1 Chronicles 12:8-15

Gadite Adherents of David

8. And of the Gadites The Gadites had the name of marauders (Genesis 49:19), and David's mode of life would attract them. Chronologically 1 Chronicles 12:8 should precede 1 Chronicles 12:1; David was first "in the hold" and afterwards in Ziklag.

separated themselves i.e. left their brethren E. of Jordan and came W. to join David.

into the hold to the wilderness R.V. to the hold in the wilderness. It is uncertain whether this holdbe or be not the cave of Adullam. See 1 Chronicles 11:15-16, notes.

men of might, and men of war fit for the battle R.V. mighty men of valour, men trained for war.

that could handle Lit "ordering."

shield and buckler R.V. shield and spear. A.V. follows a mistake of several early editions of the printed Heb. text. There is hardly any MS. authority for buckler. The reference is to the manner of fighting in David's day. At the threat of an attack an army was drawn up in close array, shield touching shield and spears at the charge. Only in a high state of discipline could men quickly and effectively handle shield and spear thus (1Sa 17:2; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Samuel 17:21). See Smith, Bib. Dict., Exodus 2, pp. 875, 6 for illustrations.

andwere as swift R.V. and they were as swift.

as the roes In David's lament (2 Samuel 1) Jonathan is compared to a lion (1 Chronicles 12:23) and to a gazelle(1 Chronicles 12:19 marg., the same Heb. word as for roehere).