8 There were some Gadites there who had defected to David at his wilderness fortress; they were seasoned and eager fighters who knew how to handle shield and spear. They were wild in appearance, like lions, but as agile as gazelles racing across the hills. 9 Ezer was the first, then Obadiah, Eliab, 10 Mishmannah, Jeremiah, 11 Attai, Eliel, 12 Johanan, Elzabad, 13 Jeremiah, and Macbannai - eleven of them. 14 These Gadites were the cream of the crop - any one of them was worth a hundred lesser men, and the best of them were worth a thousand. 15 They were the ones who crossed the Jordan when it was at flood stage in the first month, and put everyone in the lowlands to flight, both east and west. 16 There were also men from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah who joined David in his wilderness fortress. 17 When David went out to meet them, this is what he said: "If you have come in peace and to help me, you are most welcome to join this company; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies, innocent as I am, the God of our ancestors will see through you and bring judgment on you." 18 Just then Amasai chief of the Thirty, moved by God's Spirit, said, We're on your side, O David, We're committed, O son of Jesse; All is well, yes, all is well with you, And all's well with whoever helps you. Yes, for your God has helped and does help you. So David took them on and assigned them a place under the chiefs of the raiders.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:8-18
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:1-22
(Read 1 Chronicles 12:1-22)
Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David's friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be throughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us.