1 Samuel 20:1-22:23

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1

1-3. David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan—He could not remain in Naioth, for he had strong reason to fear that when the religious fit, if we may so call it, was over, Saul would relapse into his usual fell and sanguinary temper. It may be thought that David acted imprudently in directing his flight to Gibeah. But he was evidently prompted to go thither by the most generous feelings—to inform his friend of what had recently occurred, and to obtain that friend's... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 20:1-11

David’s concern for his own safety 20:1-11David was wondering if he had done something wrong that had provoked Saul’s hatred (1 Samuel 20:1). Walking with God is sometimes confusing. We need to learn, as David did, that when we try to follow God faithfully some people will oppose us simply because we want to do God’s will. Their antagonism is not the result of our sinfulness but theirs. Jonathan assured David that he had done nothing wrong (cf. 1 Samuel 14:45), but Jonathan did not understand... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

2. Jonathan’s advocacy for David ch. 20This chapter records Jonathan’s last attempt to reconcile Saul to David. The emphasis is on the hardening of Saul’s heart that God allowed since the king refused to genuinely repent. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

The Friendship of David and Jonathan4. Thy soul] a pathetic periphrasis for ’thou.’5. The new moon] Many nations of antiquity appear to have observed the day of the new moon as a religious festival. For its observance in Israel cp. 2 Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13; Amos 8:5 (where it is coupled with the sabbath) Numbers 10:10. Numbers 10:25 and Numbers 10:27 imply that David, like Abner, ate regularly at Saul’s table. 6. A yearly sacrifice] This refers to the ordinary annual festival of the family.... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 20:1

(1) And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan.—The strange course of events in the prophetic schools by Ramah, while warning David that even the home of his old master, the great seer, was no permanent sanctuary where he could safely rest, still gave him time to fly, and to take counsel with his loved friend, the king s son. It was, no doubt, by Samuel’s advice that he once more betook himself to the city of Saul, but his return was evidently secret.Alone with his... read more

William Nicoll

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

CHAPTER XXVII.DAVID AND JONATHAN.1 Samuel 20:1-42.WE have no means of determining how long time elapsed between the events recorded in the preceding chapter and those recorded in this. It is not unlikely that Saul’s experience at Naioth led to a temporary improvement in his relations to David. The tone of this chapter leads us to believe that at the time when it opens there was some room for doubt whether or not Saul continued to cherish any deli- berate ill-feeling to his son-in-law. David’s... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

5. Jonathan Protects David and Their Separation CHAPTER 20 1. David with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:1-10 ) 2. The strengthened bonds and the token (1 Samuel 20:11-23 ) 3. Saul’s attempt to kill Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:24-34 ) 4. David separated from Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:35-42 ) We do not need to enlarge upon this beautiful story of the further devotion of Jonathan to David. What friendship and affection is here! Indeed the chapter contains one of the most charming incidents in this book.... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1

20:1 And David {a} fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what [is] mine iniquity? and what [is] my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?(a) For Saul was detained, and prophesied a day and a night by God’s providence, that David might have time to escape. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

David however was fearful of the very presence of Saul at Naioth. He left there and returned back to find Jonathan, apparently hoping to find some possibility of help in Jonathan's further interceding with his father. He asks Jonathan what reason Saul had for being determined to kill him. This could be justified only if David were guilty of serious iniquity. Jonathan cannot believe his father would go that far: if so, he would have let Jonathan know. But David insists that Saul is firmly set... read more

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