1 Crônicas 12:17

And David went out to meet them. — From his fastness or hiding-place in the hill or wood. Literally, before them, i.e., confronted them. (Comp, same phrase, 1 Crônicas 14:8.)

And answered and said unto them. — The familiar New Testament phrase, καὶ ὰποκριθϵὶς ϵἰπϵν αύτοῖς. David’s speech and the answer of Amasai have all the marks of a genuine survival of antiquity. “If for peace ye have come unto me to help me.” For peace, i.e., with friendly intent. (Comp. Salmos 120:7.)

To help me. — Comp, 1 Crônicas 12:1, where David’s comrades are called “helpers of the war,” ξύμμαχοι.

Mine heart shall be knit unto you. — Lite- rally, I shall have (fiet mihi) towards you a heart for union, or at unity: that is, a heart at one with and true to you. (Comp, “one heart,” 1 Crônicas 12:38, and Salmos 133:1, and terms like unanimis, δμόφρων.)

If ye be come to betray me. — Literally, and if to beguile me for my foes, that is, to betray me to them, as Authorised Version. The false part of Sextus Tarquinius at Gabii, or of Zopyrus at Babylon. (Comp. Salmos 120:2.)

Seeing there is no wrong in mine hands. — Although (there be) no violence in my palms. (Comp. Jó 16:17; Salmos 7:4; Isaías 53:9.)

The God of our fathers... behold and punish. — The verbs are jussive or optative. (Comp. 2 Crônicas 24:22.). The psalms of David breathe a confidence that Jehovah is a righteous judge, who never fails to vindicate innocence, and punish highhanded violence and treacherous cunning. (Comp. Salmos 9:12; Salmos 10:14; Salmos 18:20.)