Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Chronicles 12:1

"Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, his helpers in war." — 1 Chronicles 12:1 (ASV)

This chapter is composed entirely of material that is new to us, as no corresponding accounts appear in Samuel. It contains four lists:

1. A list of men, primarily Benjamites, who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:1–7).
2. A list of Gadites who joined him when he was in a stronghold near the desert (1 Chronicles 12:8–15).
3. A list of Manassites who came to him after he was dismissed by the Philistines due to their suspicion (1 Chronicles 12:19–22).
4. A list of the numbers from the different tribes who gathered to make him king at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:23–40).