1 Samuel 18:3

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 18:3

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

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 18:3

1 Samuel 18:3. Jonathan and David made a covenant Solemnly entered into an agreement of perpetual friendship. Because he loved him, &c. Or rather, as Le Clerc renders it, so that each loved the other as his own soul. For it cannot be supposed but that David loved Jonathan as well as Jonathan loved him. Their covenant seems to have implied an engagement for mutual assistance and defence, even until death, and kindness to the posterity of each other after either of them was dead. This... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-30

David’s success and Saul’s jealousy (18:1-30)Once David came to live at Saul’s court, he and Jonathan became close friends. In fact, Jonathan promised loyalty to David as if bound to him by covenant. David continued to produce outstanding successes as a soldier, and Saul made him an officer. The promotion was popular with army officers and common people alike (18:1-5). David’s popularity, however, stirred up Saul’s jealousy, and Saul tried to kill him (6-11). Saul was now afraid of David, so... read more

E.W. Bullinger

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

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

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:2-4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 18:3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-30

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 18:3

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 18:3

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 18:3

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