'11:1-47

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David made king (1Chr 11:1-12:40)

It seems clear that the writer of Chronicles assumes that his readers have already read the books of Samuel and Kings. (In this commentary also it is assumed that the reader has read these books. For further details see notes and maps at the relevant places in Samuel and Kings, and the appendix at the end of Chronicles.)

In view of his readers’ assumed knowledge, the Chronicler makes no attempt to record events that have little to do with his central purpose.

For example, he omits all reference to the attempt by Saul’s followers to continue the rule of Saul’s family (2 Sam 1:1-4:12).

Instead he passes straight on to the establishment of David in Jerusalem as king over all Israel (1Chr 11:1-9; see notes on 2 Sam 5:1-10), and the important part that David’s mighty men played in establishing and maintaining his kingdom (1Chr 11:10-47; see notes on 2 Sam 23:8-39).

Others who gladly gave themselves to David to fight for him are also mentioned: the Benjaminites who joined him at Ziklag when he was fleeing from Saul (1Chr 12:1-7; see notes on 1 Sam 27:1-7); the fearless soldiers from Gad, Benjamin and Judah who had previously joined him at his stronghold in Adullum (1Chr 11:8-18; see notes on 1 Sam 22:1-23); and the Israelite military commanders from Manasseh who deserted to him at the time of the Philistines’ last battle with Saul (1Chr 11:19-22; see notes on 1 Sam 29:1-30:25).

Finally, the writer records how all the tribes of Israel sent a representative force of troops to Hebron to present themselves to David, their new king (1Chr 11:23-40; see notes on 2 Sam 5:1-5).