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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Chronicles 12:8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/12-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/13_1Ch_12_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 12:8 - The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_chronicles/12-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_chronicles/12-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/">1 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-7.htm" title="1 Chronicles 12:7">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 12:8 <a href="/1_chronicles/12-9.htm" title="1 Chronicles 12:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/12.htm">New International Version</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains. <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Some brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad also defected to David while he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were expert with both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains. <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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: <a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains; <a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: <a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> From the Gadites valiant mighty men went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness, men trained for war who could handle a large shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains. <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And 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. <a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> From the Gadites, mighty men of valor separated themselves to David in the stronghold in the wilderness, men of war who had gone out for military duty, who could handle large shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains. <a href="/amp/1_chronicles/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Courageous men from the Gadites came over to David in the stronghold in the wilderness, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were swift as gazelles on the mountains. <a href="/csb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were valiant warriors, trained for battle, expert with shield and spear. Their faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. <a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were fighting men, trained for battle, expert with shield and spear. Their faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. <a href="/asv/1_chronicles/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David to the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains; <a href="/cev/1_chronicles/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Men from the tribe of Gad also joined David at his fortress in the desert and served as his warriors. They were also brave soldiers--fierce as lions and quick as gazelles. They were always prepared to fight with shields and spears. <a href="/erv/1_chronicles/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David to the hold in the wilderness, mighty men of valour, men trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains; <a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Some men left Gad to join David at the fortified camp in the desert. They were warriors, trained soldiers, able to fight with shields and spears. They looked like lions and were as fast as gazelles on the hills. <a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> These are the names of the famous, experienced soldiers from the tribe of Gad who joined David's troops when he was at the desert fort. They were experts with shields and spears, as fierce looking as lions and as quick as mountain deer. <a href="/isv/1_chronicles/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Mighty and experienced warriors from the descendants of Gad joined David at his wilderness stronghold. They were expert handlers of both shield and spear, with hardened looks and as agile as a gazelle on a mountain slope. <a href="/net/1_chronicles/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Some of the Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the desert. They were warriors who were trained for battle; they carried shields and spears. They were as fierce as lions and could run as quickly as gazelles across the hills. <a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Of the Gadites there separated themselves to David to the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the roes on the mountains; <a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves to David in the hold in the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: <a href="/web/1_chronicles/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Some Gadites joined David in the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And of the Gadite there have been separated to David, to the fortress, to the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men of the host for battle, setting in array buckler and spear, and their faces [are as] the face of the lion, and as roes on the mountains for speed: <a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And of the Gadite there have been separated unto David, to the fortress, to the wilderness, mighty of valour, men of the host for battle, setting in array target and buckler, and their faces the face of the lion, and as roes on the mountains for speed: <a href="/slt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And of the Gadites they separated to David to the castle from the desert strong ones of power, men of the army for war, setting in array the shield and spear, and the face of a lion their faces, and as roes upon the mountain to make haste;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> From Gaddi also there went over to David, when he lay hid in the wilderness most valiant men, and excellent warriors, holding shield and spear: whose faces were like the faces of a lion, and they were swift like the roebucks on the mountains. <a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then too, from Gad, there went over to David, when he was hiding in the desert, very robust men, who were excellent fighters, taking hold of shield and spear; their faces were like the faces of a lion, and they were swift like the roe deer upon the mountains. <a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Some of the Gadites also went over to David when he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were valiant warriors, experienced soldiers equipped with shield and spear, fearsome as lions, swift as gazelles on the mountains. <a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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 on the mountains:<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And those of the tribe of the Gadites separated themselves to David to go out with him to the stronghold in the wilderness; mighty men and men of stature and fit for battle, who could handle sword and shield, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were swift for war upon the mountains: <a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And men, mighty men of power and strong in stature, and valiant men from the tribe of the house of Gad, were gathered to David to go out with him for battle to Matsruth that is in the wilderness, wielders of swords and shields; their appearances were as the appearance of lions and whenever they fought on the Mountain of Herbs for him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David to the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valour, men trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains; <a href="/sep/1_chronicles/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And from Gad these separated themselves to David from the wilderness, strong mighty men of war, bearing shields and spears, and their faces were as the face of a lion, and they were nimble as roes upon the mountains in speed. <a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=3719" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/12.htm">The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag</a> …7and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor. 8<a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: ū·min- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">Some</a> <a href="/hebrew/1425.htm" title="1425: hag·gā·ḏî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Gad. Patronymically from Gad; a Gadite or descendants of Gad.">Gadites</a> <a href="/hebrew/914.htm" title="914: niḇ·də·lū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To be divided, separate. A primitive root; to divide.">defected</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wîḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/4679.htm" title="4679: lam·ṣaḏ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Fastness, a stronghold. Or mtsad; or mtsadah; from tsuwd; a fastness.">at his stronghold</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: miḏ·bā·rāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">in the desert.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: gib·bō·rê (Adj-mpc) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">They were mighty</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ha·ḥa·yil (Art:: N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">of valor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣā·ḇā (N-cs) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">trained</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: lam·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">for battle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6186.htm" title="6186: ‘ō·rə·ḵê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To set in a, row, arrange, put in order. A primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. Arrange, put in order.">experts</a> <a href="/hebrew/6793.htm" title="6793: ṣin·nāh (N-fs) -- A hook, a, shield, cold. Feminine of tsen; a hook; also a shield; also cold.">with the shield</a> <a href="/hebrew/7420.htm" title="7420: wā·rō·maḥ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A spear, lance. From an unused root meaning to hurl; a lance; especially the iron point.">and spear,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">whose faces were like</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ə·nê (Conj-w:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the faces</a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: ’ar·yêh (N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">of lions</a> <a href="/hebrew/4116.htm" title="4116: lə·ma·hêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To hasten. A primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. to hurry; often used adverbially, promptly.">and who were as swift</a> <a href="/hebrew/6643.htm" title="6643: wə·ḵiṣ·ḇā·yim (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-mp) -- Splendor, a gazelle. From tsabah in the sense of prominence; splendor; also a gazelle.">as gazelles</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: he·hā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">the mountains:</a> 9Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/7-1.htm">Judges 7:1-8</a> Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. / Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. ... <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8</a> He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">2 Samuel 23:8-39</a> These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ... <a href="/2_kings/2-23.htm">2 Kings 2:23-24</a> From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” / Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8</a> “He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king. <a href="/isaiah/11-6.htm">Isaiah 11:6-9</a> The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ... <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Isaiah 35:6</a> Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5</a> “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? <a href="/ezekiel/19-2.htm">Ezekiel 19:2-3</a> and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs. / She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a> John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Matthew 11:12</a> From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it. <a href="/mark/1-6.htm">Mark 1:6</a> John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/luke/1-80.htm">Luke 1:80</a> And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the time of his public appearance to Israel. <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Luke 3:2-6</a> during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And of the Gadites there separated themselves to David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes on the mountains;into the hold<a href="/1_chronicles/12-16.htm">1 Chronicles 12:16</a> And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.<a href="/1_chronicles/11-16.htm">1 Chronicles 11:16</a> And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.<a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14,29</a> And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand… of war [heb] of the host <a href="/2_chronicles/25-5.htm">2 Chronicles 25:5</a> Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.<a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Jeremiah 46:9</a> Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow.whose faces<a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">1 Chronicles 11:22</a> Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.<a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a> Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.<a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">2 Samuel 17:10</a> And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.<a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18</a> And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.<a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Proverbs 6:5</a> Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.<a href="/songs/8-14.htm">Song of Solomon 8:14</a> Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-18.htm">Buckler</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-39.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/7-40.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-26.htm">Gadites</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-40.htm">Handle</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-25.htm">Lions</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-4.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-23.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-23.htm">Roes</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-5.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-32.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-23.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-16.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-28.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-14.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-13.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-40.htm">Valor</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-26.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-78.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/12-19.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-15.htm">Buckler</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-14.htm">Gadites</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-5.htm">Handle</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-18.htm">Lions</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-21.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/2-2.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/job/39-1.htm">Roes</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-13.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-24.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-24.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-16.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-36.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-7.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-21.htm">Valor</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-21.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-21.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-29.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 12</div>1. <a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">The companies that came to David at Ziklag</a> 23. <a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">The armies that came to him at Hebron</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Gadites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Gad, the seventh son of Jacob. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, making them skilled in warfare due to frequent conflicts with neighboring nations. The defection to David signifies a pivotal moment of loyalty and support during his time of fleeing from King Saul. David's stronghold in the wilderness likely refers to the region of Ziph or the caves of Adullam, where he sought refuge. This act of defection highlights the growing recognition of David's anointed kingship, aligning with God's promise to establish his throne.They were mighty men of valor, The term "mighty men of valor" indicates not only physical strength and bravery but also a deep commitment to the cause they supported. These men were renowned for their courage and prowess in battle, qualities that were essential for the survival and success of David's forces. Their valor is reminiscent of the mighty men of old, such as those mentioned in <a href="/genesis/6-4.htm">Genesis 6:4</a>, and foreshadows the valor of David's own mighty men listed later in 1 Chronicles.trained for battle, The Gadites' training for battle suggests a disciplined and organized approach to warfare. This training would have included skills in various forms of combat, strategic planning, and possibly even leadership. Their readiness for battle reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual preparedness, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God.experts with the shield and spear, Expertise with the shield and spear indicates proficiency in both defense and offense. The shield was crucial for protection, while the spear was a primary weapon for attack. This dual capability made them formidable opponents. The imagery of the shield and spear can also be seen as a type of spiritual warfare, where faith (shield) and the Word of God (sword/spear) are essential for victory, as illustrated in <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Ephesians 6:16-17</a>.whose faces were like the faces of lions This simile emphasizes their fierce and intimidating presence. Lions are often symbols of strength, courage, and royalty in the Bible, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/28.htm">Proverbs 28:1</a> and <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a>, where Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The comparison to lions suggests not only their physical prowess but also their noble and kingly demeanor, aligning them with David's royal destiny.and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: The swiftness of gazelles highlights their agility and speed, crucial traits for mountain warfare and quick maneuvers. This agility allowed them to navigate difficult terrain effectively, making them valuable assets in David's military campaigns. The imagery of swiftness is also used in the Bible to describe the urgency and readiness required in following God's commands, as seen in <a href="/habakkuk/3-19.htm">Habakkuk 3:19</a>, where God enables the faithful to tread on high places.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gadites.htm">Gadites</a> A tribe of Israel, descendants of Gad, one of Jacob's sons. Known for their warrior skills and bravery. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, at this time a leader in the wilderness, gathering support against King Saul. 3. <a href="/topical/s/stronghold_in_the_wilderness.htm">Stronghold in the Wilderness</a> Likely referring to the area of Ziklag or the caves of Adullam, where David sought refuge while fleeing from Saul. 4. <a href="/topical/m/mighty_men_of_valor.htm">Mighty Men of Valor</a> A group of elite warriors who were known for their courage and skill in battle. 5. <a href="/topical/f/faces_like_lions_/_swift_as_gazelles.htm">Faces like Lions / Swift as Gazelles</a> Descriptive imagery highlighting the fierce and agile nature of these warriors.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_and_loyalty.htm">Courage and Loyalty</a> The Gadites' decision to join David demonstrates courage and loyalty. In our lives, we are called to be courageous in our faith and loyal to God's calling. <a href="/topical/p/preparedness_for_spiritual_battle.htm">Preparedness for Spiritual Battle</a> Just as the Gadites were trained for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6). <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a> David's gathering of mighty men shows God's hand in preparing him for leadership. Trust in God's timing and provision in your own leadership roles. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_unity.htm">The Power of Unity</a> The unity and strength of David's men illustrate the power of working together for a common purpose. Seek unity within your community and church.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_elite_gadite_warriors.htm">(1 Chronicles 12:8) Is there evidence outside the Bible supporting the existence of elite Gadite warriors skilled in tactics described here? </a> <a href="/q/could_warriors_cross_jordan_at_flood_and_win.htm">(1 Chronicles 12:14–15) How plausible is it that warriors crossed the Jordan River at flood stage and still overpowered enemy forces? </a> <a href="/q/jacob's_blessings_for_his_sons.htm">What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_tribe_of_gad_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Gad?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8-18) A. list of Gadites, and an account of a band of Judaeans and Benjammites who joined David in the stronghold (<a href="/1_chronicles/11-14.htm" title="And they set themselves in the middle of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.">1Chronicles 11:14</a>) towards the desert of Judah.(8) Separated themselves from the royalists of Gad, who clung to Saul.Into the hold to (towards) the wilderness.--Perhaps the cave of Adullam (<a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm" title="David therefore departed there, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.">1Samuel 22:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/22-4.htm" title="And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelled with him all the while that David was in the hold.">1Samuel 22:4</a>), or one of David's other haunts, the wooded Mount of Hachilah (<a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm" title="Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Does not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?">1Samuel 23:19</a>), or the crag of Maon, or the rocks of En-gedi (<a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm" title="Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David; why he came down into a rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.">1Samuel 23:25</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm" title="And David went up from there, and dwelled in strong holds at Engedi.">1Samuel 23:29</a>). "Caves and holds" are mentioned together as refuges (<a href="/judges/6-2.htm" title="And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.">Judges 6:2</a>). In the earlier period of his outlawry, David found refuge in the natural fastnesses of Judaea. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - As ver. 1 is introduced by the description of those who came together "to David to Ziklag" at a certain time, so it seems evident that this verse introduces the mention of certain others who befriended David at another time, by coming to him into the hold to the wilderness. These others were Gadites in part, and the hold none more likely than that of Adullam (ver. 16 of last chapter), although the word here employed (לַמְצַד) for "hold" is a different form of the word (מְצוּדָה) found both there and in the parallel (<a href="/2_samuel/23-14.htm">2 Samuel 23:14</a>). There is, however, nothing to negative the choice of other spots and occasions (<a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">1 Samuel 22:5</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14, 19, 24, 29</a>, Authorized Version; 1 Samuel 24:1, Authorized Version). This graphic description of the military and indeed native qualities of these Gadites, is in harmony with many other glimpses we get of them and their character (<a href="/1_chronicles/5-19.htm">1 Chronicles 5:19-22</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Some וּמִן־ (ū·min-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Gadites הַגָּדִ֡י (hag·gā·ḏî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1425.htm">Strong's 1425: </a> Gadites -- descendants of Gad defected נִבְדְּל֣וּ (niḇ·də·lū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_914.htm">Strong's 914: </a> To be divided, separate to David דָּוִיד֩ (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse at his stronghold לַמְצַ֨ד (lam·ṣaḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4679.htm">Strong's 4679: </a> Fastness, a stronghold in the desert. מִדְבָּ֜רָה (miḏ·bā·rāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech They were mighty warriors, גִּבֹּרֵ֣י (gib·bō·rê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> Powerful, warrior, tyrant trained for battle, לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war experts עֹרְכֵ֥י (‘ō·rə·ḵê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6186.htm">Strong's 6186: </a> To set in a, row, arrange, put in order with shield צִנָּ֖ה (ṣin·nāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6793.htm">Strong's 6793: </a> A hook, a, shield, cold and spear, וָרֹ֑מַח (wā·rō·maḥ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7420.htm">Strong's 7420: </a> A lance, the iron point whose faces [were like] פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם (pə·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the faces וּפְנֵ֤י (ū·p̄ə·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of lions אַרְיֵה֙ (’ar·yêh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_743.htm">Strong's 743: </a> Aridatha -- a son of Haman and who were as swift לְמַהֵֽר׃ (lə·ma·hêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4116.htm">Strong's 4116: </a> To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly as gazelles וְכִצְבָאיִ֥ם (wə·ḵiṣ·ḇā·yim) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6643.htm">Strong's 6643: </a> Splendor, a gazelle on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> the mountains: הֶהָרִ֖ים (he·hā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:8 Of the Gadites there separated themselves (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 12:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 12:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 12:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 12:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>