John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David, into the hold to the wilderness , etc.] Men of the tribe of Gad, who lived on the other side Jordan; these separated themselves from the rest of their tribe, from their families and dwellings, and from the government of Saul, and came over to David, and joined him either when he was in some strong hold in the wilderness of Ziph, or Maon, ( 1 Samuel 23:14,24,25), or, as some think, when he was at Ziklag, in the hold there, said to be in the wilderness of Judah: men of might, and men of war, fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler ; warlike, valiant, and courageous men, well skilled in military discipline: whose faces were like the face of lions; bold, stern, and fierce.
The philosopher observes f77 , that of all creatures the lion most resembles a man, having a great mouth, a square face and forehead, large eye brows, etc. and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains ; which are remarkable for their swiftness on the mountains, (see Song of Solomon 2:17 8:14).
Aelianus speaks of one sort of them that run as swift as a tempest. These Gadites, as with their undaunted looks and courage, intimidated their enemies, and put them to flight, so they were swift to pursue them, and overtake them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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 pat of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, wil 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 ar under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lo among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith an love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, an advance us.
Original Hebrew ומן4480 הגדי1425 נבדלו914 אל413 דויד1732 למצד4679 מדברה4057 גברי1368 החיל2428 אנשׁי582 צבא6635 למלחמה4421 ערכי6186 צנה6793 ורמח7420 ופני6440 אריה738 פניהם6440 וכצבאים6643 על5921 ההרים2022 למהר׃4116
