1 Chr 12: 1-22

This chapter deals with the four groups that came alongside David while he was being pursued by Saul. They were versed in bows and arrows or could use the sling and stones with either hand. The first group were almost entirely from the tribe of Benjamin (verses 1-7). These men came to David in Ziklag. The next group came to him in his camp near the desert. These men were from the tribe of Gad (verses 8-15). The third group came to him when the  Philistines sent him away from the battle. These men were from the  tribe of Manasseh (verses 19-22). The 4th group were from other tribes. They came to David at Hebron to help make David king of all Israel (verses 23-40). What was interesting was some of the warriors came from the Korahites - from the Levites. The Gadites was perhaps the most elite as v 14 states. The encounter that was recorded in v 16-18 was interesting since the Spirit of the Lord made His presence known and recorded. David's renown and his army grew to the point where it was "like the army of God" or a great and mighty army(22).

Clearly the narrative has started and the emphasis is on David and his establishment of his kingship and the nation of Israel. Unlike today, it seems that his was one of momentum and spiritual blessing rather than the populist view and what society has seen as the path of least resistance. We are such a society of entitlement and taking rather than giving. Our economy can never move forward as a result of redistribution of wealth because the least will never be incented to work and vice versa as the most will resent and slack knowing that they will lose in the end despite their work and life ethics.

Looking forward to Friday since I will be going to my niece's graduation in the morning, working in Princeton in the afternoon and going to a minor league baseball game in the evening. So I will be heading home tomorrow and that's always a good thing!

Praise for today: I have become a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise declaring your splendor all day long. Ps 71: 7-8