1 Chronicles 12 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Even — Of Saul's own tribe: who were moved hereto by God's spirit, by the conscience of their duty to David; and by their observation of God's departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David.

Thirty — Who came attended with thirty valiant Benjamites, and was their commander.

The God of our fathers — He calls God, the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs; thus he minds them, not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendents from the same patriarchs, and servants of the same God. And thus he encourages himself to believe, that God would right him, if he was abused. For he was the God of his fathers; therefore a blessing was entailed upon him: and a God to all Israel in particular, as well as a Judge to all the earth.

The Spirit — Not only saving graces, but other heroical and generous motions are ascribed to God's spirit, which here stirred up in him a more that ordinary greatness of mind and resolution.

As — As he returned from the camp of the Philistines to Ziklag.

Against — Against the Amalekites who had taken and burnt Ziklag, whom David and his six hundred men were now pursuing.

That time — While he was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron. Like — Innumerable, like the stars or angels, both which are called God's hosts.

Six thousand, &c. — Who came hither in the name of their brethren; for that whole tribe stuck to David.

Jehoida — Not the high — priest, for that was Abiathar, 1 Samuel 23:6, but one of eminent place under him.

Kept the ward — Endeavoured to keep the crown in Saul's family.

Manasseh — Which was within Jordan: for of the other half beyond Jordan he speaks, 1 Chronicles 12:37. By name — Who were not ashamed publickly to own David by putting their names to some paper presented to them for that purpose.

The times — They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. And they shewed their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul while he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom: and as they could not join David, while Abner lived, and had the command of the other tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king.

Double heart — They were sincerely loyal, and did not dissemble with David, pretending to be for him, while in their hearts they favoured Saul's family. And none had any separate interests, but all were for the public good.