Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 12:18

"Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, [and he said], Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band." — 1 Chronicles 12:18 (ASV)

Then the spirit came upon Amasai. —Literally, and spirit clothed Amasai. The term for “God” (Elohim) has probably fallen out of the Hebrew text (compare to 2 Chronicles 24:20 and Judges 6:34).

We, in these days, might word it differently and say that under a sudden impulse of enthusiasm, Amasai exclaimed, etc. But if we look deeper and seek a definite interpretation of our terms, we will acknowledge that the impulses of the spirit are spiritual, and that enthusiasm for truth and right is indeed a sort of divine possession.

The Syriac renders it: “The spirit of valour clothed Amasai” . The spirit of Jehovah is the source of true courage, as of all other spiritual gifts.

Amasai. —Perhaps the same as Amasa (1 Chronicles 2:17), son of Abigail, David’s sister, whom Joab murdered out of jealousy (2 Samuel 17:25; 2 Samuel 20:4–10).

Chief of the captains. —The Hebrew text reads, “head of the Thirty,” with which the Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate agree. The Hebrew margin (Qere) has “knights,” or “chariot-soldiers” (Authorised Version, “captains”), which is less probable. Amasai’s name is not given in the catalogue of the Thirty (1 Chronicles 11:0), and he is here called “chief of the Thirty” by anticipation.

Yours are we, David. —The structure of Amasai’s inspired utterance is poetical:

“To you, David!
And with you, son of Ishai!
Peace, peace to you.
And peace to your helper;
For your God has helped you!”

On your side. —Hebrew, with you. (Compare to 1 Chronicles 11:10; and our Saviour’s “He that is not with me is against me.”)

Peace, peace be to you. —David had said, “If you come for peace”—that is, with friendly intent. Amasai answers, We will be fast friends with you, and with all who befriend you, because God is on your side. (Compare the usual Oriental greeting, Salãm ‘alaikum—Peace to you!) David’s past history gave ample evidence of Divine support.

Then David received them. —A late Hebrew word (qibbçl). The chronicler resumes his narrative.

Made them captains of the band. —Literally, and bestowed them among the heads of the band—made them officers of his little army, which was continually growing by such additions (compare to 1 Samuel 22:2 and 1 Samuel 23:13).