8 From the Gadites there came over to David in the stronghold in the wilderness , mighty men of valor , men trained for war , who could handle shield and spear , and whose faces were like the faces of lions , and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains . 9 Ezer was the first , 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 e . 14 These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army ; he who was least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand . 15 These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing e all its banks and they put to flight all those in the valleys , both to the east and to the west . 16 Then some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David . 17 David went out to meet them, and said to them, "If you come peacefully to me to help me, my heart shall be united with you; but if to betray me to my adversaries , since there is no wrong in my hands , may the God of our fathers look on it and decide ." 18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai , who was the chief of the thirty , and he said, "We are yours, O David , And with you, O son of Jesse ! Peace , peace to you, And peace to him who helps you; Indeed , your God helps you!" Then David received them and made them captains of the band .

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.