(16) So Jonathan made a covenant.—It is not necessary to supply (as in the English Version) “saying,” but it is better to understand this verse as a remark interposed in the dialogue by the narrator, and to translate the Hebrew literally, “So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, and Jehovah required it at the hand of David’s enemies.” read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
(9) ¶ And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee? (10) Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly? (11) And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field. (12) And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about tomorrow any time, or the... read more
Enemies. This seems to be a second translation of the former sentence, with a small variation. --- Required may be expressed in the future, as an imprecation made by the two friends against those who should attempt to break the covenant, or to oppose David's reign. Septuagint omit this verse entirely, and translate the following, ( 17 ) "and Jonathan continued to swear to David, inasmuch as he loved him, because he loved the soul of the man who loved him." He had such an affection for David,... read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-42
The Friendship of David and Jonathan4. Thy soul] a pathetic periphrasis for ’thou.’5. The new moon] Many nations of antiquity appear to have observed the day of the new moon as a religious festival. For its observance in Israel cp. 2 Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13; Amos 8:5 (where it is coupled with the sabbath) Numbers 10:10. Numbers 10:25 and Numbers 10:27 imply that David, like Abner, ate regularly at Saul’s table. 6. A yearly sacrifice] This refers to the ordinary annual festival of the family.... read more