Whether they realize it or not, all successful leaders owe much to others who have made valuable contributions along the way. 1 Chronicles 12 shows that Israel’s greatest king was no exception. “For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God” (v 22). At one level, David’s supporters may have been drawn by his confidence and charisma. Yet ultimately, those who came to crown him as their new king did so “according to the word of the LORD” (v 23). In the exaltation of David, God was accomplishing His own purposes and fulfilling His own promises. Even the Benjaminites rallied around God’s king. This was Saul’s tribe! But their ambidextrous warriors showed admirable flexibility—not only to wield their weapons with either right hand or left—but also to serve under a new leader, one who had not emerged from their own clan. Their discerning eye made them excellent marksmen, but also enabled them to see that the future lay with David and not Saul. Even if others misunderstood, there would be no blind loyalty to a man that God had rejected. They aligned with David (v 1-7). Troops from Gad arrived early in support of David, while he was camping in wilderness strongholds. Fierce as lions and swift as gazelles, these “mighty and experienced warriors” could prevail even if greatly outnumbered (v 8-15). David was initially suspicious of some who came to him from Benjamin and Judah. But there was no need to fear betrayal and treachery, for these were Spirit-filled men, bringing a message of encouragement and peace (v 16-18). If David was at first cautious about some, others were at first cautious about him! Some of the men of Manasseh threw in their lot with David only when it became clear which way the wind was blowing. Waiting until the eve of the battle on Mount Gilboa (1 Sam 31), they made their decision when it was obvious that Saul was doomed. Braver men had decided sooner, but like the laborers in Jesus’ parable, all stood on equal footing with David (v 19-21). This picture of twelve tribes, all coming together with wholehearted unity in the service of King David, should remind us of the New Testament vision for the church of Jesus Christ. Though we come from various backgrounds, possessing various gifts, all are called to make investments for the common good, in loyalty to the same Lord. “For us, as for ancient Israel, the enormous diversity to be found among the king’s people is integrated, drawn together into a unity, around the people’s king” (Michael Wilcock). For further meditation: