8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.

Other Translations of 1 Chronicles 12:8

King James Version

8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war of war: Heb. of the host fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

English Standard Version

8 From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains:

The Message

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.

New King James Version

8 Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:

New Living Translation

8 Some brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad also defected to David while he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were expert with both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:8

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.

24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear-6,800 armed for battle;

Other Translations of 1 Chronicles 12:24

King James Version

24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed armed: or, prepared to the war.

English Standard Version

24 The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops.

The Message

24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear, 6,800 battle-ready;

New King James Version

24 of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred armed for war;

New Living Translation

24 From the tribe of Judah, there were 6,800 warriors armed with shields and spears.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:24

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

(Read 1 Chronicles 12:23-40)

When the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul; and provision is made, not as here, for a few days, but for the whole life, and for eternity. Happy are those who wisely perceive it to be their duty and interest, to submit to the Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of David; who renounce for his sake all that is not consistent; whose earnest endeavours to do good are directed by the wisdom that God giveth, through acquaintance with his word, experience, and observation. If any man lack this wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

34 from Naphtali-1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears;

Other Translations of 1 Chronicles 12:34

King James Version

34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.

English Standard Version

34 Of Naphtali 1,000 commanders with whom were 37,000 men armed with shield and spear.

The Message

34 from Naphtali, 1,000 chiefs leading 37,000 men heavily armed;

New King James Version

34 of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear;

New Living Translation

34 From the tribe of Naphtali, there were 1,000 officers and 37,000 warriors armed with shields and spears.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:34

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

(Read 1 Chronicles 12:23-40)

When the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great joy in that soul; and provision is made, not as here, for a few days, but for the whole life, and for eternity. Happy are those who wisely perceive it to be their duty and interest, to submit to the Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of David; who renounce for his sake all that is not consistent; whose earnest endeavours to do good are directed by the wisdom that God giveth, through acquaintance with his word, experience, and observation. If any man lack this wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.