1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai. — Literally, and spirit clothed Amasai. The term for “God” (Elohim) has probably fallen out of the Heb. ext. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 24:20, and Judges 6:34.) We, in these days, may word it differently, and say, Under a sudden impulse of enthusiasm, Amasai exclaimed, &c. But if we look deeper, and seek a definite interpretation of our terms, we shall allow that the impulses of spirit are spiritual, and that enthusiasm for truth and right is indeed a sort of divine possession. The Syriac renders: “The spirit of valour clothed Amasai.” Comp. Isaiah 11:2.) 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).

Chief of the captains. — The Heb. text reads, “head of the Thirty,” with which the LXX., Svr., and Vulg. agree. The Heb. margin (Qri) 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), and he is here called “chief of the Thirty” by anticipation.

Thine are we, David. — The structure of Amasaľs inspired utterance is poetical —

“To thee, David!
And with thee, son of Ishai!
Peace, peace to thee.
And peace to thine helper;
For thy God hath holpen thee!

On thy side. — Heb., with thee. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 11:10; and our Saviour’s “He that is not with me is against me.”)

Peace, peace be unto thee. — David had said, “If ye be come for peace” — that is, with friendly intent. Amasai answers, We will be fast friends with thee, and with all who befriend thee, because God is on thy side. (Comp, 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 Heb. 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 adhesions, (Comp. 1 Samuel 22:2, and 1 Samuel 23:13.)