And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

1 CHRONICLES 12:23KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:23 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:23 lists the numbers of armed groups who came to David at Hebron, ready for battle, to help transfer the kingship from Saul to David, just as God had said would happen. The verse emphasizes that these men were prepared and united in fulfilling what was understood as the LORD’s plan.

This verse is part of a historical account where the writer describes how various groups from Israel supported David’s rise to the throne after Saul’s death. The focus is on the organized, military support David received, showing that the transition of power was not just political but also seen as divinely directed, “according to the word of the LORD.”

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:23

  • "bands" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): This word literally means "heads" or "leaders," but here it refers to groups or divisions, highlighting the organized structure of those who came to David.
  • "armed" (חָגוּר, chagur): This word means "girded" or "equipped," showing that these men were not just present but fully prepared for war.
  • "turn" (סָבַב, savav): This word means "to turn" or "to transfer," pointing to the deliberate act of shifting the kingdom from Saul to David, not just a passive change.
  • "word" (פֶּה, peh): Literally "mouth," but used here to mean "command" or "promise," emphasizing that the events were happening in line with what God had spoken.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:23 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David’s rise to kingship was not a personal takeover but was supported by many from across Israel, showing broad national agreement.
  • By stating that this happened “according to the word of the LORD,” the writer stresses that the transfer of power was seen as God’s will, not just human politics.
  • This verse sets up the following detailed lists, helping readers understand the scale and seriousness of support for David at this key moment in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“armed” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

“Hebron” Hebrew H2275 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
  • Joshua 21:11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.
  • 2 Samuel 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

“numbers” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
  • Ezra 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;