What does 1 Chronicles 12:40 mean?
"Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel." - 1 Chronicles 12:40

1 Chronicles 12:40 (KJV) reads: "Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel."
This verse is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles, which is a historical account of the genealogy of the Israelites and the reign of King David. This particular verse takes place during a time of great significance for the nation of Israel, as David was being anointed as the king over all Israel. The verse specifically details the outpouring of support and provision from the tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali to David and his men as they gathered at Hebron to proclaim him as king.
The context of this verse is rooted in the theme of unity and support. The people of Israel were coming together from various tribes to show their allegiance and provision for their newly anointed king. This act of unity and support is significant, as it symbolizes the coming together of the tribes of Israel under the leadership of David, signifying a new era of unity and strength for the nation.
The symbolism within this verse is multifaceted. Firstly, the provision of bread, meat, cakes of figs, bunches of raisins, wine, oil, and livestock represents the tangible support and sustenance that the people of Israel were providing to David and his men. This act of giving symbolizes their willingness to support and nourish the leadership of David, ensuring his success and prosperity as the king.
Furthermore, the use of various modes of transportation for bringing the provisions – asses, camels, mules, and oxen – symbolizes the diversity and abundance of the support being offered. This signifies that the support for David was not limited to one specific group or method, but rather, it was abundant and diverse, coming from all corners of the nation.
The mention of joy in Israel further emphasizes the significance of this act of support and unity. The coming together of the tribes, the outpouring of provision, and the anointing of David as king brought great joy and celebration to the nation. This joy represents the hope and anticipation for a new beginning, under the leadership of a king chosen by God.
Overall, 1 Chronicles 12:40 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, support, and provision within a nation. The verse highlights the significance of coming together as a people, providing for one another, and acknowledging and supporting rightful leadership. It also serves as a testament to the faith and obedience of the Israelites, as they rallied around David, trusting in God’s plan for their nation. This verse ultimately sets the stage for the reign of David and the prosperity of the nation of Israel under his leadership.
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1 Chronicles 12:40 Artwork
1 Chronicles 12:40 - "Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel."
"Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel." - 1 Chronicles 12:40
1 Chronicles 11:40 - "Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,"
1 Chronicles 2:40 - "And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum,"
1 Chronicles 6:40 - "The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,"
1 Chronicles 1:40 - "The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah."
1 Chronicles 9:40 - "And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal: and Merib-baal begat Micah."
"Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite," - 1 Chronicles 11:40
1 Chronicles 4:40 - "And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old."
1 chronicles 12:8
1 Chronicles 12:12 - "Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,"
"The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah," - 1 Chronicles 6:40
"And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum," - 1 Chronicles 2:40
1 Chronicles 8:40 - "And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin."
1 Chronicles 1:12 - "And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim."
1 Chronicles 12:10 - "Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,"
1 Chronicles 12:13 - "Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh."
"And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal: and Merib-baal begat Micah." - 1 Chronicles 9:40
1 Chronicles 12:11 - "Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,"
1 Chronicles 24:12 - "The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,"
"The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah." - 1 Chronicles 1:40
"Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth," - 1 Chronicles 12:12
1 Chronicles 12:7 - "And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor."
1 Chronicles 16:40 - "To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel;"
1 Chronicles 6:12 - "And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,"
1 Chronicles 12:26 - "Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred."
1 Chronicles 12:9 - "Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,"
1 Chronicles 12:6 - "Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,"
1 Chronicles 12:5 - "Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,"
1 Chronicles 2:12 - "And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,"