Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 12:22

"For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great host, like the host of God." — 1 Chronicles 12:22 (ASV)

For at that time day by day ... —Literally, For at the time of each day (i.e., every day) men used to come to David to help him, amounting to a mighty camp, like a camp of God. The verse explains why David required so many captains as have been enumerated, and why the term “army” was used of his troop in the last verse.

A great host, like the host of God. —Literally, camp. The phrase has an antique colouring. Compare Genesis 32:1-2: And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s camp (mahaneh ‘Elôhîm’): and the name of that place was called Mahanaim (i.e., two camps). Mahanaim was a place in Manasseh (Joshua 13:30).

Ancient Hebrew denotes excellence by reference to the Divine standard, which is the true ideal of all excellence. Compare Psalms 36:6: Thy righteousness is like the hills of God. And so elsewhere we find the expression, cedars of God (Psalms 80:11).

The verse appears to include the considerable additions to David’s forces which followed the defeat and death of Saul.