Not only are we given the record of those who early joined themselves to David in the cave of Adullam when he was forced to withdraw from the scene in which Saul ruled, but the grace of God delights in telling of others who later forsook present advantage, and doubtless suffered personal loss for David's sake while he was the rejected, despised, even hated, man, though the victor over Israel's mightiest enemy. (1 Samuel 17).
This chapter then completes the account of those who loved David, and valued association with him above all that the world could give, at a time when there was every reason, perhaps, short of personal devotion to the one chosen of God to rule His people, for them to remain under the protection of, and in attachment to, the present order of things.
The brethren of Saul, those whom we should not have expected at all to see joined to David, since the ties of nature are strong in us all, are included first in this chapter. Not as early as the cave of Adullam, but quite later in David's time of rejection, did they come to him; but that they came at all, must have deeply touched his heart. They became his helpers, among the mighty men that were with him.
Gadites, too, came to David, before Ziklag had become the place of his dwelling, but after Adullam; they also were strong in his service; with David to live for, they put to flight many of his enemies.
Some of the children of Benjamin and Judah came to David about the time of the Gadites, and were given places in his company, and some of Manasseh joined him at the very end,—long in coming, but included nevertheless among the honored ones, privileged to share the path of rejection that was David's, though it were only briefly, and just before his exaltation (verses 19-21). At that time the eyes of many were opened to see that in David was him whom their heart desired; the then prevailing order of things was soon to end. So a great host, " like the host of God," came to David to help him.
This late gathering to David speaks deeply to the Christian heart; it reminds the child of God that the present hour is the closing period of the earthly history of the companions of the rejection of Christ, sets before him the reminder that he, though long in coming to Him, it may be, and certainly long centuries after his Lord was rejected and put to death, was made as welcome, as any poor sinner who received the Saviour and trusted Him, tells him that now is the time for true hearted devotion to Christ.
But this incident of verses 20-22 is also a message to those who have never "joined themselves" to the rejected Saviour.
If this little paper should be read by one, young or old, who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour, let him know now that it is still open to him to come to Him; that "whosoever" (John 3:16,16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)) means you; and that now is the accepted time; now the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)).
From all the tribes of Israel there came large numbers to David when his day of exaltation was come; willingly now they came, and willingly too, will Israel's sons in a coming day receive their Messiah and kindred of Saul long bound by nature's ties, and by personal service to the enemy king, are among those now to welcome the rightful ruler. All came "with a perfect heart" to David, and there was great rejoicing, great joy in Israel; and well there might be, for a day of blessing was dawning.