Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

The Character of Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:0 'One knows not,' says Dr. Blaikie, 'whether most to wonder at the faith of Jonathan or the sweetness of his nature. It is David, the poor outlaw, with hardly a man to stand by him, that appears to Jonathan the man of power, the man who can dispose of all lives and sway all destinies; while Jonathan, the King's son and confidential adviser, is somehow reduced to helplessness and unable even to save himself. But was there ever such a transaction entered... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

CHAPTER XXVII.DAVID AND JONATHAN.1 Samuel 20:1-42.WE have no means of determining how long time elapsed between the events recorded in the preceding chapter and those recorded in this. It is not unlikely that Saul’s experience at Naioth led to a temporary improvement in his relations to David. The tone of this chapter leads us to believe that at the time when it opens there was some room for doubt whether or not Saul continued to cherish any deli- berate ill-feeling to his son-in-law. David’s... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

5. Jonathan Protects David and Their Separation CHAPTER 20 1. David with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:1-10 ) 2. The strengthened bonds and the token (1 Samuel 20:11-23 ) 3. Saul’s attempt to kill Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:24-34 ) 4. David separated from Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:35-42 ) We do not need to enlarge upon this beautiful story of the further devotion of Jonathan to David. What friendship and affection is here! Indeed the chapter contains one of the most charming incidents in this book.... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Samuel 20:6

20:6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked [leave] of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for [there is] a {d} yearly sacrifice there for all the family.(d) Read 1 Samuel 1:21. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

David however was fearful of the very presence of Saul at Naioth. He left there and returned back to find Jonathan, apparently hoping to find some possibility of help in Jonathan's further interceding with his father. He asks Jonathan what reason Saul had for being determined to kill him. This could be justified only if David were guilty of serious iniquity. Jonathan cannot believe his father would go that far: if so, he would have let Jonathan know. But David insists that Saul is firmly set... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

DAVID AND JONATHAN JEALOUSY AND FEAR (1 Samuel 18:0 ) Jonathan’s love for David is put to a serious test, but is found genuine. On the homeward march from the victory over the Philistines, the women of Israel, following oriental custom, met the warriors and accompanied them along the road, singing and dancing. But their joy outran their judgment, so that they praised David more than their king. A better man than Saul could scarcely have resisted the temptation to envy, sinful as it was (1... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

Jonathan's Moral Courage 1Sa 20:34 WE are to understand that David was in great jeopardy from Saul, the king of Israel. David himself was very sensible of the peril of his condition, so much so, that he graphically described it to Jonathan in these words: "As thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death!" David was anxious to know whether Saul was at all mollified towards him. So the two young men, Jonathan and David, made a little plan between them, by which they were to test... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:5-7

(5) And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. (6) If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. (7) If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:6

Tribe. It might seem an effect of pride, not to accept of such invitations of the king, without some good excuse. Ovid speaks of feasts instituted for relations alone. (Fast. ii.) Proxima cognati dixere Charistia cari Et venit ad socios turba propinqua Deos. (Menochius) --- Saul might pretend that his throwing his spear at David, was an effect of his distemper; and as the latter had returned to his palace after the first attempt, he might judge that he would do the like now, though he had so... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-10

1-10 The trials David met with, prepared him for future advancement. Thus the Lord deals with those whom he prepares unto glory. He does not put them into immediate possession of the kingdom, but leads them to it through much tribulation, which he makes the means of fitting them for it. Let them not murmur at his gracious appointment, nor distrust his care; but let them look forward with joyful expectation to the crown which is laid up for them. Sometimes it appears to us that there is but a... read more

Group of Brands