Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 19:17

17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him , and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul , and his fifteen sons, and his twenty servants with him, and they went over Jordan before the king ,

Whom he brought, partly to shew his power and interest in the people, whereby he was able to do David either great service, or great disservice: and partly, as intercessors on his behalf, and as witnesses of David's clemency or severity, that in him they might see what the rest of them might expect.

Who, being conscious of his former abuse of David, and of his Master Mephibosheth, which he knew the King would understand, designed to sweeten David's Spirit towards him, by his great officiousness and forwardness in meeting him, and congratulating his return.

They did not tarry on this side Iordan waiting till the King came over, as the most of the men of Iudah did; but went over Iordan to pay their respects and duty to the King there, to express their eager and impatient desire to see the King.

Marginal references: Chap. 16. 1.