1 Samuel 20:13, 1 Samuel 20:3 NASB

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:13

The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan ,.... Recompense evil more than can be thought of and expressed, should he neglect to inform David of the good disposition of Saul unto him: but if it please my father to do thee evil ; if he seems determined upon it to take away thy life: then I will show it thee ; not by a messenger, by whom it would not be safe to communicate it, lest by that means Saul would know where he was, and come and slay him; but Jonathan would come himself, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:13

The Lord be with thee , as he hath been with my father - From this, and other passages here it is evident that Jonathan knew that the Lord had appointed David to the kingdom. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:11-13

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:11-23

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:9-13

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

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 20:13

as = according as. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 20:12-13

1 Samuel 20:12-13. Jonathan said unto David, O Lord God, &c.— Houbigant, after the Syriac, renders these verses thus: Then Jonathan said unto David, The Lord God of Israel is witness, that I will sound my father to-morrow, and until the evening of the third day; and that if there be good towards David, I will send unto thee, and inform thee; 1 Samuel 20:13. So may the Lord be gracious to Jonathan! If my father is determined that thou shouldst perish, I will shew that to thee, &c. It is... 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

1 Samuel 20:13, 1 Samuel 20:3 Nasb