1 Samuel 20:31 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:24-34

Jonathan is here effectually convinced of that which he was so loth to believe, that his father had an implacable enmity to David, and would certainly be the death of him if it were in his power; and he had like to have paid very dearly himself for the conviction. I. David is missed from the feast on the first day, but nothing is said of him. The king sat upon his seat, to feast upon the peace-offerings as at other times (1 Sam. 20:25), and yet had his heart as full of envy and malice against... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:31

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom ,.... He would not, though heir to the crown, be sure of it; it would be precarious to him, he would be in great danger of being deprived of it on the death of his father; and therefore it would be his highest wisdom to deliver David up to be slain, as it was his greatest folly to protect him, and provide for his satiety: wherefore now send and fetch him unto me ; send to Bethlehem for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:24-34

Wasted influences, muffed thoughts, and conflicting interests. The facts are— 1 . While David lies hidden, Saul notices his absence from the feast on the first day, and refers it to some ceremonial defilement. 2 . On the second day he calls Jonathan's attention to the fact, and inquires the cause. 3 . On his explaining the reason, Saul, in a fit of anger, accuses him of friendship with David, and points out the injury which he thinks will arise therefrom. 4 . On Jonathan... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:30-31

Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman . Literally, "thou son of one perverse in rebellion." In the East it is the greatest possible insult to a man to call his mother names; but the word rendered perverse, instead of being a feminine adjective, is probably an abstract noun, and "son of perversity of rebellion" would mean one who was thoroughly perverse in his resistance to his father's will. Unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness. I.e. thy mother will feel ashamed and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:31

1 Samuel 20:31. Thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom Though Samuel had long before this declared to Saul, in the name of the Lord, that the kingdom should not continue with him, nor descend to his posterity; yet he seems to have had hopes that he should be able to prevent this declaration from being verified by his policy and taking proper measures. 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 20:31

shall surely die = the son of death: i.e. doomed to die. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 20:31

1 Samuel 20:31. As long as the son of Jesse liveth, &c.— But how did Saul know, that, as long as the son of Jesse lived, Jonathan should not be established, nor his kingdom? If it was all jealousy and surmise, his ordering him to be brought to be put to death was unreasonable and wicked, and can be justified upon no principles of justice and humanity. If Saul knew that as himself was rejected, David was really anointed to succeed him by Samuel, at God's command, his ordering him to be put... 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