1 Chronicles 12:19 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

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

They helped them not. — David and his men helped not the Philistines. Perhaps the right reading is he helped them (‘azarâm), not they helped them (‘azarûm).

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

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

1 Chronicles 12:19

19 And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.