And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.

1 CHRONICLES 12:36KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:36 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:36 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:36 records that from the tribe of Asher, forty thousand men who were skilled in warfare joined David’s forces. This verse highlights the significant military support David received from Asher, emphasizing both their numbers and their expertise in battle.

This verse is part of a larger list describing the tribes of Israel who came to support David at Hebron as he became king. The chronicler is showing how united and prepared the nation was to back David’s kingship, with each tribe contributing its best warriors. The mention of Asher’s forty thousand “expert in war” underscores their readiness and the seriousness of their commitment.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:36

  • "Expert" (מְלֻמָּדִים, melummadim): This word means trained or skilled, especially in the context of battle. It stresses that these men were not just numerous but also well-prepared and experienced soldiers.
  • "Battle" (צָבָא, tsava): This term often refers to an organized army or military service, highlighting that these men were part of a structured fighting force, not just a random group.
  • "War" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word points to actual combat or warfare, reinforcing that the men from Asher were ready for real conflict, not just ceremonial support.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:36 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s support was not limited to a few tribes or a small group, but included large, well-trained contingents from across Israel, including Asher.
  • The focus on both the number and skill of Asher’s warriors helps readers see the seriousness and unity behind David’s rise to kingship.
  • In the broader context, this list shows the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the tribes together under David, setting the stage for a united monarchy.

Where else these words appear

“Asher” Hebrew H836 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Numbers 26:46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
  • Judges 1:31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

“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.

“forty” Hebrew H705 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 5:13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
  • Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.