Ready Armed
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 through the remainder 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 (trickery). The armor also is to aid us to keep standing true in the evil day – full of labors, hardships; in the physical sense, as well as diseases.
Understanding
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).
Keeping rank
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). The church is worse for the double-mindedness of many – we need a revival of massive proportions in the church before the world will turn to follow Christ.