The united kingdomWarriorLeaderProphetic spokespersonc. 1050–1000 BC
When David was staying in Ziklag during his persecution by King Saul, a group of warriors from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah came to join him. Their leader Amasai was filled with God's Spirit and spoke prophetic words of loyalty: "We are yours, David! We stand with you, son of Jesse! Peace, peace be upon you, and peace be upon your helpers! For your God helps you." These inspiring words convinced David that they came in good faith, and he gave them leadership positions among his warriors. This episode highlights the divine guidance behind the support for David and marks Amasai as an instrument of the Spirit's voice during a politically and spiritually decisive transition period in Israel's history.
Key events
Warriors from Benjamin and Judah come to David
A group of warriors from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah came to David while he was staying in Ziklag. David went out to meet them and challenged them to declare whether they had come in peace or as enemies.
16These were the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and they drove off everyone living in the valleys, both east and west.
The Spirit comes upon Amasai, and he declares loyalty
The Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the group, and he proclaimed loyalty to David with inspired words: "We are yours, David! We stand with you, son of Jesse! Peace, peace be with you, and peace with your helpers! For your God helps you." David then received them and appointed them as leaders among his warriors.
18David went out to meet them and said to them, "If you have come to me in peace, to help me, my heart will be joined to yours. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies, though there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers see it and judge."
19Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said: "We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to those who help you, for your God helps you." So David received them and made them officers over his troops.