(22) 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 Comp. 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 (mahan?h 'Elohim): and the name of that place was called Mahanaim (i.e., two camps). Mahanaim was a place i?? Manasseh (Joshua 13:30). Ancient Hebrew denotes excellence by reference to the Divine standard, which is the true ideal of all excellence. Comp. Psalm 36:6 : "Thy righteousness is like the hills of God"; and so elsewhere we find the expression, "cedars of God" (Psalm 80:11). The verse appears to include the considerable accessions to David's forces which followed upon the defeat and death of Saul.

Verse 22. - The host of God. A forcible comment on the metaphorical use of this phrase is found in 1 Samuel 14:15; Authorized Version, "a very great trembling" is the translation of Hebrew "trembling of God." The for with which this verse commences probably explains the call there was for many and able "captains" for a host becoming daily larger.

12:1-22 Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David's friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be throughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us.For at that time, day by day, there came to David to help him,.... Particularly after the defeat of Saul by the Philistines, unto the time that David came to Hebron:

until it was a great host, like the host of God; the heavenly host, the angels; so the Targum.