These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
1 CHRONICLES 11:10KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 11:10 mean?
1 Chronicles 11:10 describes how the leading warriors who served David supported him with strength and loyalty, working together with all Israel to establish him as king, just as God had promised. The verse highlights both the unity of David’s supporters and the fulfillment of God’s word concerning Israel’s leadership.
This verse is part of a section listing David’s mighty men, showing how his rise to kingship was not just his own doing but involved the help of key leaders and the wider nation. The chronicler is emphasizing that David’s kingship was the result of both human cooperation and divine promise, setting the stage for the detailed list of his loyal warriors that follows.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:10
- "chief" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): This word means "head" or "leader." Here, it points to the top-ranking warriors, not just ordinary soldiers, showing their importance in David’s rise.
- "men" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word is often translated as "mighty man" or "warrior," emphasizing the strength and valor of those who stood with David.
- "strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means "to make strong" or "to support." The verse uses it to show that these men actively helped David become king, not just by following but by taking initiative.
- "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This word means "word" or "promise." The verse ties David’s kingship directly to God’s spoken promise, underlining that these events were fulfilling God’s plan.
Why 1 Chronicles 11:10 matters
- The verse clarifies that David’s kingship was not achieved alone; it depended on the active support of key leaders and the unity of the nation.
- By connecting the events to "the word of the LORD," the chronicler stresses that David’s rise was not just political but was grounded in God’s promise, reinforcing the legitimacy of his rule.
- This verse sets up the following list of David’s mighty men, showing their role was not just military but also foundational in establishing the kingdom according to God’s will.