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
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 20:8
(8) A covenant of the Lord with thee.—It may at first sight seem strange that we have these last meetings of David and Jonathan told us in such detail—the speaker’s very words quoted, and so many apparently trivial circumstances related.The question, too, might be asked: Whence did the compiler of the book derive his intimate acquaintance with what took place at these meetings, when David was alone with Jonathan? But the difficulties are only surface ones, for we must never forget how intensely... read more