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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 19:6

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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:4-7

In the field Jonathan intercedes for David, assures his father of his friend's innocence, reminds him of his noble exploit, and of Saul's own joy at it, and beseeches him not to shed innocent blood. And Saul, fickle and selfish, yet not destitute of noble feelings, repents of his purpose, and with characteristic impetuosity takes an oath that David's life shall be spared. Whereupon a reconciliation takes place, and David resumes his attendance upon the king's person. RENEWED ATTEMPT TO ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 19:6-9

1 Samuel 19:6-9. Saul sware, As the Lord liveth And, without all doubt, he intended what he said, feeling a real change in himself for the present. “God,” says Mr. Henry, “inclined the heart of Saul to hearken to the voice of Jonathan.” From this, however, and other similar instances, it appears that Saul was of a hasty, precipitate temper; and that he had too little reverence for an oath. And as he swore inconsiderately, so, he as quickly and inconsiderately broke his oath; which may be a... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 19:1-24

Jonathan, Michal and Samuel (19:1-24)For a while Jonathan was successful in persuading his father to stop trying to kill David (19:1-7). However, David’s further military successes made Saul jealous again. He made two more attempts on David’s life, first at the palace, then at David’s house. This time another of Saul’s family, Michal, helped David escape (8-17; cf. Psalms 59:0).David found safety with Samuel at Ramah. Three times Saul sent men to arrest David, but each time they were overcome... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 19:6

1 Samuel 19:6. And Saul sware, As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain— To judge of Saul by his future conduct, we should be tempted to believe, that he swore only the better to deceive his son Jonathan. But when we consider well the character of this prince, weak, inconstant, passionate, we may suppose, without much difficulty, that the discourse of Jonathan affected him, and that he sincerely resolved no more to attack the life of David: a resolution, however, which David's increasing glory... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 19:1-7

Jonathan’s attempt to protect David 19:1-7Saul now abandoned pretense (1 Samuel 18:22) and ordered Jonathan and his soldiers to put David to death (cf. 1 Samuel 19:11). He "went public" with his attacks against David feeling driven, like the Pharaoh of the plagues, to more desperate measures. This created a conflict of loyalties for Jonathan who needed to honor his father and king, but who also loved David (cf. 1 Samuel 18:1; 1 Samuel 18:3). Jonathan chose to tell David what Saul’s intentions... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 19:1-17

3. The results of God’s selection of David 18:1-19:17Earlier the writer narrated Saul’s anointing, military success, and the popular reaction to him (chs. 10-11). Now he followed the same pattern by recording David’s anointing, military success, and the popular reaction to him (1 Samuel 16:1 to 1 Samuel 19:17). The popular reaction to Saul was fairly simple: most of the people supported him, though a few opposed him (1 Samuel 11:12-15). The popular reaction to David was much more complex and... read more

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