1 Samuel 18:4

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 18:4

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him ,.... As a token of his hearty love and true friendship, and that David might appear at court not in the habit of a shepherd, but in that of a prince: and gave it to David, and his garments ; his other garments besides his robe, and so clothed him from tip to toe, and which fitted him; for as there was a similarity in their souls, and the disposition of them, so in the make and hulk of their bodies, and in the stature of them:... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 18:4

Jonathan stripped himself - Presents of clothes or rich robes, in token of respect and friendship, are frequent in the East. And how frequently arms and clothing were presented by warriors to each other in token of friendship, may be seen in Homer and other ancient writers. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:4

Divine friendship. "He loved him as his own soul" ( 1 Samuel 18:3 ). Human friendship is a shadow of Divine. The greatest and best Friend is God in Christ Jesus. Happy is every one who can say from the heart, "This is my beloved, and this is my friend" (So 5:16). Consider— I. ITS CONDITIONS , on the part of man. 1 . Rationality : capacity of thought, voluntary choice, moral esteem. "Amidst the ashes of our collapsed nature there slumber certain sparks of celestial fire"... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 18:4

1 Samuel 18:4. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him This he did that he might do honour to, as well as show his affection for, David. For it is probable that David was before clothed in a rustic habit, not fit to appear in at court. 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

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 18:4

and . Mark the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ) in verses: 1 Samuel 18:4-5 . read more

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