And Jonathan said unto David, come, and let us go out into the field ,.... That they might more fully, and freely, and familiarly talk of this affair between them, without any danger of being overheard by the servants of Saul, as they were in his palace, where they now were: and they went out both of them into the field ; which belonged to Gibeah. read more
Come , and let us go out into the field - In answer to David's question, he now shows him how he shall convey this intelligence to him. read more
Let us go out into the field. David's question had shown Jonathan that there were grave difficulties in their way, and so he proposes that they should walk into the country, to be able to talk with one another more freely, and concert measures for the future. And there Jonathan binds himself with a solemn oath, if Saul's intentions be good, to send a trusty messenger to inform David, but if there be danger, then to come and tell David himself. O Lord God. With a few MSS . we must supply... read more
The spring of self-sacrifice. The facts are— 1 . Jonathan and David retire from observation to confer further. 2 . Jonathan undertakes to do all that David requires, and solemnly pledges himself to let him know the mind of Saul. 3 . He pleads with David, in prospect of his elevation to power, that he and his house may receive mercy. 4 . In his eagerness he seeks a renewal of David's promise. 5 . They then arrange that, after consulting with Saul, an arrow before or... read more
1 Samuel 20:9-13. Jonathan said, Far be it from thee Or, rather, Far be this away; for Jonathan is speaking of himself in this thing. Then said David, Who shall tell me? Who shall bring me advice how matters stand? They went out both into the field To take their measures about this matter. Jonathan said, O Lord God of Israel Do thou hear and judge between us. These first words of the sentence seem to be an exclamation, or an abrupt speech, not usual in great passions, and the rest... read more
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
11. Jonathan said to David, Come, let us go into the field—The private dialogue, which is here detailed at full length, presents a most beautiful exhibition of these two amiable and noble-minded friends. Jonathan was led, in the circumstances, to be the chief speaker. The strength of his attachment, his pure disinterestedness, his warm piety, his invocation to God (consisting of a prayer and a solemn oath combined), the calm and full expression he gave of his conviction that his own family... read more
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
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
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:9-23
Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (1 Sam. 20:9): ?Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee... read more