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Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 20:35-42

David’s final departure from Gibeah 20:35-42The next morning Jonathan proceeded to communicate Saul’s intentions to David in the way they had previously planned. Jonathan probably used a very young boy as his arrow retriever so the lad would not ask embarrassing questions or figure out what was happening. God permitted David and Jonathan to say good-bye face to face. They had anticipated that such a parting might be impossible (cf. 1 Samuel 20:22). David gave proper respect to Jonathan as the... read more

John Dummelow

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 20:36

(36) He shot an arrow beyond him.—This was the sign agreed on if all was over for David at the court of Saul. Expositors are in a little difficulty, though, here, as only one arrow is mentioned, whereas “three” had to be shot according to the terms of the understanding. We cannot imagine, as some have suggested, that “Jonathan shortened the affair, and shot only once, considering that there was danger in delay,” and that every moment was of consequence; had there been such need of haste, the... read more

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

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 20:35-40

(35) ¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him. (36) And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. (37) And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee? (38) And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And... read more

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