Matthew Henry on 1 Chronicles 12:1-22
We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul (Ch1 12:1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own way and time s…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:22
the host of God--that is, a great and powerful army.
Adam Clarke on 1 Chronicles 12:22
Like the host of God - "That is, a very numerous army; like the army of the angel of God." - T.
John Gill on 1 Chronicles 12:22
For at that time, day by day, there came to David to help him,.... Particularly after the defeat of Saul by the Philistines, unto the time that David came to Hebron:
until it was a great host, like the host of God; the heavenly host, the angels; so the Targum.
Keil & Delitzsch on 1 Chronicles 12:22
And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking,.... Keeping a festival, to testify their joy on this occasion:
for their brethren had prepared for them; not the inhabitants of Hebron only, but all the country round about, brought in provisions on this joyful occasion; otherwise the men of Hebron would not have been able to have provided what was sufficient for such a vast number, as appears by what follows.
