Machbanai

Machbanai (meaning clad with a mantle or bond of the Lord) was one of the Gadite warriors who crossed the Jordan during flood season and joined David at Ziklag when he was a fugitive from Saul (1 Chronicles 12:13). He is listed eleventh among the Gadite captains who came to David — mighty men described as having faces like lions and being as swift as roes upon the mountains. These men from Gad were experienced fighters whose defection to David before his kingship demonstrates the broad military support he was gathering outside of Saul's court.

Beyond his listing in this roster, Machbanai receives no individual narrative in Scripture. He represents the rank of capable military leaders whose loyalty to David during his exile helped establish the fighting force that would later secure his kingdom.