Friend or Foe?

Reflections on 1 Chron. 12:8-18

David had become the leader of men in distress and debt. At first, they hid in the cave of Adullam, but then sought refuge in Moab. When they returned to Judah, they hid in the forest of Hereth. For the most part, David’s men seem to have been motivated more by fear than bravery. About this time, a number of soldiers from the tribes of Gad, Benjamin, and Judah joined David’s small band.

SKILLED. The Gadites who went over to David were not only swift, brave, and experienced warriors capable of using shield and spear, but they were also officers. Their courage was demonstrated when they crossed the Jordan River during flood stage in the spring of the year. Their prowess was shown in putting those who lived in the valleys on either side of the river to flight. LOYAL. When some men from Benjamin and Judah came to David, he wished to verify that they had not come to betray him. They affirmed that they were loyal friends, and that their loyalty was grounded in their conviction that God was with David. They understood that military strength without God’s favor was useless.

COMMISSIONED. David immediately put the soldiers who came to him to work. He made them officers in his little band of men. Their leadership helped David transform this band of debtors into an efficient military force. Amasai (v. 18) apparently served as commanding officer over the thirty for a while, though his name does not appear in any of the lists.

David did not merely want men who were skilled warriors and officers, but he wanted such men who were loyal and devoted to the Lord. He knew that swords and spears did not win battles. There would be times when weapons would be lacking and soldiers outnumbered, but victory would still be possible through the Lord, for the battle belongs to him (1 Sam. 17:47). He needed men who would remain brave and loyal at times when those without faith would falter.