But the lad knew not anything ,.... What was meant by shooting the arrows, and by shooting them beyond where he was, and by bidding him make haste to bring them: only Jonathan and David knew the matter ; what was signified by them, those being signs agreed upon between them. read more
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad ,.... "His vessels" F12 את כליו "vasa sua", Montanus; "instrumenta sua", Piscator; "arma sua", V. L. Tigurine version. or instruments; his arms, as the Targum, his quiver, bow, and arrows: and said unto him, go, carry them to the city ; to Gibeah, to Jonathan's house, or to his apartments at court there. read more
The king sat upon his seat - It seems that there was one table for Saul, Jonathan, David, and Abner; Saul having the chief seat, that next to the wall. As only four sat at this table, the absence of any one would soon be noticed. read more
Our family hath a sacrifice - Such sacrifices were undoubtedly festal ones; the beasts slain for the occasion were first offered to God, and their blood poured out before him; afterwards all that were bidden to the feast ate of the flesh. This was a family entertainment, at the commencement of which God was peculiarly honored. read more
Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman - This clause is variously translated and understood. The Hebrew might be translated, Son of an unjust rebellion; that is, "Thou art a rebel against thy own father." The Vulgate, Fili mulieris virum ultro rapientis ; "Son of the woman who, of her own accord, forces the man." The Septuagint is equally curious, Υἱε κορασιων αυτομολουντων ; "Son of the damsels who came of their own accord." Were these the meaning of the Hebrew, then the... read more
Jonathan arose - in fierce anger - We should probably understand this rather of Jonathan's grief than of his anger, the latter clause explaining the former: for he was grieved for David. He was grieved for his father - he was grieved for his friend. read more
Make speed , haste , stay not - Though these words appear to be addressed to the lad, yet they were spoken to David, indicating that his life was at stake, and only a prompt flight could save him. read more
Jonathan gave his artillery - I believe this to be the only place in our language where the word artillery is not applied to cannon or ordnance. The original ( כלי keley ) signifies simply instruments, and here means the bow, quiver, and arrows. read more
The spring of self-sacrifice. The facts are— 1 . Jonathan and David retire from observation to confer further. 2 . Jonathan undertakes to do all that David requires, and solemnly pledges himself to let him know the mind of Saul. 3 . He pleads with David, in prospect of his elevation to power, that he and his house may receive mercy. 4 . In his eagerness he seeks a renewal of David's promise. 5 . They then arrange that, after consulting with Saul, an arrow before or... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:38
And Jonathan cried after the lad, make speed, haste, stay not ,.... But bring the arrows to him directly, that he might dismiss him; for, observing that no man was passing by, he was desirous of embracing the opportunity for a few minutes to have an interview with David alone before he fled: and Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows ; for though the textual reading is singular, the marginal is plural, to show, as Kimchi observes, that he cast three arrows, as he said he would, 1 Samuel... read more