21. They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army.
22. Day after day more men joined David until he had a great army, like the army of God.
23. These are the numbers of armed warriors who joined David at Hebron. They were all eager to see David become king instead of Saul, just as the lord had promised.
24. From the tribe of Judah, there were 6,800 warriors armed with shields and spears.
25. From the tribe of Simeon, there were 7,100 brave warriors.
26. From the tribe of Levi, there were 4,600 warriors.
27. This included Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, who had 3,700 under his command.
28. This also included Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 members of his family who were all officers.
29. From the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s relatives, there were 3,000 warriors. Most of the men from Benjamin had remained loyal to Saul until this time.
30. From the tribe of Ephraim, there were 20,800 brave warriors, each highly respected in his own clan.