1 Samuel 20:42 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:35-42

Here is, 1. Jonathan's faithful performance of his promise to give David notice of the success of his dangerous experiment. He went at the time and to the place appointed (1 Sam. 20:35), within sight of which he knew David lay hid, sent his footboy to fetch his arrows, which he would shoot at random (1 Sam. 20:36), and gave David the fatal signal by shooting an arrow beyond the lad (1 Sam. 20:37): Isa. not the arrow beyond thee? That word [beyond] David knew the meaning of better than the lad.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:42

And Jonathan said to David, go in peace ,.... In peace of mind, committing himself, his family, and affairs, to the providence of God, who would take care of him, and keep him in safety from the evil designs of Saul; and particularly he would have him be easy with respect to what had passed between them two, not doubting but it would be faithfully observed on both sides: forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord : had made a covenant with each other by an oath, in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:35-42

Warning in danger. The facts are— 1 . In accordance with arrangement, Jonathan, on the next day, goes out into the field, and, on shooting the arrow beyond the lad with him, he cries out the signal of danger. 2 . David recognises the sign, and the lad is sent away to the city. 3 . Thereupon David and Jonathan embrace each other, and take a sorrowful farewell—Jonathan giving him his benediction, and reminding him for his comfort of the sacred covenant between them both. A... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:40-42

His artillery. I.e. his weapons. To get rid of the boy Jonathan sends him home with his bow and arrows, and then David arose out of a place toward the south, or "from the south side" of the stone Ezel, and while not forgetting in his repeated obeisance the honour due to Jonathan's dignity, yet friendship prevailed, and they kissed one another and wept sore, until David exceeded , i.e. broke down, and was completely mastered by his grief. And so they parted, David to begin a life of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:42

Jonathan went into the city - From which one may infer, what the after history also indicates, that Jonathan’s filial duty and patriotism prevented a complete rupture with his father. Jonathan’s conduct in this, as in everything, was most admirable. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:42

1 Samuel 20:42. Jonathan said, The Lord be between thee and me, &c. As much as to say, Fear not but I will faithfully keep my covenant with thee; as I doubt not of thy perpetual steadfastness in it with me and my posterity. And this must be our satisfaction in this sad separation. And he arose and departed That is, David left Jonathan, that he might avoid the effects of Saul’s wrath, and escape immediate destruction; and Jonathan returned to his family and friends. And it appears that... 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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:42

42. Jonathan said to David, Go in peace—The interview being a stolen one, and every moment precious, it was kindness in Jonathan to hasten his friend's departure. 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