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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-8

Here, I. David makes a representation to Jonathan of his present troubles. While Saul lay bound by his trance at Naioth David escaped to the court, and got to speak with Jonathan. And it was happy for him that he had such a friend at court, when he had such an enemy on the throne. If there be those that hate and despise us, let us not be disturbed at that, for there are those also that love and respect us. God hath set the one over against the other, and so must we. Jonathan was a friend that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:5

And David said unto Jonathan ,.... Moved that the following method might be taken as a trial of the disposition of Saul's mind towards David: behold, tomorrow is the new moon ; the first day of the month, which was kept solemnly with burnt offerings and peace offerings, see Numbers 10:10 . Some say F18 Weemse's Expos. Ceremon. Law, c. 22. p. 100, 101. this feast was not kept for the new moon, but because it was the day of the feast of trumpets or the first day of the new year,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:6

If thy father at all miss me ,.... Or diligently inquires after me: then say, David earnestly asked leave of me, that he might run to Bethlehem his city : the place of his birth, called the city of David, where he was born and had lived, Luke 2:4 , which was not far from Gibeah, and whither he could soon run; and which shows the haste he proposed to make, and his eager desire to be there, and which also is signified by his earnest and importunate request; for all this might be true,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:5

To-morrow is the new moon - The months of the Hebrews were lunar months, and they reckoned from new moon to new moon. And as their other feasts, particularly the passover, were reckoned according to this, they were very scrupulous in observing the first appearance of each new moon. On these new moons they offered sacrifices, and had a feast; as we learn from Numbers 10:10 ; Numbers 28:11 . And we may suppose that the families, on such occasions, sacrificed and feasted together.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-10

Endangered life and reputation. The facts are— 1 . David, believing in Saul's purpose to kill him, flees to Jonathan, and inquires into the cause of this persecution. 2 . Jonathan quiets him by the assurance that Saul would not hide any purpose from him. 3 . On David referring to Saul's knowledge of their friendship and its effect on his methods, Jonathan expresses readiness to do whatever David may suggest. 4 . Thereupon David suggests a means by which Saul's disposition... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:5-7

Tomorrow is the new moon . The first day of the new moon was a joyful festival, its appearance being greeted with the sounding of trumpets, and celebrated by a burnt offering and a sin offering. It was, moreover, kept by Saul as a family festival, at which David, as his son-in-law, was expected to be present. As, moreover, David was to hide unto the third day at even , counting from the time when he was arranging his plans with Jonathan, it is plain that it was the rule to prolong the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:5

The new moon, or beginning of each month, was celebrated with especial sacrifices and blowing of trumpets (marginal references.) The feast was kept with great solemnity as “a day of gladness,” and we may presume that the “peace offerings” offered on the occasion furnished the tables of those that offered. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:4-5

1 Samuel 20:4-5. Whatsoever thou desirest He does not say, that shall be lawful and honest; for he knew David too well to think he would ask anything that was otherwise. I will do it for thee This is true friendship. Thus Christ testifies his love to us; Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do. And we must testify ours to him by keeping his commandments. Behold, to-morrow is the new-moon There were solemn sacrifices every new-moon, and then a feast upon them. And David... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:6

1 Samuel 20:6. Say, David earnestly asked of me Jonathan, being the king’s son and deputy, used, it seems, to give license to military men to depart for a season upon just occasions. There is a yearly sacrifice for all the family It is likely it was a custom among pious families to meet together once a year, and praise God for his mercies toward them all. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

20:1-31:13 SAUL’S PURSUIT OF DAVIDJonathan helps David escape (20:1-42)Apparently Jonathan did not know of the number of attempts that his father had made to kill David (20:1-2). When he saw that David was genuinely fearful, he agreed to co-operate with David in finding out Saul’s real intentions once and for all (3-9).Jonathan’s love for David was genuine. Even though he knew that David, and not he, would be the next king, he showed no sign of jealousy. He asked only that David, on becoming... read more

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