Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Chronicles 12:8

8 And of the Gadite there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness , men of might, and men of war, fit for the battel, that could handle shield and buckler: whose faces were like the faces of lions , and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains .

From Saul to whom they had hitherto adhered; and from their Brethren of their own Tribe who yet maintained Sauls cause; and from their Families and the places where they lived, from whom they went to David.

Or, into the hold of the wilderness; i. e. Either to the Cave of Adullam or Engedi: or rather to Ziklag, as appears from v. 1. which was in the Wilderness of Iudah, which is here called the hold, or the fortress, which name is also given to the City of David, 1 Chron. 11. 7. the Hebrew word being the same both here and there.

Who were full of Courage, and by the Majesty and Fierceness of their Countenances terrified their Adversaries.

As their very Looks daunted their Enemies and put them to flight, so they could easily pursue and overtake and destroy them in their Flight.

Marginal references: Heb. of the host.; Heb. as the roes upon the mountains to make hast.