1 Samuel 20:3 NIV

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 20:3

And David sware moreover, and said ,.... To assure Jonathan of the truth of it, that he did most certainly seek after his life, of which, as he had no doubt himself, by an oath he endeavoured to remove any that might be in Jonathan, who was not willing to believe his father could be guilty of so foul a crime: thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes : that he was high in his favour, that he had a great value for him, and he had a large share in his love and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:3

There is but a step between me and death - My life is in the most imminent danger. Your father has, most assuredly, determined to destroy me. The same figure used here, there is but a step between me and death, may be found in Juvenal, who, satirizing those who risk their lives for the sake of gain in perilous voyages, speaks thus: - I nune et ventis animam committe, dolato Confisus ligno, digitis a morte remotus Quatuor aut septem, si sit latissima teda 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 20:3

Mortal peril. Brave men have their times of depression, and believing men have their fits of discouragement. Of David's courage there could be no question. He had faced death without flinching, both in defence of his flock from beasts of prey, and for the deliverance of Israel from the boastful Philistine. Yet he now recoiled, saying, "There is but a step between me and death." He felt as on the edge of a precipice. One push, and he was gone. We need not wonder at this; for it is one thing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:3-4

Thy father certainly knoweth, etc. Though Saul did not know the entireness of Jonathan's love for David, yet he was aware of the friendship that existed between them, and consequently might keep his purpose a secret from Jonathan, especially if he considered that his frankness in speaking openly to his son and servants on a previous occasion had led to David's escape. David, therefore, urges upon his friend a different course, to which he assents. But how are we to explain the entirely... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover - Rather, “yet again.” He met Jonathan’s denial by repeating his statement and confirming it with an oath. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:3

1 Samuel 20:3. David sware moreover The matter being of great moment, and Jonathan doubting the truth of it, he confirms his word with an oath, which follows in the end of the verse. Only he interposeth a reason why Saul concealed it from Jonathan. Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved What a noble and generous turn does David here give to the behaviour of Saul to Jonathan, lest he should think ill of his father, by insinuating that he had kept this a secret from him out of... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 20:3

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . thy soul = thou. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . step = stride. Hebrew. pesa `. O cc. only here. read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:3

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-10

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:3

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:3-4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 20:3

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