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1 Chronicles 11:1-9 King James Version (KJV)

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1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

3 Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

7 And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.

8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

9 So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:1-9 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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1 Then all Israel H3478 gathered H6908 themselves to David H1732 unto Hebron, H2275 saying, H559 Behold, we are thy bone H6106 and thy flesh. H1320

2 And moreover in time H8543 past, H8032 even when Saul H7586 was king, H4428 thou wast he that leddest out H3318 and broughtest in H935 Israel: H3478 and the LORD H3068 thy God H430 said H559 unto thee, Thou shalt feed H7462 my people H5971 Israel, H3478 and thou shalt be ruler H5057 over my people H5971 Israel. H3478

3 Therefore came H935 all the elders H2205 of Israel H3478 to the king H4428 to Hebron; H2275 and David H1732 made H3772 a covenant H1285 with them in Hebron H2275 before H6440 the LORD; H3068 and they anointed H4886 David H1732 king H4428 over Israel, H3478 according to the word H1697 of the LORD H3068 by H3027 Samuel. H8050

4 And David H1732 and all Israel H3478 went H3212 to Jerusalem, H3389 which is Jebus; H2982 where the Jebusites H2983 were, the inhabitants H3427 of the land. H776

5 And the inhabitants H3427 of Jebus H2982 said H559 to David, H1732 Thou shalt not come H935 hither. Nevertheless David H1732 took H3920 the castle H4686 of Zion, H6726 which is the city H5892 of David. H1732

6 And David H1732 said, H559 Whosoever smiteth H5221 the Jebusites H2983 first H7223 shall be chief H7218 and captain. H8269 So Joab H3097 the son H1121 of Zeruiah H6870 went H5927 first H7223 up, H5927 and was chief. H7218

7 And David H1732 dwelt H3427 in the castle; H4679 therefore they called H7121 it the city H5892 of David. H1732

8 And he built H1129 the city H5892 round about, H5439 even from Millo H4407 round about: H5439 and Joab H3097 repaired H2421 the rest H7605 of the city. H5892

9 So David H1732 waxed H3212 greater H1980 and greater: H1419 for the LORD H3068 of hosts H6635 was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:1-9 American Standard (ASV)

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1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and Jehovah thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt be shepherd of my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over my people Israel.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Jehovah; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by Samuel.

4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.

5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come in hither. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.

6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

7 And David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David.

8 And he built the city round about, from Millo even round about; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

9 And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah of hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:1-9 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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1 And gathered are all Israel unto David to Hebron, saying, `Lo, thy bone and thy flesh `are' we;

2 even in time past, even in Saul's being king, it is thou who art taking out and bringing in Israel, and Jehovah thy God saith to thee: Thou dost feed My people Israel, and thou art leader over My people Israel.'

3 And all the elders of Israel come in unto the king to Hebron, and David maketh with them a covenant in Hebron before Jehovah, and they anoint David for king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by the hand of Samuel.

4 And David goeth, and all Israel, to Jerusalem -- it `is' Jebus -- and there the Jebusite, the inhabitants of the land.

5 And the inhabitants of Jebus say to David, `Thou dost not come in hither;' and David captureth the fortress of Zion -- it `is' the city of David.

6 And David saith, `Whoever smiteth the Jebusite first doth become head and prince;' and go up first doth Joab son of Zeruiah and becometh head.

7 And David dwelleth in the fortress, therefore they have called it, `City of David;'

8 and he buildeth the city round about, from Millo, and unto the circumference, and Joab restoreth the rest of the city.

9 And David goeth, going on and becoming great, and Jehovah of Hosts `is' with him.

1 Chronicles 11:1-9 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

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1 And all Israel assembled themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 Even aforetime, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel; and Jehovah thy God said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over my people Israel.

3 And all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Jehovah; and they anointed David king over Israel according to the word of Jehovah through Samuel.

4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come in hither. But David took the stronghold of Zion, which is the city of David.

6 And David said, Whoever smites the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

7 And David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David.

8 And he built the city round about, even from the Millo round about; and Joab renewed the rest of the city.

9 And David became continually greater; and Jehovah of hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:1-9 World English Bible (WEB)

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1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.

2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel: and Yahweh your God said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Yahweh by Samuel.

4 David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.

5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, You shall not come in here. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.

6 David said, Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

7 David lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David.

8 He built the city round about, from Millo even round about; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

9 David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh of Hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:1-9 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

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1 Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron, and said, Truly, we are your bone and your flesh.

2 In the past, when Saul was king, it was you who went at the head of Israel when they went out or came in; and the Lord your God said to you, You are to be the keeper of my people Israel, and their ruler.

3 So all the responsible men of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and David made an agreement with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they put the holy oil on David and made him king over Israel, as the Lord had said by Samuel.

4 Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (which is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the people of the land, were there.

5 And the people of Jebus said to David, You will not come in here. But still, David took the strong place of Zion, which is the town of David.

6 And David said, The first to overcome the Jebusites will be chief and captain. And Joab, the son of Zeruiah, went up first, and became chief.

7 And David took the strong tower for his living-place, so it was named the town of David.

8 And he took in hand the building of the town all round, starting from the Millo; and Joab put the rest of the town in order.

9 And David became greater and greater in power, because the Lord of armies was with him.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Keil & Delitzsch   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 11

In this chapter is repeated,

  • I. The elevation of David to the throne, immediately upon the death of Saul, by common consent (v. 1-3).
  • II. His gaining the castle of Zion out of the hands of the Jebusites (v. 4-9).
  • III. The catalogue of the worthies and great men of his kingdom (v. 10-47).

1Ch 11:1-9

David is here brought to the possession.

  • I. Of the throne of Israel, after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. In consideration of his relation to them (v. 1), his former good services, and especially the divine designation (v. 2), they anointed him their king: he covenanted to protect them, and they to bear faith and true allegiance to him, v. 3. Observe,
    • 1. God's counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. If God had said, David shall rule, it is in vain to oppose it.
    • 2. Men that have long stood in their own light, when they have long wearied themselves with their lying vanities, it is to be hoped, will understand the things that belong to their peace and return to their own mercies.
    • 3. Between prince and people there is an original contract, which both ought religiously to observe. If ever any prince might have claimed an absolute despotic power, David might, and might as safely as any have been entrusted with it; and yet he made a covenant with the people, took the coronation-oath, to rule by law.
  • II. Of the strong-hold of Zion, which was held by the Jebusites till David's time. Whether David had a particular eye upon it as a place fit to make a royal city, or whether he had a promise of it from God, it seems that one of his first exploits was to make himself master of that fort; and, when he had it, he called it the city of David, v. 7. To this reference is had, Ps. 2:6. I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. See here what quickens and engages resolution in great undertakings.
    • 1. Opposition. When the Jebusites set David at defiance, and said, Thou shalt not come hither. he resolved to force it, whatever it cost him.
    • 2. Prospect of preferment. When David proposed to give the general's place to him that would lead the attack upon the castle of Zion, Joab was fired with the proposal, and he went up first, and was chief. It has been said, "Take away honour out of the soldier's eye and you cut off the spurs from his heels.'

1Ch 11:10-47

We have here an account of David's worthies, the great men of his time that served him and were preferred by him. The first edition of this catalogue we had, 2 Sa. 23:8, etc. This is much the same, only that those named here from v. 41 to the end are added. Observe,

  • I. The connexion of this catalogue with that which is said concerning David, v. 9.
    • 1. David waxed greater and greater, and these were his mighty men. Much of the strength and honour of great men is borrowed from their servants and depends upon them, which cannot but somewhat diminish pomp and power in the opinion of those that are wise. David is great because he has great men about him; take these away, and he is where he was.
    • 2. The Lord of hosts was with him, and these were the mighty men which he had. God was with him and wrought for him, but by men and means and the use of second causes. By this it appeared that God was with him, that he inclined the hearts of those to come over to him that were able to serve his interest. As, if God be for us none can be against us, so, if God be for us, all shall be for us that we have occasion for. Yet David ascribed his success and increase, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts, not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God whose presence with us is all in all.
  • II. The title of this catalogue (v. 10): These are the men who strengthened themselves with him. In strengthening him they strengthened themselves and their own interest; for his advancement was theirs. What we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of David we shall be gainers by. In strengthening it we strengthen ourselves. It may be read, They held strongly with him and with all Israel. Note, When God has work to do he will not want fit instruments to do it with. If it be work that requires mighty men, mighty men shall either be found or made to effect it, according to the word of the Lord.
  • III. That which made all these men honourable was the good service that they did to their king and country; they helped to make David king (v. 10)-a good work. They slew the Philistines, and other public enemies, and were instrumental to save Israel. Note, The way to be great is to do good. Nor did they gain this honour without labour and the hazard of their lives. The honours of Christ's kingdom are prepared for those that fight the good fight of faith, that labour and suffer, and are willing to venture all, even life itself, for Christ and a good conscience. It is by a patient continuance in well-doing that we must seek for glory, and honour, and immortality; and those that are faithful to the Son of David shall find their names registered and enrolled much more to their honour than these are in the records of fame.
  • IV. Among all the great exploits of David's mighty men, here is nothing great mentioned concerning David himself but his pouring out water before the Lord which he had longed for, v. 18, 19. Four very honourable dispositions of David appeared in that action, which, for aught I know, made it as great as any of the achievements of those worthies.
    • 1. Repentance for his own weakness. It is really an honour to a man, when he is made sensible that he has said or done any thing unadvisedly, to unsay it and undo it again by repentance, as it is a shame to a man when he has said or done amiss to stand to it.
    • 2. Denial of his own appetite. He longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem; but, when he had it, he would not drink it, because he would not so far humour himself and gratify a foolish fancy. He that has such a rule as this over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It is an honour to a man to have the command of himself; but he that will command himself must sometimes cross himself.
    • 3. Devotion towards God. That water which he thought too good, too precious, for his own drinking, he poured out to the Lord for a drink offering. If we have any thing better than another, let God be honoured with it, who is the best, and should have the best.
    • 4. Tenderness of his servants. It put him into the greatest confusion imaginable to think that three brave men should hazard their lives to fetch water for him. In his account it turns the water into blood. It is the honour of great men not to be prodigal of the blood of those they employ, but, in all the commands they give them, to put their own souls into their souls' stead.
  • V. In the wonderful achievements of these heroes the power of God must be acknowledged. How could one slay 300 and another the same number (v. 11, 20), another two lion-like men (v. 22), and another an Egyptian giant (v. 23), if they had not had the extraordinary presence of God with them, according to that promise, Jos. 23:10, One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fighteth for you?
  • VI. One of these worthies is said to be an Ammonite (v. 39), another a Moabite (v. 46), and yet the law was that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the congregation of the Lord, Deu. 23:3. These, it is likely, had approved themselves so hearty for the interest of Israel that in their case it was thought fit to dispense with that law, and the rather because it was an indication that the Son of David would have worthies among the Gentiles: with him there is neither Greek nor Jew.