Bible Commentary

Nevertheless Saul spoke not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he [is] not clean; surely he [is] not clean. 26. he is not clean ] Persons who were ceremonially unclean were peremptorily excluded from participating in a religious festival. See Lev 7:20-21 ; 1Sa 16:5. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:26”

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. 25. upon a seat by the wall ] Saul occupied the place of honour at the top or the centre of the table … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:25”

So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. 24 34. Saul’s intention tested by Jonathan 24. meat ] Lit. bread. “Meat” in the E. V. signifies food in general, and is nowhere limited to the modem meaning flesh. This usage survives … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:24”

And [as touching] the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD [be] between thee and me forever. 23. as touching the matter, &c.] The reciprocal covenant of friendship just renewed and ratified. the Lord, &c.] As the witness of our covenant, and the avenger of any breach of it. Cp. Gen … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:23”

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. 22. the young man ] The stripling, as in 1Sa 17:56. the Lord hath sent thee away ] Bids thee depart. Jonathan is prepared to recognise the Divine Will in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:22”

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. I will send him out before I shoot, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:21”

And I will shoot three arrows on the side [thereof], as though I shot at a mark. 20. I will shoot, &c.] This sign was arranged in case Jonathan should be watched by Saul’s spies, and prevented from getting an interview with David without endangering him. No suspicion would be excited by Jonathan’s carrying the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:20”

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. 19. when the business was in hand ] Lit. “on the day of the business,” either the incident recorded … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:19”

Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow [is] the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. 18. thy seat will be empty ] At the sacrificial feast. See 1Sa 20:5 ; 1Sa 20:25. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 18 42. This section is the Haphtarah for the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:18”

And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 17. caused David to swear again, because, &c.] Jonathan exacted another oath beside that implied in 1Sa 20:16, because the intensity of his love impelled him to bind David by the strongest possible obligation. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 20:17”