This section refers to David’s earlier period of persecution by Saul. The stronghold
in 1 Chronicles 12:8 could be either Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1) or Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29; 1 Samuel 24:1), though David used a number of similar places (1 Samuel 23:14).
While David was living in these precarious hideouts, he had gathered a motley group of four hundred men from among those who were in distress or in debt or discontented
(1 Samuel 22:2). This group does not look very promising! At this time, military men from the tribe of Gad came to David in the wilderness.1
The inclusion of the Gadites is striking because they are from southern Gilead, much further north than the other tribes mentioned. Also, Gad does not receive much coverage at all in Chronicles; apart from the lists of 1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44, the name Gad
is found in Chronicles three times in this chapter, and in 1 Chronicles 26:32.2 These Gadites defected early on in David’s flight from Saul and before Ziklag, when he was in the stronghold
at Adullam or, more likely, Engedi, as this was the nearest spot to the Transjordan (1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:29; 1 Samuel 24:1). These eleven men are described as mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear,
which complements previously mentioned experts in long-range warfare by their fearless bravery in hand-to-hand combat with shield and spear (1 Chronicles 12:8). Their intimidating looks are compared with lions (1 Samuel 1:23), and their speed and agility with gazelles (Song of Solomon 2:8–9). In using such colourful language regarding their military might, the Chronicler may indeed have had in mind the blessings and prophecies of Jacob and Moses concerning Gad (Genesis 49:19; Deuteronomy 33:20).3
Two further items are mentioned to reveal their exceptional qualities.
First, no enemies could match these Gadites. The text of 1 Chronicles 12:14, The least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand,
is cryptic and has been translated in different ways. It is best translated as, The least of them could oppose a hundred and the greatest could withstand a thousand,
which is in line with biblical revelation elsewhere (Leviticus 26:8; Deuteronomy 33:20). Obviously, the writer is using hyperbole or overstatement to emphasize these warriors’ expertise. On various occasions the Chronicler draws attention to Israel’s former military might by using large numbers. On two occasions, he uses the vehicle of hyperbole to portray the grandeur of Solomon’s kingdom (2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:23; Isaiah 30:17).4
In the second place, the exceptional strength and determination of these Gadite warriors are seen in their crossing the Jordan when the river was in full flood and putting to flight all those living in the valleys (1 Chronicles 12:15). The Jordan overflowed its banks during the first month Israel’s religious calendar, the start of spring (March–April), when the snow melted in the mountains (Joshua 3:15).
The Chronicler heaps praises on the Gadites to make it clear to his readers that the very best of this tribe joined David at the stronghold. By doing so, the Chronicler idealized David’s supporters and encouraged his own readers to stand firm and bravely in their support of the continuing Davidic line.5
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: