12:1 Ziklag was a city in Philistia to which David had escaped to hide from Saul. Achish, the Philistine ruler of the area, was happy to have a famous Israelite warrior defect to his land. He did not know, however, that David was only pretending loyalty. Achish gave the city of Ziklag to David, his family, and his army (1 Samuel 27:5-7). David’s whereabouts were not a great secret, and many loyal followers joined him there.
12:1ff David surrounded himself with great warriors, the best of the Israelite army. What qualities made them worthy to be David’s warriors and servants? (1) They had practiced long and hard to perfect their skills (with bow, sling, and spear); (2) they were mentally tough and determined (“whose faces were like the faces of lions,” 12:8); (3) they were physically in shape (“as swift as the roes,” 12:8); (4) they were dedicated to serving God and David. Weak leaders are easily threatened by competent subordinates, but strong leaders surround themselves with the best. They are not intimidated by able and competent followers.
12:1-7 All the warriors mentioned here were from the tribe of Benjamin. Even members of Saul’s own tribe (1 Samuel 9:1, 2) were deserting him to help David become king over all Israel. It was clear to them that God had chosen David to be Israel’s next leader.
12:2 Archers and slingers had special weapons. The sling was unassuming in appearance but deadly in battle. A shallow leather pouch with a cord of leather or goats’ hair attached to each side, the sling was whirled around the head. When one side was released, it sent a stone to its target. The bow and arrow had been in use for thousands of years. Arrowheads were made of stone, wood, or bone because the Philistines still had a monopoly on metalworking (1 Samuel 13:19, 20). Arrow shafts were made of reed or wood, and bowstrings were made of animal gut.
12:8 While the men of Benjamin were expert archers and slingers, the warriors of Gad were experts with the shield and spear. Israelite spears had wood shafts with spearheads of bone or stone and were often thrown through the air toward their mark. Philistine spears had bronze shafts and iron spearheads, and their shields were made of wood and overlaid with leather. Large shields were often carried by an armor bearer, whose main task was to protect the warrior.
12:18 How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times? When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability. The Spirit gave Bezaleel artistic ability (Exodus 31:1-5), Jephthah military prowess (Judges 11:29), David power to rule (1 Samuel 16:13), and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy (2 Chronicles 24:20). Here the Holy Spirit came upon Amasai, one of David’s warriors. The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals. Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God’s will, but also to dwell in them day by day (Acts 2:14-21). If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will experience the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in your life as well as special times of filling for God’s purposes. Expect God’s Spirit to work in and through you.
12:22 David’s army was so large and powerful that it was compared to “the host of God.” Men were drawn to David by the reputation of his great warriors, the news of their victories, and their desire to see God’s will done in making David king. People are often drawn to a great cause and the brave, determined people who support it. As believers, we have the greatest cause—the salvation of people. If we are brave, determined, and faithful, others will be drawn to work with us.
12:26-29 In Numbers 1:47-50, God said that the Levites were to be exempt from military service. Why then are they listed as part of David’s army? Although they were exempt from the draft, they strongly supported David and volunteered their services to help install him as king.
12:32 The 200 leaders from the tribe of Issachar understood the signs of the times. As a result, their knowledge and judgment provided needed help in making decisions for the nation. For leaders today, it is equally necessary to know what is happening in society in order to plan the best course of action for the church. Knowledge of current events, trends, and needs helps us understand people’s thoughts and attitudes. This gives leaders information to help them make wise decisions for the church and make God’s message relevant to people’s lives.
12:38 These troops totaled more than 300,000 men. Their single purpose was to show overwhelming support for David and make him king. God had drawn these men together and had focused their energy on a single purpose; they “were of one heart.” Churches and organizations often dilute their energy by trying to go in too many directions. Instead, they should ask God to narrow their focus to one central purpose—one that will build up the church and glorify God. Like David’s army, churches and other Christian groups should be of one heart.
12:40 The people were ready for change. They had suffered under Saul’s leadership because of his disobedience to God (see 10:13). They were so overjoyed with David’s coronation that they contributed lavishly to the celebration. It is right and proper to give generously for celebration and joyous worship. God is the author of joy, and he will join us in our celebrations.