SUPPORTING CAST (1 Chronicles 12)

Reading Chronicles after finishing the slightly different version in Kings is always interesting. For instance, Chronicles repeats that beautiful verse about David's longer stride and larger embrace, and we learn that Uriah was more than a soldier, he was one of the kings "30 Mighty Men."  Which makes David's sin all the more egregious.

Today's chapters give us lists of which people performed which roles in the David's administration and an account of who rallied to David's support as king. Representatives and soldiers came to him at Hebron from all 12 tribes. The list gives more than numbers, it also brief blurbs about what that tribe offered to David.  Stalwart or loyal, well-equipped or battle ready, fierce and famous. Manasseh elected their representatives.

The description about the men of Issachar differs from any of the others: From Issachar, men who understood both the times and Israel's duties, 200 leaders with their families.  My first reaction was, they were doing what was expedient; time to jump on David's bandwagon since everyone else was. Apparently the translators of The Voice agree with me, since they described the man from Issachar as "politically savvy." Knox offers a kinder interpretation: "men that could give sure advice to Israel as the times demanded."

Hmm, maybe those blurbs were an early case of stereotyping.

Whatever Issachar's reasons, all twelve tribes made David their unanimous choice as king.

Consider the character qualities of the men who made David king.

• Some were chosen because of their character. They were hardworking, dependable, and loyal. The kind of people who makes any business successful.
• Some were chosen because of their skill in combat. They were fierce and battle-ready.
• Some were well-to-do, with the best equipment. 
• Some were chosen because they were famous. 
• Some were chosen because they saw the bigger picture and knew the right time to act. 

Altogether, those leaders made David the greatest king in Israel's history.

Our problem comes when we expect a leader (whether pastor or president) to possess all of those qualities. 

Which qualifications would you choose to describe myself? I can see myself in hardworking, dependable, and loyal. In other ways, I am battle-ready; all the problems I've overcome have made me fierce and capable, even when I feel weak.

The good news is that it takes all of us for the body of Christ to work.