1 Chronicles 12:24
The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
2 of 11
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֥י
that bare
H5375
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֥י
that bare
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
שֵׁ֧שֶׁת
were six
H8337
שֵׁ֧שֶׁת
were six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
6 of 11
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
אֲלָפִ֛ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֛ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
7 of 11
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּשְׁמוֹנֶ֥ה
and eight
H8083
וּשְׁמוֹנֶ֥ה
and eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
8 of 11
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
Historical Context
This gathering at Hebron (c. 1003 BC) followed Saul's death and Ish-bosheth's failed reign. The military census served political purposes—documenting tribal support for David's legitimacy. The Chronicler uses these numbers to show that all Israel, not just Judah, recognized David as God's chosen.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Church benefit from diverse gifts and backgrounds united under Christ's kingship?
- What unique contribution has God equipped you to bring to His kingdom purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war—The Hebrew chaluts tsaba ('armed for war') means battle-equipped and prepared. This census of David's supporters at Hebron documents the coalition that made him king. Judah's relatively small contingent (compared to other tribes) is striking—David's support came from all Israel, not tribal nepotism.
The military inventory demonstrates how God assembled diverse forces to establish messianic kingship. Each tribe brought unique contributions: Judah had heavy infantry, Zebulun had strategists (v.33), Issachar had timing wisdom (v.32). Unity in diversity for kingdom purposes.