The Gadites
- May 10
- 3 min read
Updated: May 11
May 9, 2026
Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:
It's always a thrill to read about David's mighty men. It reminds me that Christians are warriors and not just turn-the-other-cheek do-gooders. We are all familiar with the scriptures stating what our character should be and there are many, but the fruit of spirit covers well what should be evident in our lives.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
In this day and age, we are at WAR with principalities and powers like never before! Satan’s time is short and he's coming against God's church with everything he's got. We need to belike the Gadites. They were Jacob’s descendants from the tribe of Gad. I love the description of them in our main passage. Let's break it down:
Mighty men of valor - strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness. Their valor was powerful. Not just a little valor, but exceptional!
Trained for battle - Trained, to aim at an object or objective, they knew who their enemy was, and set out to get them. Trained, to form by instruction, discipline, or drill, to become proficient.
Who could handle shield and spear - Shield of faith, which fights off the "fiery darts" or doubts and fears from the enemy. Sword (spear) of the Spirit, the Word of God, used for defense and guidance.
Whose faces were like the faces of lions - The relationship with Judah was so strong that it affected their physical appearance.
Were as swift as gazelles on the mountains - Gazelles can outrun almost any predator on earth, but on mountains their speed and agility is unmatched. Put this link in your browser to see a short video. It will help you appreciate the Gadites a little more. :) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PnaJ1gbvFnM
How blessed King David was to have these men joining him in the battle! There are other mighty men singles out in Chronicles, i.e. Jashobeam the son of a Hachmonite, chief of [f]the captains; he had lifted up his spear against three hundred, killed by him at one time.
Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who [k]had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. 23 And he killed an Egyptian, a man of great height, [l]five cubits tall. In the Egyptian’s hand there was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. And there are many others.
When some of the sons of Judah and Benjamin came out to meet David at the stronghold he asked them if they had come peacefully.
Then the Spirit [e]came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said:
“We are yours, O David;
We are on your side, O son of Jesse!"
Is your heart knit to the heart of King Jesus? Do you have the skills needed for these last days? It doesn't matter your gender, or your age God has a specific plan for you for such a time as this! - LG
Comments