Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 12:5 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 12:5 lists five men—Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite—who were among those who joined David while he was in exile. This verse is part of a larger section naming the warriors who supported David before he became king. The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record Israel’s history, and here it highlights the individuals who allied themselves with David during a difficult period. These names are part of a roster showing the loyalty and diversity of David’s supporters, many of whom came from different tribes and backgrounds.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:5

Accepted Answer

אֱלוּזַי (Eluzai, transliterated "Eluzai"): This name likely means "God is my strength." It emphasizes the faith or hope placed in God by those who followed David. יְרִימוֹת (Jerimoth, transliterated "Jerimoth"): This name can mean "heights" or "he is exalted," suggesting a sense of elevation or honor. בְּעַלְיָה (Bealiah, transliterated "Bealiah"): This name means "Yahweh is master" or "Yahweh is Lord," reflecting devotion to God. שְׁמַרְיָה (Shemariah, transliterated "Shemariah"): This name means "Yahweh has guarded" or "protected by Yahweh," indicating trust in God’s protection. שְׁפַטְיָה הַחָרוּפִי (Shephatiah the Haruphite, transliterated "Shephatiah ha-Haruphite"): "Shephatiah" means "Yahweh has judged." "Haruphite" refers to his clan or family origin, possibly from a group called the Haruphites.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 12:5 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse shows that David’s support came from a wide range of people, not just from his own tribe, highlighting the broad appeal of his leadership. The inclusion of specific names and origins underlines the chronicler’s care in preserving the memory of those who stood by David in hard times. By listing these men, the passage connects personal loyalty and faithfulness to the larger story of Israel’s history and God’s work through David.

1 Chronicles 12:5 (KJV)