Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 12:2
[They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
2. both the right hand and the left ] On the occasion described in Judges 20 the Benjamites are said to have had seven hundred men lefthanded who could sling stones at a hair and not miss ( ib. Jdg 20:16). Cp. Jdg 3:15.
even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin ] R.V. they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. Brother is used in Heb. and Arabic for fellow-tribesman; cp. 2Sa 19:12.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The skill of the Benjamites as archers is noted in 1Ch 8:40, and 2Ch 14:8. Their proficiency in using the left hand appears in the narrative of Judges (Jdg 3:15, and marginal reference) where their special excellency as slingers is also noticed.
Even of Sauls brethren – Compare 1Ch 12:29. Even of Sauls own tribe there were some who separated themselves from his cause, and threw in their lot with David.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Could use both the right hand and the left, with like nimbleness and certainty. Compare Jdg 3:15; 20:16.
Of Sauls brethren of Benjamin, i.e. of Sauls own tribe; who were moved hereunto by Gods Spirit, and by the conscience of their duty to David, to whom God had given the crown in reversion; and by their observation of Gods departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David, and his gracious providence for him.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. of Saul’s brethren ofBenjaminthat is, of the tribe of Benjamin (compare 1Ch12:29), but some of them might be relatives of the king. Thismovement to which the parties were led, doubtless by the secretimpulse of the Spirit, was of vast importance to the cause of David,as it must have been founded on their observation of the evidentwithdrawal of God’s blessing from Saul, and His favoring presencewith David, to whom it was universally known the Divine King ofIsrael had given the crown in reversion. The accession of theBenjamites who came first and their resolution to share his fortunesmust have been particularly grateful to David. It was a public andemphatic testimony by those who had enjoyed the best means ofinformation to the unblemished excellence of his character, as wellas a decided protest against the grievous wrong inflicted bycauselessly outlawing a man who had rendered such eminent services tohis country.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
They were armed with bows,…. Much used in war in those times:
and could use both the right hand and the left, in hurling stones, and shooting arrows out of a bow; they were ambidextrous; who could sling stones, or shoot arrows, with either, which was no small advantage to them:
even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin; they were of the tribe of Benjamin, of which Saul was, and so his brethren; and they might be, at least some of them, his relations and kinsmen; who observing the unreasonableness of Saul’s enmity to David, and detesting his cruelty, and sensible of the innocence of David, and of the service he had done his country; and perhaps not being ignorant of his divine right and title to the kingdom, went over to him, to comfort, strengthen, and assist him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(2) Armed with bows.Literally, drawers of the bow (2Ch. 17:17).
And could use.They were ambidextrous with stones, and with arrows on the bow. The left-handed slingers of Benjamin were famous from of old. (Comp. Jdg. 20:16, and also 1Ch. 3:15.)
Of Sauls brethreni.e., his fellow-tribesmen.
Of Benjamin is added to make it clear that Sauls immediate kinsmen are not intended. (Comp. 1Ch. 12:29.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. Could use both the right hand and the left Hence their skill had been acquired by long and careful practice. See Jdg 3:15; Jdg 20:16, notes.
Even of Saul’s brethren That is, who were members of his own tribe. Even these revolted from Saul, and cast in their lot with David.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Ch 12:2. Even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin Bishop Patrick observes, that possibly these persons came to David from a generous motive, as they could not bear to see an innocent man persecuted in so violent a manner, especially after he had refused, when he had it in his power, to hurt the person who thus pursued him.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Ch 12:2 [They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
Ver. 2. Even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.] Mirum hoc fuit et quasi miraculum. It is God who worketh men’s hearts, and fashioneth their opinions. Paul had friends in Nero’s court, and Luther in the Pope’s.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
could use, &c. Compare Jdg 3:15; Jdg 20:15, Jdg 20:16.
Saul’s brethren: i.e. his fellow-tribesmen. Compare 1Ch 12:29.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
could use: Jdg 3:15, Jdg 20:16
in hurling: 1Sa 17:49
Reciprocal: 2Sa 20:10 – in Joab’s 1Ch 8:40 – archers 1Ch 12:16 – the children 1Ch 12:29 – kindred
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 12:2. Could use both the right hand and the left With like nimbleness and certainty: compare Jdg 3:15; and Jdg 20:16. Sauls brethren of Benjamin Of Sauls own tribe: who were moved hereto by Gods Spirit, by the conscience of their duty to David, and by their observation of Gods departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
12:2 [They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul’s {b} brethren of Benjamin.
(b) That is, of the tribe of Benjamin, of which Saul was, and in which were excellent throwers with slings, Jud 20:16.