Charles Ellicott 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)

To Ziklag. — A place within the territory of Judah allotted to Simeon (Joshua 19:5; 1 Chronicles 4:30). The Philistines seized it, and Achish of Gath gave it to David, whose headquarters it remained sixteen months, until the death of Saul.

While he yet kept himself close. — The Hebrew is concise and obscure, but the Authorised Version renders it accurately. David was still shut up in his stronghold, or restrained within bounds, that is, out of fear of King Saul. Or perhaps the meaning is “banished from the presence of Saul.”

Helpers of the war. — The helpers in war, allies, or companions in arms of David. They made raids against Geshur, Gezer, and Amalek (1 Samuel 27:8; compare also to 1 Chronicles 12:17; 1 Chronicles 12:21 below).