4).
• The mention invites readers to consider the unseen faithfulness that shaped these warriors long before their public loyalty emerged (Deuteronomy 6:6-7;Ephesians 6:4).
• In Chronicles, genealogies frequently connect present obedience to past covenant faithfulness (1 Chron 4:9-10; 9:1).
from Gedor— “Gedor” locates the family in the Judean hill country (Joshua 15:58), west of Bethlehem.
• Geography matters: moving from Gedor to Ziklag meant crossing tribe lines, symbolizing decisive separation from Saul’s kingdom to David’s (1 Chron 12:1-2).
• Gedor’s earlier association with men of valor (1 Chron 4:39-40) suggests a regional reputation for courage, which Joelah and Zebadiah uphold.
• Their journey mirrors Abraham leaving Ur (Genesis 12:1) and later Christ’s disciples leaving nets (Matthew 4:20), illustrating that faith often requires literal steps of departure.
Situated within the wider list (1 Chronicles 12)— Verse 7 sits in a roster (vv. 1-15) of Benjamite bowmen and sling-throwers.
• These skills once distinguished Saul’s tribe (1 Samuel 20:20; 1 Chron 8:40); now they bolster David’s forces, proving God can redirect talents for His sovereign purposes (Romans 12:6-8).
• The inclusion of Benjamites affirms that even those with a past allegiance to a rival king can repent and serve God’s plan (Acts 9:1-20).
• Verse 22 summarizes the chapter’s theme: “from day to day men came to David to help him… like the army of God”, demonstrating the Lord’s steady fulfillment of His word (2 Samuel 3:1).
summary1 Chronicles 12:7 records Joelah and Zebadiah, brothers from Gedor and sons of Jeroham, who defected from Saul’s camp to David’s. Their names remind us that:
• God notes each act of faith.
• Family choices can reinforce courage.
• Heritage and hometown matter, yet obedience to God’s king matters more.
• Skills and backgrounds, when surrendered, advance God’s unfolding kingdom.
(7)
Sons of Jeroham of Gedor.--Jeroham is the name of a Benjamite clan (
1Chronicles 8:27); and two Benjamite chiefs are called "Zebadiah" (
1Chronicles 8:15;
1Chronicles 8:17). On the other hand, "Gedor" was a town of Judah, south-west of Bethlehem (
1Chronicles 4:4). Some account for the appearance of Judaean names in a list purporting to relate to Benjaminites, by the assumption that the chronicler has welded two; lists into one; but towns did not always continue in the hands of the tribes to whom they were originally intended, and some Judaean towns may have contained a partially Benjaminite population.
Verse 7. -
Of Gedor. The place apparently here spoken of (yet see
1 Chronicles 8:31;
1 Chronicles 9:37) is unknown, and it is to be observed that in the Hebrew the article precedes the word (
הַגְּדור). If it be the Gedor in Judah (
1 Chronicles 4:4), it is to be noted still that Jeroham is a name of a Benjamite (
1 Chronicles 8:27).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and Joelahוְיוֹעֵאלָ֧ה(wə·yō·w·‘ê·lāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3132:Joelah -- 'may He avail', one of David's heroesand Zebadiahוּזְבַדְיָ֛ה(ū·zə·ḇaḏ·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2069:Zebadiah -- 'Yah has bestowed', the name of several Israelitesthe sonsבְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Jerohamיְרֹחָ֖ם(yə·rō·ḥām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3395:Jeroham -- 'may He be compassionate', the name of several Israelitesfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's HebrewGedor.הַגְּדֽוֹר׃(hag·gə·ḏō·wr)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1446:Gedor -- 'wall', three cities in Israel, also a Benjamite
Links
1 Chronicles 12:7 NIV1 Chronicles 12:7 NLT1 Chronicles 12:7 ESV1 Chronicles 12:7 NASB1 Chronicles 12:7 KJV
1 Chronicles 12:7 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 12:7 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 12:7 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 12:7 French Bible1 Chronicles 12:7 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:7 And Joelah and Zebadiah the sons (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)