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 12:8
of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David--that is, from the service of Saul and from the rest of the Gadites who remained steadfast adherents of his cause.
into the hold--or fortress, that is, of Ziklag, which was in the wilderness of Judah.
whose faces were like the faces of lions, &c.--A fierce, lion-like countenance (Sa2 1:23), and great agility in pursuit (Sa2 2:18), were qualities of the highest estimation in ancient warfare.
Adam Clarke on 1 Chronicles 12:8
And were as swift as the roes - That swiftness was considered to be a grand accomplishment in a warrior, appears from all ancient writings which treat of military affairs.
John Gill on 1 Chronicles 12:9
Ezer the first,.... This, and those that follow, are the names of the Gadites given, according to their age, or merit, or order in coming to David: Obadiah, Eliab, Mishmannah, Jeremiah, Attai, Eliel, Johanan, Elzabad, Jeremiah, Machbanai; in all eleven.
Keil & Delitzsch on 1 Chronicles 12:9-13
And there came of the men of Benjamin, and of Judah,.... Besides those before mentioned, Ch1 12:2,
to the hold unto David; the same as in Ch1 12:8.
