1 Chronicles 12:15

“These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, etc.] The month Nisan or Ab; as they must come over Jordan to come to David, since they dwelt on the other side of it: when it had overflown all its banks; as it did at this time of the year, (see <060315> Joshua 3:15) which is observed to show both the time of the year when they came over, and their zeal and ardour to assist David, and their boldness and intrepidity; fearless of danger, they threw themselves into Jordan, and swam over it, in all probability when the waters of it were so deep they could not ford it, and so rapid that they were in danger of being carried away with them: and they put to flight all them of the valleys,…”

“These are they that went over Jordan in the first month--that is, in spring, when the swollen river generally fills up the banks of its channel (see on Jos 3:14; Jos 4:19; Jos 5:10). they put to flight all them of the valleys--This was probably done at the time of their separating themselves and their purpose being discovered, they had to cut their passage through the opposing adherents of Saul, both on the eastern and western banks. The impossibility of taking the fords at such a time, and the violent rapidity of the current, make this crossing of the Jordan--in whatever way these Gadites accomplished it--a remarkable feat.”

“On the danger of the exploit, see the marginal reference note. This passage 1 Chronicles 12:8-15 seems to be taken verbatim from an ancient source, the poetical expressions in 1 Chronicles 12:8, 1 Chronicles 12:14, being especially unlike the usual style of our author. return to 'Top of Page'”

“it had overflown: Heb. it had filled over, Jos 3:15, Jos 4:18; Jer 12:5, Jer 49:19 1 Chronicles 12:16”