8 And of the Gadite there have been separated unto David, to the fortress, to the wilderness, mighty of valour, men of the host for battle, setting in array target and buckler, and their faces the face of the lion, and as roes on the mountains for speed: 9 Ezer the head, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbannai the eleventh. 14 These 'are' of the sons of Gad, heads of the host, one of a hundred 'is' the least, and the greatest, of a thousand; 15 these 'are' they who have passed over the Jordan in the first month,—and it is full over all its banks—and cause all 'they of' the valley to flee to the east and to the west. 16 And there come of the sons of Benjamin and Judah unto the stronghold to David, 17 and David goeth out before them, and answereth and saith to them, 'If for peace ye have come in unto me, to help me, I have a heart to unite with you; and if to betray me to mine adversaries—without violence in my hands—the God of our fathers doth see and reprove.' 18 And the Spirit hath clothed Amasai, head of the captains: 'To thee, O David, and with thee, O son of Jesse—peace! peace to thee, and peace to thy helper, for thy God hath helped thee;' and David receiveth them, and putteth them among the heads of the troop.
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.