1 Samuel 18:1-3 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-5

David was anointed to the crown to take it out of Saul's hand, and over Jonathan's head, and yet here we find, I. That Saul, who was now in possession of the crown, reposed a confidence in him, God so ordering it, that he might by his preferment at court be prepared for future service. Saul now took David home with him, and would not suffer him to return again to his retirement, 1 Sam. 18:2. And David having signalized himself above the men of war, in taking up the challenge which they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul ,.... In answer to his questions about his descent and family, and doubtless more things were talked of than are recorded: that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David : he won his heart, made a conquest of his affections, these went out towards him, and cleaved unto him; such were the comeliness of his person, his graceful mien and deportment, his freedom and fluency of expression, his courage and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:2

And Saul took him that day ,.... Not only into his favour, and into his service, but into his court; even on that very day he slew the Philistine, or however as soon as it could be done: and would let him go no more home to his father's house ; as he used to do before; when he only served as a musician to him, then he was only at court when Saul was in a melancholy disposition, and wanted him, and so was going and returning, and in the intervals kept his father's sheep, 1 Samuel 17:15 ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant ,.... A covenant of friendship; entered into a solemn agreement to keep up and maintain a cordial respect to each other, and to support each other's interest both in life and after death, whoever was the survivor; and in consequence of this David had a friend at court, when Saul fell out with him, and who pleaded his cause, and discovered his father's plots, and was the means of preserving David's life: because he loved him as his own soul ; so... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 18:1

When he had made an end of speaking - These first five verses are omitted by the Septuagint. See the notes on the preceding chapter, 1 Samuel 17 (note). Jonathan loved him as his own soul - The most intimate friendship subsisted between them; and they loved each other with pure hearts fervently. No love was lost between them; each was worthy of the other. They had a friendship which could not be affected with changes or chances, and which exemplified all that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1

PERSONAL RELATIONS OF SAUL AND DAVID ( CHS . 18-27). FRIENDSHIP OF DAVID AND JONATHAN ( CHS . 18-20). EXPOSITION JONATHAN LOVES DAVID ( 1 Samuel 18:1-5 ). When he had made an end of speaking. This conversation took place as soon as the pursuit of the Philistines and the collecting of the spoil were over. There would then be a muster of the Israelites, and Abner would naturally present the youthful champion to the king, who is represented as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-4

Religious friendship. The facts are— 1 . Jonathan, on becoming acquainted with David, forms a strong attachment for him. 2 . Saul, to show his gratitude for David's aid, constrains him into his service. 3 . Jonathan and David enter into a solemn covenant of friendship. It is obvious that David desired to retire to the quietude of rural life, thus displaying simplicity of purpose and freedom from the ambition charged on him by Eliab ( 1 Samuel 18:28 ), as also superiority to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-9

Love and jealousy. One great exploit performed in the sight of two armies took David at once and forever out of obscurity. Thenceforth he was a man much observed. The quiet pastoral life at Bethlehem was ended, and could never be resumed. Sudden success brings rapid distinction, but also brings trials and risks from which the obscure are free. David leaped at a bound into honour and fame, but for that very reason he found himself at the beginning of his troubles. Well that, before those... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:2-4

Saul took him that day. Bent solely on war, Saul gladly took so promising, a young soldier as David to be one of his bodyguard ( 1 Samuel 14:52 ), and henceforward he was constantly with him. Thus in two ways, first as a musician, and now as a soldier, David was forced into those intimate relations with Saul, which ended so tragically. For a while, however, those happier results ensued summed up in 1 Samuel 16:21 . Jonathan and David made a covenant. We are not to suppose that this... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 18:1

Was knit with the soul of David - The same forcible phrase occurs of Jacob’s love for Benjamin (marginal reference). Jonathan’s truly heroic character is shown in this generous love of David, and admiration of his great deed. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 18:1

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:2-4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 18:1

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