Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, please study this chapter and then answer all 52 questions at the end of this chapter.

1 Samuel Chapter 20

Verses 1-13: God was showing David his true support system.

1 Samuel 20:1 “And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what [is] mine iniquity? and what [is] my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?”

The strange course of events in the prophetic schools by Ramah, while warning David that even the home of his old master, the great seer, was no permanent sanctuary where he could safely rest, still gave him time to fly, and to take counsel with his loved friend, the king’s son. It was, no doubt, by Samuel’s advice that he once more betook himself to the city of Saul, but his return was evidently secret.

Alone with his friend, he passionately asserts his entire innocence of the crimes laid to his charge by the unhappy, jealous Saul. His words here are found in substance in not a few of his Psalms, where, in touching language, he maintains how bitterly the world had wronged and persecuted a righteous, innocent man.

“Naioth in Ramah” (see note on 19:18).

We remember from the previous lesson, that Saul was under the influence of the Spirit of God and lay naked 24 hours before Samuel there. David wanted to be a member of Saul’s family. David was close friends with Jonathan and was married to the daughter of Saul. David inquires of Jonathan, if he knows anything he has done to cause Saul to hate him?

1 Samuel 20:2 “And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will show it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it [is] not [so].”

“Why should my father hide this thing from me”: Although Jonathan expressed his certainty that Saul was not seeking David’s life, he may have been unaware of the most recent attempts on David’s life (19:9-24), and was trusting in his father’s oath not to harm David (19:6). Jonathan expected to be informed by Saul of any change in his plans.

Jonathan speaks in horror. His worst imaginations would not allow him to believe that Saul would kill David. Jonathan believes that Saul will surely tell him before he attacks David. It would appear that Saul’s experience before Samuel at Ramah would have calmed him down, so he would not want to kill David. Jonathan could not believe that Saul had broken his oath he had made before the LORD.

1 Samuel 20:3 “And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.”

To assure Jonathan of the truth of it, that he did most certainly seek after his life, of which, as he had no doubt himself, by an oath he endeavored to remove any that might be in Jonathan, who was not willing to believe his father could be guilty of so foul a crime.

“Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes”: That he was high in his favor and that he had a great value for him, and he had a large share in his love and friendship, and that was the reason why he hid from him his base intentions.

“And he saith, let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved”: As he would be, both for the evil his father would be guilty of, and the danger David, his beloved friend, would be in.

“But truly, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death”: As appeared by his casting a javelin at him (1 Sam. 18:11), sending messengers to his own house to slay him (1 Sam. 19:11), and others to Naioth to seize him (1 Sam. 19:20), and coming himself thither with an intention to kill him (1 Sam. 19:22). And in each of these instances he had a narrow escape for his life. And this he declared in the most solemn manner by an oath, for the confirmation of the truth of it to Jonathan.

David speaks the truth to Jonathan about his father, Saul. David reminds Jonathan that Saul knows of their friendship. Saul would not tell Jonathan, for fear he would do as Michal had. Saul kept it from Jonathan, to keep from grieving his own son. He also did not tell him for fear he would warn David.

1 Samuel 20:4 “Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do [it] for thee.”

Now giving credit to what he had said, and in order to comfort and support him under the apprehensions he had of danger.

“Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee”: For the preservation of his life, by speaking to his father on his behalf, endeavoring to dissuade him from his evil intentions, or by hiding and concealing him in some obscure place. That he might not execute his evil designs upon him, or by any method he could point out to him.

Jonathan and David are best friends. Jonathan will help David any way he can.

1 Samuel 20:5 “And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow [is] the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third [day] at even.”

“The new moon”: The first day of the month, referred to as “the New Moon,” was celebrated with a sacrificial meal (2 Kings 4:23; Isa. 1:13; Amos 8:5), and served both as a religious and civil festival (Num. 10:10; 28:11-15).

“Hide … in the field” (as in 19:2-3), David hid from Saul in a secret place.

The new moon celebrations were accompanied by a burnt and a sin offering. The trumpets were blown on the new moon also. This was a time of great festivity. David will hide during this time. He will hide until the third day. The festival will last two days. David was expected to celebrate new moon with Saul because he is Saul’s son-in-law.

1 Samuel 20:6 “If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked [leave] of me that he might run to Beth-lehem his city: for [there is] a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.”

“A yearly sacrifice”: Apparently, David’s family held an annual family reunion that coincided with one of the monthly New Moon celebrations (verses 28-29).

Saul is to believe, that David is missing from the celebration, because he went to his own father’s house for a yearly celebration.

1 Samuel 20:7 “If he say thus, [It is] well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, [then] be sure that evil is determined by him.”

It is very well; it is very good and right in him to do so.

“Thy servant shall have peace”: It will be a token that the wrath of the king was removed, and that his mind was well disposed towards David and things had taken a happy turn, and would issue in his peace and prosperity.

“But if he be very wroth”: With Jonathan for giving leave, and with David for going away.

“Then be sure that evil is determined by him”: That he has a settled obstinate malice in his heart, which is become implacable and inveterate, and confirmed in him. And that it is a determined point with him to slay David if possible, which he hoped to have an opportunity of doing at that time in which he was disappointed, and caused such wrath in him.

If Saul is peaceable about the excuse that Jonathan gives for David not being at the festival, it will mean that he no longer wants to kill David. If it angers him, it will mean he still wants to kill David.

1 Samuel 20:8 “Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?”

“Covenant” (compare 1:1, 3). Jonathan and David had solemnly pledged their friendship and loyalty to each other before the Lord. Their covenant is further amplified (in verses 13-17, 42; 23:17-18).

“Slay me thyself”: As his covenant friend, David asked Jonathan to kill him, if he was deserving of death because of his possible sin.

David knows the only true friend he has is Jonathan. David reminds Jonathan, that they had gone into covenant agreement to be friends forever. David tells Jonathan, he will gladly let Jonathan kill him, if he has sinned against Saul.

1 Samuel 20:9 “And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?”

To entertain such a thought of me, or to have the least suspicion of me, that I should conceal my father’s ill intentions against thee, if known to me.

“For if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would I not tell it thee?” Certainly I would; canst thou doubt of my kindness and fidelity? Surely thou hast no reason, when such a covenant of friendship exists between us, and there has not been the least breach of it on either side.

Jonathan repeats his loyalty to David. If he knows anything about his father’s plans for David, he will get word to him.

1 Samuel 20:10 “Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what [if] thy father answer thee roughly?”

Meaning what is the disposition of Saul’s mind towards him, whether he gave a kind answer to the report of Jonathan concerning him.

“Or what if thy father answer thee roughly?” Or hard words as the Targum; whether he answers in a kind, loving and smooth manner, or whether in a rough and angry one. The question is here, how he should be informed of this, since especially, if in the latter, it would not be safe for Jonathan to come himself to him, nor could he trust the message with any other. Abarbinel thinks that the first of these expressions is by way of question, who should declare to him his father’s will and intention, whether good or bad. And the latter by way of outcry; woe unto me, if thy father should answer thee roughly. I greatly fear he will chide thee for my sake; my heart will be filled with sorrow if thou shouldest suffer reproach and rebuke on my account.

David is getting skeptical of even his best friend Jonathan. He knows that Jonathan would tell him, if it were anyone but Jonathan’s father. He thinks perhaps, Jonathan will be too afraid of Saul to come and tell him.

Verses 11-16: In this scene, Jonathan once and for all transferred his allegiance from his father to David.

1 Samuel 20:11 “And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them 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.

Out in the field there would be no ears to hear their conversation. What they say will be for just their own ears.

1 Samuel 20:12 “And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about tomorrow any time, [or] the third [day], and, behold, [if there be] good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and show it thee;”

Or by the Lord God of Israel, I swear unto thee; for this is the form of the oath, as Jarchi and Kimchi observe.

“When I have sounded my father about tomorrow any time, or the third day”: Searched, inquired, and found out how his disposition is.

“And, behold, if there be good toward David”: If he is well disposed to him, as may appear by speaking respectfully of him, or kindly inquiring after him, and by being satisfied with the account given him.

“And I then send not unto thee, and show it thee”: Then let the vengeance of God fall upon me in some remarkable manner or another, as follows; or “shall I not then send unto thee, and show it thee”? Certainly I will; that is, I will send a messenger to thee to acquaint thee with it, who shall tell it, and cause thee to hear it, as from myself.

The main thing we must note in this is the fact that Jonathan makes his promise to David with the LORD as witness between them. David will know the sincerity of Jonathan, by it being sworn to in the presence of the LORD God.

1 Samuel 20:13 “The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father [to do] thee evil, then I will show it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.”

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 acquaint him with it.

“And send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace”: Give him leave, and advise him to depart, and provide for his own safety, adding his blessing on him and prayer for him.

“And the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father”: In the beginning of his reign, giving him counsel and advice in all things, and victory over his enemies, succeeding and prospering him in whatsoever he engaged in; the Targum is, “the Word of the Lord be for thy help”, etc. Jonathan seemed to be fully apprised that David was to succeed in the kingdom.

Jonathan not only swears to his loyalty to get the proper word to David, but he also speaks a blessing on his good friend. Jonathan says, God can punish him severely, if he does not do what he promises here.

Verses 14-16: It was common practice for a new king to murder all the heirs of the former king, thus ensuring fewer threats to the throne. Johnathan asked that David and his “house” (descendants), to spare him and his house. David fulfilled this promise when he extended kindness and hospitality to Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:3, 7; 21:7).

Verses 14-17: “Kindness” and love are essential ingredients in the “covenant” stipulations of the ancient Near East. They speak of a relationship whereby each party treats the other as a full family member, with loyalty, dignity, and devotion. “Jonathan” continues with recognition of David’s divinely established preeminence (compare verse 8; 18:3-4). The everlasting covenant between Jonathan and “David” (compare verses 23, 42), will be remembered by David when he becomes king (2 Samuel Chapter 9).

1 Samuel 20:14 “And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:”

“The kindness of the Lord”: Jonathan acknowledged that David would one day be Israel’s king. With that in mind, Jonathan requested protection for him and his family when David took the throne.

1 Samuel 20:15 “But [also] thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.”

The covenant they had made was not merely personal, but reached to their posterity, and was to be kept even when David should have the greatest power, and there were none to oppose his will. These verses seem strongly to indicate that Jonathan knew of David being anointed to the kingdom! How unspeakable a generosity is here shown by Jonathan to stipulate for his own life, and the lives of his posterity, with that man whose life, humanly speaking, was now in his power!

Jonathan wants a promise from David, that he will be kind to Jonathan and his descendants, when he is in power. Jonathan believes that David will overcome all of these problems with Saul, and will reign in the stead of Saul. This is a great show of confidence in the relationship David has with the LORD. Jonathan knows his friend well. He truly believes David will reign in Saul’s place.

1 Samuel 20:16 “So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David, [saying], Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David’s enemies.”

“The house of David”: This covenant was not only binding on Jonathan and David, but also upon the descendants of each (see 2 Sam. 9:1-8), for the account of David’s kindness to a descendant of Jonathan in fulfillment of this covenant.

“David’s enemies”: Jonathan perceived that among David’s adversaries who would be cut off when he became king was his own father, Saul (18:29; 19:17).

1 Samuel 20:17 “And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”

“Swear”: In response to Jonathan’s words, David solemnly pledged to fulfill the covenant between himself and Jonathan.

“Loved him … his own soul”: A deep concern and affection was the basis of the covenantal relationship between Jonathan and David. This is the affection commanded by God when He said, “Love you neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39).

These two friends have renewed their covenant agreement with each other, in the presence of the LORD. They will be loyal to each other, regardless of the circumstances.

Verses 18-42: Jonathan and David honored their vows to each other (20:11-16), in the events that followed.

1 Samuel 20:18 “Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow [is] the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.”

Jonathan resumes, after the passionate conclusion of the solemn covenant betwixt the friends; the last trial shall be as you propose. At the State banquet of my father tomorrow your seat, as agreed upon, will be empty, then you and I, when King Saul misses you, will know the worst.

David will stay away from the house of Saul as planned. The very next day will be the new moon, when they generally celebrate together.

1 Samuel 20:19 “And [when] thou hast stayed three days, [then] thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was [in hand], and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.”

“Stone Ezel”: Ezel may mean “departure stone.” The location of this stone is unknown, but it was a well-known landmark in the field where David was hiding.

It appears that, David had hidden once before in this place. Both, David and Jonathan knew where it was. David would stay as long as he could away from the house of Saul. At the last minute he could slip down to the meeting place for the signal of whether it was safe to come in or not.

1 Samuel 20:20 “And I will shoot three arrows on the side [thereof], as though I shot at a mark.”

On the side of the stone Ezel; three are pitched upon, according to the number of the days David was missing.

“As though I shot at a mark”: As if he made the stone the mark he shot at; so that his shooting would not be taken notice of.

Many people target practiced, so it would not be unusual for Jonathan to shoot three arrows. Anyone looking on would think he was just sharpening up his aim.

1 Samuel 20:21 “And, behold, I will send a lad, [saying], Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows [are] on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for [there is] peace to thee, and no hurt; [as] the LORD liveth.”

The servant boy of Jonathan was to go and pick up the arrows. David would be in hearing distance. Jonathan would cry out loudly to the boy, the direction the arrows were in. If Jonathan cries out to the servant boy, that the arrows are on this side of the stone Ezel, that is a signal that all is well and David can come in.

1 Samuel 20:22 “But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.”

Being shot to a greater distance than where the young man was.

“Go thy way, for the Lord hath sent thee away”: Then he was to depart directly, without staying to have any conversation with Jonathan, which would not be safe for either of them, and so make the best of his way into the country, and escape for his life. For so it was ordered by the providence of God, that he must not stay, but be gone immediately. The signals were these, that if things were favorable, then he would shoot his arrows on one side of the lad, and David might come out and show himself at once. But if not, he would shoot them beyond him, by which he might know that he must flee for his life.

In the case that Saul is still angry with David, Jonathan will cry out to the servant boy, that the arrows are on the other side of the rock. If this happens, David must flee quickly. This will be as a sign from the LORD. The two men and the LORD are working together on this. In the next lesson, we will see the outcome of this.

1 Samuel 20:23 “And [as touching] the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD [be] between thee and me for ever.”

The plan being concerted, the friends separated for a time, and the amiable character of Jonathan again peers out in his parting allusion to their covenant of friendship.

In the last lesson, Saul had tried to kill David. David and his friend, Jonathan, had gone out in the field and renewed their covenant of friendship. Jonathan and David had figured out a way that Jonathan could get word to David in the field, if it was safe to come in or not. Jonathan would shoot three arrows out toward a rock. Jonathan would send a youngster to get the arrows. Jonathan would then, call out to him that the arrows were back toward Jonathan, if it was safe for David to come in. If he told the youngster to go past the rock, it meant that David must leave quickly. We see that the LORD is witness with Jonathan and David.

1 Samuel 20:24 “So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.”

Not directly, but at the time appointed; for he went to Beth-lehem, and returned from thence before that time.

“And when the new moon was come”: The first day of the month, which was a solemn festival.

The king sat him down to eat meat”: Saul sat down at his table to eat of the provisions that were set upon it; which it is very probable were the peace offerings for that day, which he, his family, and nobles, feasted on together. It is in the Hebrew, “he sat down at the bread”, which is put for all the food on the table and the provisions of it.

David was not at his usual place at the table for this feast of the new moon. He was hiding in the field, until he hears from Jonathan whether it is safe to come in or not.

1 Samuel 20:25 “And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, [even] upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, and David’s place was empty.”

“Abner”: Saul’s cousin and commander of his army (see note on 14:50).

1 Samuel 20:26 “Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he [is] not clean; surely he [is] not clean.”

“Not clean”: At first, Saul did not question David’s absence at the feast, assuming that he was ritually unclean and thus could not participate in the meal (Lev. 7:20-21; 15:16).

They all took their places at the table. Saul did not say anything about David not being at the table. He supposed that he was ceremonially not clean for some reason.

1 Samuel 20:27 “And it came to pass on the morrow, [which was] the second [day] of the month, that David’s place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor today?”

The time of the moon’s appearance being uncertain, whether at midday, in the evening, or at midnight, the festival was extended over two days. Custom, not the law, had introduced this.

Saul said unto Jonathan his son, “Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse” The question was asked, as it were, casually, and with as great an air of indifference as he could assume.

Saul is suddenly aware that something is wrong with David not being present on this second day. Since Jonathan and David were best friends, Saul asks Jonathan where he is.

1 Samuel 20:28 “And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked [leave] of me [to go] to Beth-lehem:”

In reply to Saul’s question, and to excuse David, he said.

“David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem”: His own city, his native place, where his family lived, whom he was desirous to see, and yet chose not to go without asking leave. And as Saul was not at home, he asked leave of Jonathan, who was next to him and acted for him. And he was very pressing and importunate in his suit, and therefore Jonathan could not well deny him it. And he hoped this would have been sufficient excuse for his absence, especially when what follows should be observed.

1 Samuel 20:29 “And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me [to be there]: and now, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table.”

In the city of Bethlehem where they lived, a peace offering on account of the new moon, and as an anniversary thanksgiving for the mercies of the year (1 Sam. 20:6). And seeing, though he was not at the feast in one place, he observed it in another, his absence at court was the more excusable; and the rather, since it was kept by him with his own family in his own city: besides, it is added.

“And my brother he hath commanded me to be there”: His elder brother Eliab, whose commands, as a younger brother, he judged he ought to obey. It is probable his father was now dead, since no mention is made of him, and his elder brother took upon him the command of the family.

“And now, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, see my brethren”: He should take it as a favor to have leave to depart, and be free for the present from waiting upon the king at court, and so have an opportunity of seeing his brethren, for which he had a great desire. Having not seen them a long time, not even since he saw them in the camp, when he slew Goliath.

“Therefore he cometh not to the king’s table”: This was the reason of it, at least one reason of it, and Jonathan was not obliged to tell the whole.

This is the story that Jonathan and David had prepared to tell Saul, except Jonathan adds that the brother wanted him to come. This would generally have been acceptable. It appears at this point, that Saul has not suspicioned anything.

1 Samuel 20:30 “Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious [woman], do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness?”

And Jonathan having replied that David had asked and obtained his permission to attend a family anniversary at Beth-lehem (Acts 20:28-29), the pent-up passions of the king burst out in a most violent storm of rage and invective against his son.

“Son of the perverse rebellious woman”: With a vile epithet, Saul was cursing Jonathan, not Jonathan’s mother, for having sided with David to his own shame and the shame of the mother who birthed him.

Saul did not like Jonathan siding in with David. It was really Jonathan he was calling perverse and rebellious. He said this about Jonathan’s mother to hurt Jonathan more deeply, than if he had said it about Jonathan. He is saying that Jonathan’s mother will be ashamed of Jonathan choosing David over his father.

1 Samuel 20:31 “For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.”

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 Beth-lehem for him to come to court directly.

“For he shall surely die”: Or he is “the son of death”; guilty of death, as the Targum, deserves to die, and Saul was determined upon his death if possible.

Saul is trying to tell Jonathan that his inheritance to the throne has been taken by David. Really Saul is not interested in Jonathan; he just wants to turn Jonathan against David. He is trying to get Jonathan to kill David. He knows that David would come in for Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20:32 “And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?”

Making no answer to the charges of perverseness, rebellion, and folly brought against himself, which he bore with patience. But could not bear to hear his dear friend spoken against, and as worthy of death; and therefore in answer to that says.

“Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?” Has he attempted to take away thy life? To deprive thee of thy crown? To settle himself upon the throne? What overt act of treason has he been guilty of that he should die? On the contrary, has he not done many things worthy of immortal honor, for the good of the nation, and the glory of thy reign? And if God has determined the kingdom for him, and anointed him to it, what blame can be laid upon him? Nay, should he not be the rather respected and honored?

Saul knows David has done nothing to be killed for. Saul is afraid of losing his throne to David. That is Saul’s real reason for killing David.

1 Samuel 20:33 “And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.”

So provoked to wrath was he by what he said. It seems by this that Saul always had a javelin or spear in his hand, which is to be accounted for by the custom of those times. In other countries, as well as in this, the kings used to carry spears in their hands instead of scepters, and which they used as such.

“Whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David”: For since he attempted to smite him, his own son, for speaking on his behalf, it might be well concluded, that such was his state of mind, that he would if possible kill David, if he could get him into his hands.

Saul attempted to hit his own son with the javelin, because he did not want to kill David. Jonathan realizes that Saul will not be satisfied until he has killed David.

1 Samuel 20:34 “So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.”

Resenting his father’s attempt to kill him; and also Saul’s resolution to kill David.

“And did eat no meat the second day of the month”: Not then at that meal he was just sat down to, nor at another time that day, his stomach was so full through indignation at his father, and grief for his friend David. Besides, being a mourner on the above accounts, he might not eat of the sacrifices.

“For he was grieved for David”: That his death should be determined upon by his father, and he in so much danger of it; as also that he himself must be parted from and lose so dear a friend, which was one reason he ate no meat that day.

“Because his father had done him shame”: The copulative “and” being wanting; and this he did by calling him a perverse and rebellious son, and representing him as an errant fool, and particularly by casting a javelin at him to smite him.

Jonathan was now angry with Saul, his father. He knew Saul had no good reason for wanting to kill David. Jonathan left the feast. He refused to eat the meat of the feast.

1 Samuel 20:35 “And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.”

The next morning that was the morning of the third day of the month.

“That Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David”: He went to the place in the field, or near it, where David hid himself, and at the time agreed between them; which, Abarbinel says, was the time the nobles agreed on for walking, and motion, and for hunting, and casting of arrows. So that Jonathan could go forth without suspicion.

“And a little lad with him; to carry his bow and arrows, and fetch his arrows when cast.

Jonathan remembered his promise to David, and went out with the lad to shoot the arrows.

1 Samuel 20:36 “And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. [And] as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.”

He no doubt told him the mark which he should shoot at, the stone Ezel, and bid him look out about that for them.

“And as the lad ran”: Before he had got to the mark.

“He shot an arrow beyond him”: Or it; beyond the lad, or beyond the mark he shot at; purposely shooting with great strength, that he might exceed, and thereby give notice to David how things stood, which was the sign agreed on.

This was done, so Jonathan could shout instructions for him to go further. This was the sign to David that he should flee. The fact that Jonathan had the little lad with him was to keep down suspicion.

1 Samuel 20:37 “And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, [Is] not the arrow beyond thee?”

To the mark which he told him he should shoot at and whereabouts he might expect to find the arrow.

“Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, is not the arrow beyond thee?” He cried with a loud voice and said this, not so much that the lad might hear him, but that David, who lay hid near the place, might hear him. So that if they had no opportunity of seeing and conversing with each other through any person going by at that time. David might know by this sign that evil was determined against him, and must flee for his life.

Jonathan was making sure that David realized it was necessary for him to flee.

1 Samuel 20:38 “And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan’s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.”

But bring the arrows to him directly, that he might dismiss him. For, observing that no man was passing by, he was desirous of embracing the opportunity for a few minutes to have an interview with David alone before he fled.

“And Jonathan’s lad gathered up the arrows”: For though the textual reading is singular, the marginal is plural, to show, as Kimchi observes, that he cast three arrows, as he said he would (1 Sam. 20:20).

“And came to his master”: With the arrows.

1 Samuel 20:39 “But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.”

What was meant by shooting the arrows and by shooting them beyond where he was, and by bidding him make haste to bring them back to him.

“Only Jonathan and David knew the matter”: What was signified by them, those being signs agreed upon between them.

This would not have been kept secret, if the lad had known what the reason was for running after the arrows. Jonathan cried out all of these things, so no one would know the reason.

1 Samuel 20:40 “And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry [them] to the city.”

“His vessels” Or instruments; his arms, as the Targum, his quiver, bow, and arrows.

“And said unto him, go, carry them to the city”: To Gibeah, to Jonathan’s house, or to his apartments at court there.

This was a way to get rid of the boy. Jonathan sent his weapon back to town with the boy, so he could say goodbye to David.

1 Samuel 20:41 “[And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of [a place] toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.”

“Bowed three times”: David’s bowing down more than once acknowledged Jonathan as the prince, and expressed humble affection for him.

These close friends hugged, and as was the custom in their land, they kissed. David had bowed before Jonathan prior to their hugging each other. “Exceeded” means that David broke down weeping. These good friends thought this might be their last time to see each other.

1 Samuel 20:42 “And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.”

Hereafter, “David” would remain a fugitive, living in exile and in flight from Saul until the king’s death.

“Sworn” (see note on 20:17).

“The city”: I.e., Gibeah, the home of Saul. From this point until Saul’s death, David was an outcast from the royal court.

They would always be friends. They would let this friendship live on in their children, if one of them die. Their bond of friendship was sealed with an oath to God. David fled to hide and Jonathan went back into the city.

1 Samuel 20: Questions