2. They were archers who could use either the right or the left hand, both in slinging stones and in shooting arrows with the bow. They were some of Saul’s kinsmen, from Benjamin.
3. Ahiezer was their chief, along with Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu, from Anathoth;
4. Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a warrior among the Thirty, and over the Thirty;
5. Jeremiah; Jahaziel; Johanan; Jozabad from Gederah;
6. Eluzai; Jerimoth; Bealiah; Shemariah; Shephatiah the Haruphite;
7. Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;
8. Joelah and Zebadiah, sons of Jeroham, from Gedor.
9. Some of the Gadites also went over to David when he was at the stronghold in the wilderness. They were valiant warriors, experienced soldiers equipped with shield and spear, fearsome as lions, swift as gazelles on the mountains.
10. Ezer was their chief, Obadiah was second, Eliab third,
11. Mishmannah fourth, Jeremiah fifth,
12. Attai sixth, Eliel seventh,
13. Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth,
14. Jeremiah tenth, and Machbannai eleventh.
15. These Gadites were army commanders, the lesser over hundreds and the greater over thousands.
16. It was they who crossed over the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing both its banks, and chased away all who were in the valleys to the east and to the west.
17. Some Benjaminites and Judahites also came to David at the stronghold.
18. David went out to meet them and addressed them in these words: “If you come peacefully, to help me, I am of a mind to have you join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies though my hands have done no wrong, may the God of our ancestors see and punish you.”
19. Then a spirit clothed Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he answered David:“We are yours, O David,we are with you, son of Jesse.Peace, peace to you,and peace to him who helps you;may your God be your helper!”So David received them and placed them among the leaders of his troops.
20. Men from Manasseh also deserted to David when he came with the Philistines to battle against Saul. However, he did not help the Philistines, for their lords took counsel and sent him home, saying, “At the cost of our heads he will desert to his master Saul.”
21. As he was returning to Ziklag, therefore, these deserted to him from Manasseh: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands of Manasseh.