1Sa 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?
David fled from Naioth - On hearing that Saul had come to that place, knowing that he was no longer in safety, he fled for his life. While Saul was under the constraining influence of the spirit of prophecy, David escaped from Naioth, and, probably by Samuel’s advice, returned to Saul’s court to commune with Jonathan. Nothing could be a better evidence of his innocence than thus putting himself in Jonathan’s power. Perhaps something passed between Samuel and Saul on the subject, since it appears from 1Sa_20:5, 1Sa_20:25, 1Sa_20:27, that Saul expected David at the feast of the new moon.
The trials David met with, prepared him for future advancement. Thus the Lord deals with those whom he prepares unto glory. He does not put them into immediate possession of the kingdom, but leads them to it through much tribulation, which he makes the means of fitting them for it. Let them not murmur at his gracious appointment, nor distrust his care; but let them look forward with joyful expectation to the crown which is laid up for them. Sometimes it appears to us that there is but a step between us and death; at all times it may be so, and we should prepare for the event. But though dangers appear most threatening, we cannot die till the purpose of God concerning us is accomplished; nor till we have served our generation according to his will, if we are believers.
1Sa 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 shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.
My father will do nothing - Jonathan thought that his father could have no evil design against David, because of the oath which he had sworn to himself 1Sa_19:6 And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. And Saul swore, As the LORD lives, he shall not die. and at any rate, that he would do nothing against David without informing him. Jonathan’s unwillingness to believe evil of his father is one of the many admirable traits in his character.
My father will do nothing - He could not believe his father had any such intention; and that if he discovered anything of that kind, it was only when he was in a frenzy, and a melancholy disorder had seized him; and that David had nothing to fear on that head, and that he would secure him from all danger in that respect; the thing was too gross and detestable to be credited:
but that he will show it me - such an interest had Saul in Jonathan, and in his favor, being his son and heir to his crown, and having done many warlike exploits, which had the more endeared him to him, that he made him privy to all his secret designs, and took his opinion in all matters of moment and importance:
1Sa 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.
And David sware moreover - Rather, “yet again.” He met Jonathan’s denial by repeating his statement and confirming it with an oath.
And David sware moreover - 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: The matter being of great moment, and Jonathan doubting the truth of it, he confirms his word with an oath, which follows in the end of the verse. Only he interposed a reason why Saul concealed it from Jonathan.
1Sa 20:4 Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
Then said Jonathan unto David - Now giving credit to what he had said, and in order to comfort and support him under the apprehensions he had of danger:
1Sa 20:5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow 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.
Tomorrow is the new moon - The new moon, or beginning of each month, was celebrated with especial sacrifices and blowing of trumpets. The feast was kept with great solemnity as “a day of gladness,” and we may presume that the “peace offerings” offered on the occasion furnished the tables of those that offered. This request implies that Saul gave a feast at the new moon, and therefore that the new moon was not merely a religious festival, according to the law in Num_10:10; Num_28:11-15, but that it was kept as a civil festival also.
Tomorrow is the new moon - The months of the Hebrews were lunar months, and they reckoned from new moon to new moon. And as their other feasts, particularly the passover, were reckoned according to this, they were very scrupulous in observing the first appearance of each new moon. On these new moons they offered sacrifices, and had a feast; as we learn from Num_10:10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings, so that they may be to you for a memorial before your GOD. I am the LORD your God. Num_28:11 And in the beginning of your months you shall offer a burnt offering to the LORD: two young bulls, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot, And we may suppose that the families, on such occasions, sacrificed and feasted together. To this David seems to refer; but the gathering together all the families of a whole tribe seems to have taken place only once in the year. There is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family, 1Sa_20:6.
I should not fail to sit with the king at meat - it had been usual for him at such a time to sit at table with the king; next to him, either as his son-in-law, or as one of his princes; the custom being for the king, and his family and nobles, to eat together on that day upon the peace offerings; and it was the duty of David to attend at that time, and it might be expected he would:
but let me go - he asked leave of Jonathan, who had power in his father's absence to grant it, Saul not being yet returned from Naioth:
To the third day - That is, unto the next day, but one after the new moon. His meaning is not, that he would hide himself in any certain place all the three days, but that he would secure himself either at Bethlehem with his friends, or in any other place 'till the third day.
David said unto Jonathan--The beginning of a new month or moon was always celebrated by special sacrifices, followed by feasting, at which the head of a family expected all its members to be present. David, both as the king's son-in-law and a distinguished courtier, dined on such occasions at the royal table, and from its being generally known that David had returned to Gibeah, his presence in the palace would be naturally expected. This occasion was chosen by the two friends for testing the king's state of feeling. As a suitable pretext for David's absence, it was arranged that he should visit his family at Bethlehem , and thus create an opportunity of ascertaining how his non-appearance would be viewed. The time and place were fixed for Jonathan reporting to David; but as circumstances might render another interview unsafe, it was deemed expedient to communicate by a concerted signal.
1Sa 20:6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.
If thy father at all miss me - This ground of excuse shows that families and households were accustomed to keep united sacrificial feasts once a year. According to the law in Deu_12:5-7, they ought to have been kept at the tabernacle; but at this time, when the central sanctuary had fallen into disuse, they were held in different places, wherever there were altars of Jehovah - as, for example, at Bethlehem (cf. 1Sa_16:2.). We see from these words that David did not look upon prevarication as a sin. Or perhaps he went to Bethlehem , and returned soon enough to meet Jonathan in the field at the time fixed by them on the third day
Bethlehem his city - the place of his birth, called the city of David, where he was born and had lived, Luk_2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee to be taxed (out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David) which was not far from Gibeah
1Sa 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.
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 an happy turn, and would issue in his peace and prosperity:
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.
1Sa 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?
a covenant of the Lord - David made sure that Jonathan would grant this request on account of his friendship, as he had brought him into a covenant of Jehovah with himself. David calls the covenant of friendship with Jonathan 1Sa_18:3 And Jonathan and David cut a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul a covenant of Jehovah, because he had made it with a solemn invocation of Jehovah.
If there be in me iniquity - If thou seest that I am plotting either against the state, or the life of thy father, then slay me thyself.
deal kindly with thy servant - By informing him how his father's mind stood affected to him, that he might conduct himself accordingly, either by appearing at court, or by providing for his safety by flight:
into a covenant of the Lord with thee - a covenant of friendship between Jonathan and David, of which Jonathan was the first mover, and so is said to bring or persuade him into it; called the covenant of the Lord, because made in his name and fear, and before him as a witness of it;
why shouldest thou bring me to thy father - deliver him up into his hands to be put to a cruel death by him, or give him the trouble of doing it, when he might as well dispatch him at once.
1Sa 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?
1Sa 20:10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
Who shall tell me - Who shall give me the necessary information? What means wilt thou use to convey this intelligence to me?
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
1Sa 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.
Come, and let us go out into the field - Before replying to these questions, Jonathan asked David to go with him to the field, that they might there fix upon the sign by which he would let him know, in a way in which no one could suspect, what was the state of his father's mind. 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.
1Sa 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
Jonathan said O Lord God of Israel - Or by the Lord God of Israel , I swear unto thee; for this is the form of the oath.
Jonathan said O Lord God of Israel - Do thou hear and judge between us. It is an abrupt speech which is usual in great passions.
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 - he will send a messenger to acquaint David with it
1Sa 20:13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew 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.
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. From this, and other passages here it is evident that Jonathan knew that the Lord had appointed David to the kingdom.
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:
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:
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:
1Sa 20:14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
Show me the kindness of the Lord - The general meaning is: Jonathan had a presentiment, doubtless from God, that David would be established upon the throne. By God’s mercy he had the comfort, which he well deserved, of knowing that his own posterity would receive kindness at David’s hand.
Show me the kindness of the Lord - Such kindness as is well pleasing in the sight of God, and imitate what he shows to men, and which was covenanted, promised, and agreed to in the presence of the Lord, when David and Jonathan entered into covenant with each other; this Jonathan did not doubt of.
that I die not - he had no fear nor dread on his mind, should David come to the throne while he was alive, that he would take away his life; which was usually done by tyrants and usurpers, when there were any that had a fairer title, and better claim to the throne than they.
1Sa 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.
Not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David - Saul and his sons, and everyone that should oppose his settlement in the kingdom: Jonathan's meaning is, that the covenant between them should not be only between them personally, but include their posterity, as follows.
1Sa 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.
Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David - The covenant which before was personal, he now extends to the whole house of David, expecting a reciprocal enlargement of it on David's side, which doubtless he obtained. Thus Jonathan concluded a covenant with the house of David, namely, by bringing David to promise kindness to his family for ever.
let the Lord even require it at the hand of David's enemies - take vengeance on Jonathan, or on any of his posterity, should they break this covenant, by showing themselves enemies to David, and his crown; and, on the other hand, also on David, and his posterity, should they not show kindness to Jonathan and his seed, according to the tenor of this covenant.
1Sa 20:17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
because he loved him - it was not so much for the good and safety of his offspring that he made this motion, and was so desirous of renewing and enlarging his covenant with David, as it was his strong love and affection for him; being on that account desirous that there might be the strictest friendship imaginable retained between the two families.
he loved him as his own soul - or "with the love of his soul"; with the most cordial affection, with a truly hearty and sincere love. He had a true friendship for David, he desired that the covenant might be inviolably observed through all their generations.
1Sa 20:18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
1Sa 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.
The stone Ezel - which, because it signifies "going", the Jewish commentators generally understand it as a sign to direct travellers which way to go; but one would think this should be an improper place for David to be near, since it must be where two or more ways met, and so a public frequented place; others think therefore it had its name from David and Jonathan often going thither, to discourse with each other; the Septuagint calls it Ergab; and so the place where Jonathan, the son of Saul, exercised himself by shooting darts, is called by Jerom. It is not mentioned elsewhere.
remain by the stone Ezel--Hebrew, "the stone of the way"; a sort of milestone which directed travellers. He was to conceal himself in some cave or hiding-place near that spot.
when thou hast stayed three days - From court, either at Bethlehem , which seems most probable, or in some other place incognito; however, not in the field he proposed to hide himself in, where he could not continue so long for want of food:
when the business was in hand - when the affair was discoursed of, about getting knowledge how Saul was affected to David, and of informing him of it;
1Sa 20:20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
1Sa 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.
behold, I will send a lad - That attended on him, and carried his bow and arrows, and fetched his arrows when he had shot them:
1Sa 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.
1Sa 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
And as touching the matter - The covenant they had made between them and their families: 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.
the Lord be between me and thee for ever - as a witness of the covenant, and a revenger of those that should break it;
1Sa 20:24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.
So David hid himself in the field - Not directly, but at the time appointed; for he went to Bethlehem , and returned from thence before that time: None were more constant than David in attending holy duties; nor would he been absent, but self-preservation obliged him to withdraw.
1Sa 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.
even upon a seat by the wall - at the head of the couch by the wall, which was the most honorable place;
Jonathan arose - either in reverence to his father, when he came in and took his seat, or in respect to Abner upon his coming in, being the son of Saul's uncle, and general of the army; for though he arose, he did not depart, it is plain he sat down again, 1Sa_20:34. One scholar thinks that after Jonathan had sat down at the side of his father, he arose and placed Abner there, because he would not be near his father, that if he should be angry with him on account of David, he might not be near him to smite him:
Abner sat by Saul's side - according to Josephus, Jonathan sat at his right hand and Abner on the left, and it was usual for the master, or principal person, to sit in the middle; Saul was at the head of the table, and David was used to sit by him, and Jonathan by David, and Abner by Jonathan; and now the king sat in his place, and Jonathan in his place, and Abner after him; and David's place being empty, Jonathan was left next to his father, without any between; wherefore he now arose from his place, and Abner sat on that side where Saul was, so that Abner was between Jonathan and Saul:
1Sa 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.
He is not clean - The new moon being a religious feast, and the meat to be eaten being peace-offerings, no one could assist at the feast who had any ceremonial uncleanness upon him.
he is not clean, surely he is not clean - which he repeated in his mind for the confirmation of it, and in contempt, and to the reproach of David; and in this way he accounted for his absence the first day, and so was easy, it not being lawful and fitting for an unclean person in a ceremonial sense to eat of the peace offerings, which Saul and his family were now partaking of.
Something has happened to him - Some accident which has rendered him unclean, and so unfit to partake of this feast, which consisted in part of the remainders of the peace - offerings, according to the law, Lev 7:20 But the soul that eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings that pertain to Jehovah, having his uncleanness on him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people. Unfit also to come into any company, much more, into the king's company, lest he should pollute them also.
1Sa 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 to day?
And it came to pass on the morrow - The Targum is,"and it was on the day after it, which was the intercalation of the second month;'' when the beginning of the month was judged of by the appearance of the moon, and there was a difficulty about that, what day it appeared on, two days were kept for it; custom, not the law, had introduced this.
If this was not the case, since the remainder of peace offerings might be eaten the next day, Lev 7:16 But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offers his sacrifice. And on the next day also the rest of it shall be eaten. Saul and his guests might meet on the second day for that purpose:
Saul said to Jonathan - he accounted for his not coming yesterday, because he supposed he might be under some ceremonial uncleanness; but then that only lasted to the evening of that day; but not coming the second day when he was clean, Saul inquires after David.
the son of Jesse - he inquires after him and not owning him for his son-in-law, by way of contempt, and to lessen him in the esteem of all at table, he calls him the son of Jesse.
1Sa 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
1Sa 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 favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
Our family hath a sacrifice - Such sacrifices were undoubtedly festive ones; the beasts slain for the occasion were first offered to God, and their blood poured out before him; afterwards all that were bidden to the feast ate of the flesh. This was a family entertainment, at the commencement of which God was peculiarly honored.
my brother he hath commanded - 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:
1Sa 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?
Son of a perverse rebellious woman - The greatest insult and most stinging reproach that can be cast is to reproach his parents or ancestors. Saul means to intimate that Jonathan was stubborn from his mother’s womb.
thou hast chosen the son of Jesse - Thus Saul evidently suspected David as his rival, who would either wrest the government from him, or at any rate after his death from his son.
to thine own confusion - David would not reign in Saul’s lifetime, only after his death, but to the shame of Jonathan and his mother; to Jonathan's shame, who would be reckoned by men an arrant fool, to be so friendly to a rival, and who in all probability would jostle him out of the throne; and what would men say of him? that either he was not fit to reign, or had no right to the throne, that a son-in-law took place before him; and that his mother had played the whore, and he was no son of Saul, having nothing of his genius, temper, and disposition in him, as appeared by loving such his father hated; and besides, his mother would not have the honor she expected, to be the mother of a king.
Thy confusion - Men will conclude that thou hast no royal blood in thy veins, that canst so tamely give up thy crown to so contemptible a person.
1Sa 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.
thou shalt not be established - 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.
1Sa 20:32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
And Jonathan answered Saul - 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:
1Sa 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.
Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him - 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.
Saul cast a javelin at him--This is a sad proof of the maniacal frenzy into which the unhappy monarch was transported. Saul seemed to be in great care, that Jonathan should be established in his kingdom: and now he himself aims at his life!
1Sa 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.
Jonathan arose in fierce anger - Resenting his father's attempt to smite him, and his resolution to slay David: We should probably understand this rather of Jonathan’s grief than of his anger, the latter clause explaining the former: for he was grieved for David.
did eat no meat - not then at that meal, nor at another time that day, his stomach was so full through indignation at his father, and grief for his friend David; and 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.
1Sa 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.
1Sa 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.
1Sa 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?
when the lad was come to the place of the arrow - To the mark which he told him he should shoot at, and whereabout he might expect to find the arrow:
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 might hear him; so that David might know by this sign that evil was determined against him, and must flee for his life.
1Sa 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.
Make speed, haste, stay not - Though these words appear to be addressed to the lad, yet they were spoken to David, indicating that his life was at stake, and only a prompt flight could save him.
1Sa 20:39 But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
But the lad knew not anything – The lad did not know what was meant by shooting the arrows, and by shooting them beyond where he was, and by bidding him make haste to bring them:
1Sa 20:40 And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.
Jonathan then gave the boy his artillery - that he might be able to converse with David for a few seconds after his departure, and take leave of him unobserved. Here it means the bow, quiver, and arrows.
1Sa 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 himself three times - In token, doubtless, of his unshaken loyalty to Jonathan as the son of his king, as well as his friend; and in acknowledgment of Jonathan’s power to kill him if he saw fit. In reverence of Jonathan, as the son of a king, and in respect to him as his friend, who had so faithfully served him, and was so concerned to save his life:
David exceeded - His affection for Jonathan, coupled with his sense of Saul’s injustice and his own injured innocence, fully accounts for his strong emotion. David’s distress must, in the nature of things, be the greatest. Besides his friend Jonathan, whom he was now about to lose for ever, he lost his wife, relatives, country; and, what was most afflictive, the altars of his God, and the ordinances of religion.
until David exceeded - he having more to part with, not only him his dear friend, but his wife and family, and other dear friends and people of God, and especially the sanctuary and service of God, which of all things lay nearest his heart, and most distressed him; see 1Sa_26:19 And now, please let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if it is the sons of men, they are cursed before the LORD. For they have driven me out today from joining myself with the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.
out of a place toward the south - to the south of the field in which he was hid, or to the south of the stone Ezel, near which he was;
1Sa 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.
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.
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:
the Lord be between me and thee - as a witness of the agreement between them, including them and their offspring, and as a revenger of such that should break it.
he arose and departed - that is, David arose from the ground, and took his leave of Jonathan, and departed into the country for the safety of his person and life:
