(19-22) The seven Manassite chieftains who went over to David on the eve of Saul's last battle.

(19) There fell.--The regular term for desertion of one cause for another (2Kings 25:11).

When he came with the Philistines.--(Comp. 1Samuel 29:2-11.) This verse is a summary of the narrative of 1Samuel 29:2 to 1Samuel 30:1.

They helped them not.--David and his men helped not the Philistines. Perhaps the right reading is he helped them ('azar?m), not they helped them ('azar-m).

Upon advisement.--After deliberation (Proverbs 20:18).

To the jeopardy of our heads.--At the price of our heads (1Chronicles 11:19). By betraying us he will make his peace with his old master.

Verse 19. - And there fell... of Manasseh to David. Of this use of נָפַל עלאּ there are many other examples (2 Chronicles 15:9; Jeremiah 37:14; Jeremiah 39:9). The phrase does not correspond with our own idiom of "falling to" one's lot, but with that of" falling away" from the service or love of one to another, i.e. deserting. The occasion here spoken of is described in full in 1 Samuel 29:2-11.

12:1-22 Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David's friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be throughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us.And there fell some of Manasseh to David,.... Of the tribe of Manasseh; they took his part, and on his side, and joined him:

when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle; which was a strong proof of their cordial attachment to him:

but they helped them not: the Philistines; neither David nor his men, nor the Manassites that joined them:

for the lords of the Philistines, upon advisement; counsel taken among themselves: sent him away; that is, David and his men:

saying, he will fall to his master Saul, to the jeopardy of our heads; meaning, that he would go off with his troops to Saul, and betray them into his hands, and with their heads make his peace with him, see 1 Samuel 29:4.