There are two distinct lists in this chapter. When David was in Ziklag Saul was still king so we see that even during Saul's reign many from many tribes followed David - even from Benjamin, Saul's tribe. When he was king in Hebron there was a massive show of allegiance to David.

What a super comment in verse 32 (1Chron 12:32).  There were men who understood the signs of the times, and who knew the right direction for Israel to go. And the best bit is that all their brethren were ready to obey them.  That's the real spirit of a Sunday exhortation, isn't it?

12:23  The listing of men from a number of tribes, including Benjamin, who came to David when he was in Hebron indicates the degree of support that David had even at the beginning of his reign.

As we read through the books of Samuel and the Chronicles, we see how David became king, one step at a time. We have his anointing by Samuel (1Sam 16:13), next we have the ackowledgement by Jonathan, who was the heir to the throne, that David should be king (1Sam 23:17), them anointed king over Judah (2Sam 2:4), and now in V.38 of today's reading David is made king over all of Israel.

n 12:29We have seen – 12:16 – that Benjamites came to David. However here we learnt that there were even those of the family of Saul who came to David. That may seem unusual but it does indicate the strength of support for David.

12:18 This event marked an important point in the time that David was fleeing from Saul. This was no casual meeting with David. These men were potentially a sever threat to David whilst fleeing from Saul. When they expressed their support for him David must have been greatly relieved, doubtless thanking God for the support/.

V.29 A relatively few from Benjamin joined David - the majority staying loyal to the house of Saul.  Tribal loyalty trumped national unity at this point.  Sometimes ecclesias can act this way.  It appears that they are more concerned with their own tribe than with the body as a whole.  Certainly, there are local concerns, but they should never cloud the understanding that each ecclesia is just one part of the household of Christ.  And that body should be unified.

V.2 The action of stone slinging prompts a proverb: Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool (Prov 26:8).  If a stone in a sling is prevented from flying out at the enemy, it is useless to the slinger.  Giving honor to a fool is just as useless.

V.40 The provisions given to David are reminiscent of the provisions that Abigail brought to David (1Sam 25:18).

Vs.3,4,10 The Babylonians marched out from Babylon and destroyed Jerusalem.  However, when they began their march, they had two possible objectives: the destruction of Jerusalem; or the destruction of the Ammonites (Eze 21:19-21).  Regardless of divination, Yahweh had appointed a sword for Jerusalem. 

However, Yahweh had an issue to settle with the Ammonites.  Rabbah was destroyed between 590-580 BC by the Babylonians (to be rebuilt later as Philadelphia by the Greeks).  But it was the Assyrians (the men of the east) who finally subdued the Ammonites and forced them to pay tribute.  Eventually, the Ammonites would disappear, having been absorbed into the Assyrian system.

Like some of the other prophets Ezekiel now spends some time prophesying against other nations: Ammon and Moab, Edom,  Tyre and Zidon, and Egypt. This takes us to the end of ch 32.   Today the prophet is told by God to speak against the first three. Ammon and Moab were the sons of Lot, and Edom or Esau was the brother of Jacob – but all three are excluded from God’s promises through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It’s interesting to note that God concludes each short prophecy with the statement that they would know in the end that God was the Lord (Eze 25:7,11,17). The Lord God of Israel was (and is) the only Lord in Heaven.

25  Having spoken of the final overthrow of Jerusalem and the end of the kingdom of God on earth the prophet, by inspiration, turns to the surrounding nations. The prophecy of Ezekiel follows a progression from Israel outwards.

25:4 There had been long warfare between Israel and Ammon. Now Israel has suffered at God’s hand Ammon rejoiced. However such a response was not appropriate. Therefore God brought judgement upon Ammon also.

25:12 Judgement against ‘Edom’ was because Edom had ‘dealt treacherously’ against Judah. One of the minor prophets makes the same point, rebuking Edom for the same thing – Obad 1:2-13

Vs.11,12 The ancient territories of Edom and Moab are incorporated in the modern state of Jordan.  Here, Ezekiel prophesies that Yahweh will punish Edom and Moab.  But, Yahweh has a future purpose for them (Jordan). 

When Russia comes down into Israel and devastates the land, some Israelis will manage to flee to safety to Jordan (Isa 16:14).  We should be watching the political heavens for the development of these end-time prophecies.

25:15-16 The Philistines were to suffer judgement – but notice that whoever actually punished Philistia it was at God’s direction.

Vs.3,6 The Ammonites and Moabites helped the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem (2Kin 24:2). Now Yahweh plans to give them pay-back (vs.5,11).

V.14 Edom was another nation that helped the Babylonians against Judah.  Yahweh swore vengeance against Edom (Isa 34:5-8).

V.15 The Philistines were also the object of Yahweh’s revenge (Jer 47:1-7). Nebuchadnezzar overwhelmed the Philistine cities during one of his campaigns, which included Tyre and Egypt.

25:13-14 The judgement upon Edom – both man and beast – was executed by the Babylonians. So Edom, looking on and rejoicing over the fate of the land of Judah, was not to escape the Babylonians, though at a later date the destruction of Edom would be by the hand of Israel.

V.3 The Lord knew that Judas was going to betray Him (the Son of God).  And yet, He still remained in fellowship with him.  He did not rush to judgement and disfellowship Judas, or complain or gossip to the other disciples.  He forbore.  He was true to his mandate to save and not to judge (John 12:27). 

 What an example for us!  How often are we too eager to pull the trigger on our brethren, in the name of righteousness?  If Jesus came not to judge, then what makes us think we have the right.  Let us forbear rather than foreclose! 

22:31,34 Notice how Jesus switches between ‘Simon’ and ‘Peter’ between these two verses. Simon will be tempted by Satan who he will ‘hear’ – Simon = Simeon = hearing.

22:18 In saying that he would not partake of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom Jesus is teaching his disciples that he was entering the role of High priest who could not d rink wine – Lev 10:9

22:20  Notice when Jesus introduces the wine to the twelve he uses the word cup. This is the way in which the wine is introduced in all accounts in the gospels and in 1 Corinthians. Whilst the twelve drank the wine Jesus focuses on the ‘cup’ in his language. Consider why this might be.

V.3 Judas was a chosen disciple of Jesus.  He was privy to intimate discussions and instruction that the Master gave the future leaders of His ecclesia.  What motivated Judas to betray Jesus? Was it just for the money? Believers expected Jesus to save Israel and to establish the kingdom while He was present.  They did not expect Him to die.  This is borne out by the statement of Cleopas to the risen Lord (Luke 24:21).  

Perhaps, Judas perceived that Jesus would fail at redeeming Israel.  Being an opportunist, he decided to cash in on the situation.  After all, Jesus was not the one we hoped He would be - He's going down anyway, might as well get something out of it. 

What about us - does our lack of faith, similarly, betray Jesus? Are we expecting Him to return at any moment?  Or, are we secret doubters, and have occupied ourselves with other things (Luke 12:45).  If so, we are foolish virgins and will be shut out of the kingdom (Matt 25:1-13). 

Jesus will come stealthily to those who are not ready (1Thess 5:2).  To those who would be faithful, Jesus says: And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch (Mark 13:37).

22:16 Whilst we understand what Jesus was talking about when he told the disciples that he would not share a Passover meal with them again until the kingdom of God we have to realise that they did not have any idea what was going to happen. We have to conclude, therefore, that at this time the disciples thought that this Passover time was going to bring about some massive changes in Israel. The kingdom that they were looking for would be established very soon! Or so they thought.

V.3 Judas was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.  As such, he would have received divine powers (Matt 10:1).  The apostles were sent out by Jesus to exercise the power of the Spirit (Matt 10:8).

The question sometimes arises: After the betrayal, could Judas have been forgiven by Jesus if he had sought it?  On first blush, the answer would be Yes.  However, would this contradict Heb 6:4-6? Or does the fact that Jesus had not yet been crucified make a difference?

Of course, the question is moot since Judas committed suicide.  But, it is interesting to ponder.

V.26 The Lord reminds us that our attitude towards our brothers and sisters should be one of humility.

Vs.18,29,30 The Lord clearly talks about the Kingdom of God being as being a real entity, and not the church or something that only dwells in one's heart.

22:43 This is the second time that we see an angel with Jesus. The first time is in the wilderness at the end of his temptations – Matt 4:11