1 Chronicles 12:38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
After the death of Saul, David reigned over one tribe, Judah, for seven and one-half years. Ishbosheth was made king over Israel by Abner and there was war between David’s men and Abner. Finally, the other eleven tribes were of one heart to unite with David making him king over all twelve tribes. This united kingdom would last thru the remaining of David’s reign and Solomon’s reign.
The text speaks of men of war who came to David to make him king. These individuals had certain physical characteristics that can be spiritually applied to us today.
Ready armed:
1 Chron 12:23 tells us they came ready armed for war – to do battle if necessary. Paul tells us to be prepared for battle (Eph 6:10, 11, 13) so we are not taken by surprise. Our strength is in our Commander and not our own because we are not warring with flesh and blood, but with spiritual forces. The armor is to enable us to stand against the wiles of the devil’s trickery and attacks. The armor also is to aid us to keep standing true in the evil day – full of labors, hardships; in the physical sense, diseases.
Understanding verses 12:32
The world’s understanding is darkened (Eph 4:18) and so was ours before being enlightened. God’s word will enlighten us (Psa 119:130, 105; Prov 6:23). The Holy Spirit will give us enlightenment (Jn 16:13). As we study Scripture God will give us understanding and as we seek to understand the holy, we will obtain understanding (Prov 9:10). Understanding what we ought to do involves knowing the will of God (Eph 5:17).
Keep rank 12:33
Keep rank is a military term describing they were not individuals, but one in the army. They were not self-seeking or self-serving; they came with one purpose and they were committed to that purpose. James tells of those who are double-minded (James 1:8) meaning that person is “wishy-washy” and unstable -- one time they are up and the next they are down. One time they are in agreement and the next they are miffed about things. It doesn’t take much to set them off in a fit of self-pity. There is much contention, grief and division due to the double-minded. Paul admonishes just the opposite (Phil 2:2-3).
God wants us to be stable and established, not wishy-washy and undependable. The slightest things can set some people off and then they go into a “martyrdom” complex and wallow in their “hurt” feelings. Their words bit and their attitudes stink and then they wonder why people don’t like being around them. James says -- James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” God wants His children to be a spiritual army ready, armed for the battles in this world.