Overview of 1 Chronicles 11:1–16:43
The first of the two major phases of the account of David begins with “all Israel” making him king in Hebron and culminates in David’s leading in corporate praise as the ark is finally established in Jerusalem with its associated ongoing worship. On the way are details of the many “mighty men” from all over Israel who support David and his victories over the Philistines.
The pattern (to be repeated in 1 Chronicles 17–29) of God’s favorable initiative and David’s faithfulness and military success, leading to worship by people enjoying peace, is reinforced in the first phase, chapters 11–16, by the Chronicler’s rearrangement of material in comparison with 2 Samuel (see table 3.3). The two major relocations (shown in italics in the table) serve to highlight that (1) David had wide support in becoming king from people who were “mighty men” and (2) recognition by Tyre, growth of his family, and defeat of the Philistines—all signs of God’s blessing—follow his desire to bring the ark from Kiriath-jearim. David’s becoming king is free of criticism (his only battles are against non-Israelites), and his action in seeking to bring the ark to Jerusalem is implicitly commended by God.
TABLE 3.3: Comparison of 1 Chronicles 11–16 and 2 Samuel
| 1 Chronicles | 2 Samuel | |
|---|---|---|
| David anointed king of all Israel in Hebron | 11:1–3 | 5:1–3 |
| David captures Jerusalem | 11:4–9 | 5:6–10 |
| David’s “mighty men” | 11:10–47 | 23:8–39 |
| More of his “mighty men” | 12:1–40 | — |
| The ark brought from Kiriath-jearim | 13:1–14 | 6:1–11 |
| David and Hiram of Tyre; David’s Jerusalem wives and children; defeat of the Philistines | 14:1–17 | 5:11–25 |
| The ark brought to Jerusalem | 15:1–16:3 | 6:12–19a |
| David institutes worship in Jerusalem | 16:4–42 | — |
| Return of the people and David to their “houses” | 16:43 | 6:19b–20a |