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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:1-7

Saul and Jonathan appear here in their different characters, with reference to David. I. Never was enemy so unreasonably cruel as Saul. He spoke to his son and all his servants that they should kill David, 1 Sam. 19:1. His projects to take him off had failed, and therefore he proclaims him an out-law, and charges all about him, upon their allegiance, to take the first opportunity to kill David. It is strange that he was not ashamed thus to avow his malice when he could give no reason for it,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:4

And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father ,.... Observed to him what a good man be was, and what good things he had done, what wisdom and prudence he had shown in the management of all his affairs, what valour and courage in all his expeditions, what faithfulness and integrity to his king and country in every instance: and said unto him, let not the king sin against his servant, against David ; by taking away his life; which would have been a great sin indeed, a sin against... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand ,.... Exposed himself to the utmost danger, when no one in all the camp of Israel would do the like: and slew the Philistine ; Goliath of Gath, who defied the armies of Israel; against him he went unarmed, only with his sling and stones, and fought him, and slew him: and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel ; by his hand, so that they were delivered from their enemies, who fled before them, and they pursued them, and got a complete... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:6

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan ,.... Not only heard him out what he had to say, but was affected with it, and wrought upon by it, and was convicted for the present that he was wrong in seeking the life of David, and therefore would desist from it; the Lord working upon his mind by what Jonathan said, and inclined him to listen to it, and act accordingly: and Saul sware, as the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain ; this oath he added to what he said to Jonathan, for the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:7

And Jonathan called David ,.... Out of his lurking place in the field, after Saul was returned home: and Jonathan showed him all these things : which had passed between him and his father, and particularly the oath he had made that he should not be slain: and Jonathan brought David to Saul : introduced him at court again, and into the presence chamber of Saul; who, in appearance, received him courteously, and a reconciliation was seemingly made: and he was in his presence as in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 19:4

Jonathan spake good of David - It is evident that Jonathan was satisfied that David was an innocent man; and that his father was most unjustly incensed against him. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand - The pleadings in this verse, though short, are exceedingly cogent; and the argument is such as could not be resisted. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 19:6

He shall not be slain - In consequence of this oath, we may suppose he issued orders contrary to those which he had given the preceding day. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 19:7

He was in his presence , as in times past - By Jonathan's advice he had secreted himself on that day on which he was to have been assassinated: the king having sworn that he should not be slain, David resumes his place in the palace of Saul. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:1-7

Open enmity and open friendship. The facts are— 1 . Saul reveals his purpose to kill David. 2 . This being made known to Jonathan, he arranges with David to let him learn the result of an effort to turn Saul from his purpose. 3 . He pleads with Saul David's good services and personal risks, God's approval, and the king's own joy therein. 4 . Saul yields to persuasion, resolves not to shed "innocent blood," and recalls David into his personal service. The historian traces... read more

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