And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

1 CHRONICLES 12:35KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:35 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:35 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:35 records that from the tribe of Dan, there were 28,600 men who were skilled in warfare and ready to join David. This verse is part of a list describing the military support David received from various Israelite tribes as he became king.

The chronicler is listing the numbers and qualities of warriors from each tribe who came to support David at Hebron. The focus here is on the Danites, highlighting both their large number and their expertise in battle. This detail shows the widespread and organized support David had as he established his rule over Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:35

  • The word for "Danites" is דָּנִי (dani), referring specifically to members of the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their inclusion underscores the unity of all tribes in supporting David.
  • The word translated "expert" is עָרוּךְ (ʿārûkh), which often means "prepared" or "arranged," but here is understood as "skilled" or "experienced" in war. This emphasizes that these were not just ordinary men, but trained warriors.
  • The word for "war" is מִלְחָמָה (milḥāmāh), which simply means battle or warfare, clarifying that the expertise mentioned is specifically in military matters.
  • The numbers "twenty" (עֶשְׂרִים, ʿesrîm), "eight" (שְׁמוֹנֶה, shmoneh), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, elef), "six" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh), and "hundred" (מֵאָה, me'ah) are straightforward, but the precise counting highlights the organized and significant contribution from the Danites.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:35 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that David’s support came from all regions and tribes, not just a select few, showing a broad national consensus for his kingship.
  • The emphasis on the Danites being "expert in war" reveals that David’s followers were not just numerous but also highly capable, which would have been reassuring to those concerned about the stability of his reign.
  • In the wider context, this verse is part of a passage that demonstrates the legitimacy and strength of David’s claim to the throne, as seen through the loyalty and preparedness of his supporters.

Where else these words appear

“Danites” Hebrew H1839 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 13:2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
  • Judges 18:1 In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.
  • Judges 18:11 And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war.

“expert” Hebrew H6186 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 14:8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela(the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
  • 1 Samuel 17:8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
  • Job 32:14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

“eight” Hebrew H8083 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 5:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:
  • 1 Kings 7:10 And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.