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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Chronicles 12:2 they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul's kinsmen from Benjamin):</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/12-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/13_1Ch_12_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 12:2 - The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul's kinsmen from Benjamin):" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_chronicles/12-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_chronicles/12-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/">1 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm" title="1 Chronicles 12:1">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 12:2 <a href="/1_chronicles/12-3.htm" title="1 Chronicles 12:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />All of them were expert archers, and they could shoot arrows or sling stones with their left hand as well as their right. They were all relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>They were</i> armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in <i>hurling</i> stones and <i>shooting</i> arrows out of a bow, <i>even</i> of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in <i>hurling</i> stones and <i>shooting</i> arrows with the bow. <i>They were</i> of Benjamin, Saul’s brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left <i>to sling</i> stones and<i> shoot</i> arrows with the bow; <i>they were</i> Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left to sling stones and to shoot arrows from the bow; they were Saul&#8217s kinsmen from Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left <i>to sling</i> stones and <i>to shoot</i> arrows from the bow; <i>they were</i> Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left <i>to sling</i> stones and <i>to shoot</i> arrows from the bow; <i>they were</i> Saul’s relatives from Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_chronicles/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use the right hand or the left to <i>sling</i> stones and <i>shoot</i> arrows from the bow; <i>they were</i> Saul’s relatives from [the tribe of] Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow. They were Saul’s relatives from Benjamin:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow. They were Saul&#8217s relatives from Benjamin: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_chronicles/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_chronicles/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Several of these warriors were from King Saul's own tribe of Benjamin. They were experts at using a bow and arrows, and they could shoot an arrow or sling a stone with either hand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_chronicles/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow; they were of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They were armed with bows and could sling stones or shoot arrows with either their right or their left hands. They were Saul's relatives, [from the tribe of] Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />members of the tribe of Benjamin, to which Saul belonged. They could shoot arrows and sling stones either right-handed or left-handed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_chronicles/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Equipped as archers, they could use both their right and left hands to shoot arrows and hurl stones. As descendants of Benjamin, they were Saul's relatives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_chronicles/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They were armed with bows and could shoot arrows or sling stones right or left-handed. They were fellow tribesmen of Saul from Benjamin.) These were: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul's brothers of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones, and shooting arrows from a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_chronicles/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul’s relatives of the tribe of Benjamin. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />armed with bow, right and left handed, with stones, and with arrows, with bows, of the brothers of Saul, of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> armed with bow, right and left handed, with stones, and with arrows, with bows, of the brethren of Saul, of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Bending the bows from the right hands and from the left with stones and with arrows, with the bow from Saul's brethren of Benjamin:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Bending the bow, and using either hand in hurling stones with slings, and shooting arrows: of the brethren of Saul of Benjamin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />bending the bow, and using either hand in casting stones with slings, and shooting arrows. From the brothers of Saul, out of Benjamin:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They were archers who could use either the right or the left hand, both in slinging stones and in shooting arrows with the bow. They were some of Saul’s kinsmen, from Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They were archers, and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right hand or the left; they were Benjaminites, Saul’s kindred.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They held the bows with their left hand and the swords with their right, and their bows were filled with arrows, but David was unwilling to slay Saul, because he was the chief, the prince of the tribe of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because they had held bows with their left hands and swords in their right hands, and their bows were filled with arrows, and David chose not to kill Shaul, for he was Chief Prince of the tribe of the house of Benjamin.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow; they were of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_chronicles/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and <i>using</i> the bow with the right hand and with the left, and slingers with stones, and <i>shooters</i> with bows. Of the brethren of Saul of Benjamin,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=3664" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5401.htm" title="5401: nō·šə·qê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To kiss, to equip with weapons. A primitive root; to kiss, literally or figuratively; also, to equip with weapons.">they were archers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: qe·šeṯ (N-fs) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3231.htm" title="3231: may·mî·nîm (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to be right; but used only as denominative from yamiyn and transitive, to be right-handed or take the right-hand side.">using both the right</a> <a href="/hebrew/8041.htm" title="8041: ū·maś·mi·lîm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- To take the left. A primitive root; to use the left hand or pass in that direction).">and left hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: bā·’ă·ḇā·nîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">to sling stones</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ū·ḇa·ḥiṣ·ṣîm (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">and shoot arrows;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: baq·qā·šeṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">and they were Saul’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: mê·’ă·ḥê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">kinsmen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: mib·bin·yā·min (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">from Benjamin):</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Ahiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-22.htm">2 Samuel 1:22</a></span><br />From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18-23</a></span><br />The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">2 Samuel 23:8-39</a></span><br />These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Judges 20:16</a></span><br />Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-49.htm">1 Samuel 17:49-50</a></span><br />Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7</a></span><br />And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-20.htm">1 Samuel 20:20-22</a></span><br />I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target. / Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. / But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3</a></span><br />When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-25.htm">2 Kings 3:25</a></span><br />They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/13-18.htm">2 Kings 13:18-19</a></span><br />Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped. / But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Psalm 18:34</a></span><br />He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a></span><br />Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-6.htm">Isaiah 22:6</a></span><br />Elam takes up a quiver, with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-9.htm">Jeremiah 50:9</a></span><br />For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm">Zechariah 9:13</a></span><br />For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brothers of Benjamin.</p><p class="hdg">could use</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/3-15.htm">Judges 3:15</a></b></br> But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Judges 20:16</a></b></br> Among all this people <i>there were</i> seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair <i>breadth</i>, and not miss.</p><p class="hdg">in hurling</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-49.htm">1 Samuel 17:49</a></b></br> And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang <i>it</i>, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/9-13.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-16.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-18.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-31.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-3.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-40.htm">Bowmen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-4.htm">Bows</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-5.htm">Either</a> <a href="/joshua/4-13.htm">Equipped</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">Hurling</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-38.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Left-Handed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-39.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-2.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-18.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-3.htm">Shooting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Sling</a> <a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Slinging</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-17.htm">Using</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/12-33.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-21.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-16.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-29.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/22-5.htm">Bowmen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-8.htm">Bows</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-12.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">Equipped</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-9.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Hurling</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-29.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/judges/3-15.htm">Left-Handed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/psalms/64-4.htm">Shooting</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Sling</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Slinging</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-2.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/28-15.htm">Use</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-3.htm">Using</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">The companies that came to David at Ziklag</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">The armies that came to him at Hebron</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>they were archers</b><br>The mention of archers highlights the military prowess and skill of these men. Archery was a crucial skill in ancient warfare, providing a strategic advantage in battles. The ability to use a bow effectively was highly valued, and these men were likely well-trained and experienced in combat.<p><b>using both the right and left hands</b><br>This ambidexterity indicates exceptional skill and versatility. Being able to use both hands in battle would have made these warriors particularly formidable, as they could adapt to various combat situations. This skill is rare and suggests a high level of training and discipline.<p><b>to sling stones and shoot arrows</b><br>The dual mention of slinging stones and shooting arrows emphasizes their versatility in using different weapons. Slinging stones was an ancient practice, often used by shepherds and soldiers alike, as seen with David in <a href="/1_samuel/17-49.htm">1 Samuel 17:49</a>. The combination of these skills would have made them adaptable to different combat scenarios, increasing their effectiveness in battle.<p><b>and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin</b><br>This detail provides important context about their loyalty and background. Being from the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe as King Saul, suggests a familial or tribal loyalty. The Benjaminites were known for their warrior skills, as seen in <a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Judges 20:16</a>, where they are described as left-handed slingers. Their allegiance to David, despite their connection to Saul, indicates a significant shift in loyalty, reflecting the broader transition of power from Saul to David.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/archers.htm">Archers</a></b><br>The verse highlights a group of skilled warriors who were adept at using both hands for combat, indicating their exceptional ability and training.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul's_kinsmen.htm">Saul’s Kinsmen</a></b><br>These warriors were from the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe as King Saul, which is significant given the political and familial dynamics at play during this period.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its warriors and strategic importance. The tribe of Benjamin had a reputation for being fierce and skilled in battle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/skill_and_dedication.htm">Skill and Dedication</a></b><br>The ambidextrous ability of these warriors underscores the importance of honing one's skills and being prepared for the tasks God sets before us. Just as these men trained diligently, we too should cultivate our spiritual gifts and talents.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_allegiance.htm">Loyalty and Allegiance</a></b><br>Despite being Saul’s kinsmen, these warriors chose to support David. This teaches us about the importance of aligning ourselves with God's chosen leaders and purposes, even when it requires difficult decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The inclusion of Saul’s kinsmen in David’s army illustrates the potential for unity among diverse groups. In the body of Christ, we are called to work together despite our differences for the greater good of God’s kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_positioning.htm">Strategic Positioning</a></b><br>The tribe of Benjamin’s strategic importance reminds us that God places us in specific positions for His purposes. We should seek to understand and fulfill our roles within His plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_chron_10_differ_from_1_kings_12.htm">(2 Chronicles 10) Why do some details in this chapter differ from or omit parts of the parallel account in 1 Kings 12?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_rehoboam's_strength.htm">2 Chronicles 11 portrays Rehoboam as a strong central authority; how do we address the inconsistencies when comparing his strength here with his weaker portrayal in other biblical passages?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_judah's_kings_follow_or_stray_from_god.htm">How did Judah's kings follow or stray from God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Armed with bows.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">drawers of the bow</span> (<a href="/2_chronicles/17-17.htm" title="And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.">2Chronicles 17:17</a>).<p><span class= "bld">And could use.</span>--They were ambidextrous "with stones, and with arrows on the bow." The left-handed slingers of Benjamin were famous from of old. (Comp. <a href="/judges/20-16.htm" title="Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left handed; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.">Judges 20:16</a>, and also <a href="/1_chronicles/3-15.htm" title="And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.">1Chronicles 3:15</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Of Saul's brethren</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> his fellow-tribesmen.<p><span class= "bld">Of Benjamin</span> is added to make it clear that Saul's immediate kinsmen are not intended. (Comp. <a href="/1_chronicles/12-29.htm" title="And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for till now the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.">1Chronicles 12:29</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Of Saul's brethren of Benjamin</span>. It would be better to read these words as the commencement of the next verse. Prominence is given to the fact that this set of helpers of David, counting in all twenty-three, comprised Benjamites - men of the same tribe with Saul (ver. 29). They had seen and been impressed by the wrongness and cruelty of Saul, and found themselves unable to keep in sympathy with him. Of such were Eleazar, Ilai, and Ithai, mentioned in the preceding chapter (<a href="/1_chronicles/11-12.htm">1 Chronicles 11:12, 29, 31</a>, respectively). The Benjamites were noted both for their use of the bow, and of their own left hand (<a href="/judges/3-15.htm">Judges 3:15, 21</a>; <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Judges 20:15, 16</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/8-39.htm">1 Chronicles 8:39, 40</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/14-8.htm">2 Chronicles 14:8</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">they were archers</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹ֣שְׁקֵי</span> <span class="translit">(nō·šə·qê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kiss, to equip with weapons</span><br /><br /><span class="word">using both the right</span><br /><span class="heb">מַיְמִינִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(may·mî·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3231.htm">Strong's 3231: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go to or choose the right, to use the right hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and left</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַשְׂמִאלִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·maś·mi·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8041.htm">Strong's 8041: </a> </span><span class="str2">To use the left hand, pass in that direction)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[to sling] stones</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּֽאֲבָנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ă·ḇā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and [to shoot] arrows;</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַחִצִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇa·ḥiṣ·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2671.htm">Strong's 2671: </a> </span><span class="str2">A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[they were] Saul's</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kinsmen</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֲחֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ă·ḥê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from Benjamin:</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבִּנְיָמִֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bin·yā·min)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows and could (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 12:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 12:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 12:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 12:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>