mh_parser/vol_split/9 - 1Samuel/Chapter 20.xml

<div2 id="iSam.xxi" n="xxi" next="iSam.xxii" prev="iSam.xx" progress="34.28%" title="Chapter XX">
<h2 id="iSam.xxi-p0.1">F I R S T   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iSam.xxi-p0.2">CHAP. XX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iSam.xxi-p1">David, having several times narrowly escaped
Saul's fury, begins to consider at last whether it may not be
necessary for him to retire into the country and to take up arms in
his own defence. But he will not do so daring a thing without
consulting his faithful friend Jonathan; how he did this, and what
passed between them, we have an account in this chapter, where we
have as surprising instances of supernatural love as we had in the
chapter before of unnatural hatred. I. David complains to Jonathan
of his present distress, and engages him to be his friend,
<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.1-1Sam.20.8" parsed="|1Sam|20|1|20|8" passage="1Sa 20:1-8">ver. 1-8</scripRef>. II. Jonathan
faithfully promises to get and give him intelligence how his father
stood affected to him, and renews the covenant of friendship with
him, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.9-1Sam.20.23" parsed="|1Sam|20|9|20|23" passage="1Sa 20:9-23">ver. 9-23</scripRef>. III.
Jonathan, upon trial, finds, to his grief, that his father was
implacably enraged against David, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.24-1Sam.20.34" parsed="|1Sam|20|24|20|34" passage="1Sa 20:24-34">ver. 24-34</scripRef>. IV. He gives David notice of
this, according to the appointment between them, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.35-1Sam.20.42" parsed="|1Sam|20|35|20|42" passage="1Sa 20:35-42">ver. 35-42</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iSam.xxi-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20" parsed="|1Sam|20|0|0|0" passage="1Sa 20" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iSam.xxi-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.1-1Sam.20.8" parsed="|1Sam|20|1|20|8" passage="1Sa 20:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.20.1-1Sam.20.8">
<h4 id="iSam.xxi-p1.7">David Consults Jonathan. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p1.8">b. c.</span> 1058.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xxi-p2">1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came
and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what <i>is</i> mine
iniquity? and what <i>is</i> my sin before thy father, that he
seeketh my life?   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 <i>is</i> not <i>so.</i>   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 <i>as</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p2.1">Lord</span> liveth, and <i>as</i> thy soul liveth,
<i>there is</i> but a step between me and death.   4 Then said
Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do
<i>it</i> for thee.   5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold,
to morrow <i>is</i> 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 <i>day</i> at even.   6 If thy father at
all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked <i>leave</i> of me
that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for <i>there is</i> a
yearly sacrifice there for all the family.   7 If he say thus,
<i>It is</i> well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very
wroth, <i>then</i> be sure that evil is determined by him.   8
Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast
brought thy servant into a covenant of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p2.2">Lord</span> with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in
me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to
thy father?</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p3">Here, I. David makes a representation to
Jonathan of his present troubles. While Saul lay bound by his
trance at Naioth David escaped to the court, and got to speak with
Jonathan. And it was happy for him that he had such a friend at
court, when he had such an enemy on the throne. If there be those
that hate and despise us, let us not be disturbed at that, for
there are those also that love and respect us. God hath set the one
over against the other, and so must we. Jonathan was a friend that
loved at all times, loved David as well now in his distress, and
bade him as welcome into his arms, as he had done when he was in
his triumph (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.18.1" parsed="|1Sam|18|1|0|0" passage="1Sa 18:1"><i>ch.</i> xviii.
1</scripRef>), and he was <i>a brother that was born for
adversity,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.17.17" parsed="|Prov|17|17|0|0" passage="Pr 17:17">Prov. xvii.
17</scripRef>. Now, 1. David appeals to Jonathan himself concerning
his innocency, and he needed not say much to him for the proof of
it, only he desired him that if he knew of any just offence he had
given his father he would tell him, that he might humble himself
and beg his pardon: <i>What have I done?</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.1" parsed="|1Sam|20|1|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. 2. He endeavors to convince him
that, notwithstanding his innocency, Saul sought his life.
Jonathan, from a principal of filial respect to his father, was
very loth to believe that he designed or would ever do so wicked a
thing, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.2" parsed="|1Sam|20|2|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. He the
rather hoped so because he knew nothing of any such design, and he
had usually been made privy to all his counsels. Jonathan, as
became a dutiful son, endeavored to cover his father's shame, as
far as was consistent with justice and fidelity to David. Charity
is not forward to think evil of any, especially of a parent,
<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.13.5" parsed="|1Cor|13|5|0|0" passage="1Co 13:5">1 Cor. xiii. 5</scripRef>. David
therefore gives him the assurance of an oath concerning his own
danger, swears the peace upon Saul, that he was in fear of his life
by him: "<i>As the Lord liveth,</i> than which nothing more sure in
itself, and as <i>thy soul liveth,</i> than which nothing more
certain to thee, whatever thou thinkest, <i>there is but a step
between me and death,</i>" <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.3" parsed="|1Sam|20|3|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:3"><i>v.</i>
3</scripRef>. And, as for Saul's concealing it from Jonathan, it
was easy to account for that; he knew the friendship between him
and David, and therefore, though in other things he advised with
him, yet not in that. None more fit than Jonathan to serve him in
every design that was just and honourable, but he knew him to be a
man of more virtue than to be his confidant in so base a design as
the murder of David.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p4">II. Jonathan generously offers him his
service (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.4" parsed="|1Sam|20|4|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>):
<i>Whatsoever thou desirest,</i> he needed not insert the proviso
of lawful and honest (for he knew David too well to think he would
ask any thing that was otherwise), <i>I will even do it for
thee.</i> This is true friendship. Thus Christ testifies his love
to us: <i>Ask, and it shall be done for you;</i> and we must
testify ours to him by keeping his commandments.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p5">III. David only desires him to satisfy
himself, and then to satisfy him whether Saul did really design his
death or no. Perhaps David proposed this more for Jonathan's
conviction than his own, for he himself was well satisfied. 1. The
method of trial he proposed was very natural, and would certainly
discover how Saul stood affected to him. The two next days Saul was
to dine publicly, upon occasion of the solemnities of the new moon,
when extraordinary sacrifices were offered and feasts made upon the
sacrifices. Saul was rejected of God, and the Spirit of the Lord
had departed from him, yet he kept up his observance of the holy
feasts. There may be the remains of external devotion where there
is nothing but the ruins of real virtue. At these solemn feasts
Saul had either all his children to sit with him, and David had a
seat as one of them, or all his great officers, and David had a
seat as one of <i>them.</i> However it was, David resolved his seat
should be empty (and that it never used to be at a sacred feast)
those two days (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.5" parsed="|1Sam|20|5|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>), and he would abscond till the solemnity was over,
and put it upon this issue: if Saul admitted an excuse for his
absence, and dispensed with it, he would conclude he had changed
his mind and was reconciled to him; but if he resented it, and was
put into a passion by it, it was easy to conclude he designed him a
mischief, since it was certain he did not love him so well as to
desire his presence for any other end than that he might have an
opportunity to do him a mischief, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.7" parsed="|1Sam|20|7|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. 2. The excuse he desired
Jonathan to make for his absence, we have reason to think, was
true, that he was invited by his elder brother to Bethlehem, his
own city, to celebrate this new moon with his relations there,
because, besides the monthly solemnity in which they held communion
with all Israel, they had now a yearly sacrifice, and a holy feast
upon it, for <i>all the family,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.6" parsed="|1Sam|20|6|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. They kept a day of thanksgiving
in their family for the comforts they enjoyed, and of prayer for
the continuance of them. By this it appears that the family David
was of was a very religious family, a house that had a church in
it. 3. The arguments he used with Jonathan to persuade him to do
this kindness for him were very pressing, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.8" parsed="|1Sam|20|8|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. (1.) That he had entered into a
league of friendship with him, and it was Jonathan's own proposal:
<i>Thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with
thee.</i> (2.) That he would by no means urge him to espouse his
cause if he was not sure that it was a righteous cause: "<i>If
there be iniquity in me,</i> I am so far from desiring or expecting
that the covenant between us should bind thee to be a confederate
with me in that iniquity that I freely release thee from it, and
wish that my hand may be first upon me: <i>Slay me thyself.</i>" No
honest man will urge his friend to do a dishonest thing for his
sake.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xxi-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.9-1Sam.20.23" parsed="|1Sam|20|9|20|23" passage="1Sa 20:9-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.20.9-1Sam.20.23">
<h4 id="iSam.xxi-p5.6">Jonathan's Covenant with
David. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p5.7">b. c.</span> 1058.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xxi-p6">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?   10 Then said David
to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what <i>if</i> thy father answer
thee roughly?   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.   12 And Jonathan said unto David, <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.1">O Lord</span> God of Israel, when I have sounded my
father about to morrow any time, <i>or</i> the third <i>day,</i>
and, behold, <i>if there be</i> good toward David, and I then send
not unto thee, and shew it thee;   13 The <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.2">Lord</span> do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it
please my father <i>to do</i> thee evil, then I will shew it thee,
and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.3">Lord</span> be with thee, as he hath been with my
father.   14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me
the kindness of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.4">Lord</span>, that I die
not:   15 But <i>also</i> thou shalt not cut off thy kindness
from my house for ever: no, not when the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.5">Lord</span> hath cut off the enemies of David every one
from the face of the earth.   16 So Jonathan made <i>a
covenant</i> with the house of David, <i>saying,</i> Let the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.6">Lord</span> even require <i>it</i> at the hand of
David's enemies.   17 And Jonathan caused David to swear
again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own
soul.   18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow <i>is</i>
the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be
empty.   19 And <i>when</i> thou hast stayed three days,
<i>then</i> thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where
thou didst hide thyself when the business was <i>in hand,</i> and
shalt remain by the stone Ezel.   20 And I will shoot three
arrows on the side <i>thereof,</i> as though I shot at a mark.
  21 And, behold, I will send a lad, <i>saying,</i> Go, find
out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows
<i>are</i> on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for
<i>there is</i> peace to thee, and no hurt; <i>as</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.7">Lord</span> liveth.   22 But if I say thus
unto the young man, Behold, the arrows <i>are</i> beyond thee; go
thy way: for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.8">Lord</span> hath sent thee
away.   23 And <i>as touching</i> the matter which thou and I
have spoken of, behold, the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p6.9">Lord</span>
<i>be</i> between thee and me for ever.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p7">Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to
David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David
had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear
that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him
warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite
solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him
(<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.9" parsed="|1Sam|20|9|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>): "<i>Far be
it from thee</i> to think that I suspect thee of any crime for
which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my
father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, <i>Come let us go
into the field</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.11" parsed="|1Sam|20|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge
him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his
friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know
how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and
would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If
there be <i>good towards thee,</i> I will <i>show it thee,</i> that
thou mayest be easy (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.12" parsed="|1Sam|20|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>), if evil, I will <i>send thee away,</i> that thou
mayest be safe" (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.13" parsed="|1Sam|20|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil
if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary.
For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a
witness (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.12" parsed="|1Sam|20|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>):
"<i>O Lord God of Israel,</i> thou knowest I mean sincerely, and
think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of
his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "<i>The Lord do so
and much more to Jonathan</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.13" parsed="|1Sam|20|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>), if I speak deceitfully, or
break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly
that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus
God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have <i>strong
consolation,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Heb.6.17-Heb.6.18" parsed="|Heb|6|17|6|18" passage="Heb 6:17,18">Heb. vi. 17,
18</scripRef>. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty
prayers: "<i>The Lord be with thee,</i> to protect and prosper
thee, <i>as he has been</i> formerly <i>with my father,</i> though
now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would
be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper
in it better than his father now did.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p8">II. He provides for the entail of the
covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.14-1Sam.20.16" parsed="|1Sam|20|14|20|16" passage="1Sa 20:14-16"><i>v.</i> 14-16</scripRef>. He engages David
to be a friend to his family when he was gone (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.15" parsed="|1Sam|20|15|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>): <i>Thou shalt</i> promise
that thou wilt <i>not cut off thy kindness from my house for
ever.</i> This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his
children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease,
and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present
interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement,
and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or
unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, <i>the Lord would
cut off his enemies,</i> Saul himself was not expected; then "<i>Do
not thou cut off thy kindness from my house,</i> nor revenge my
father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise
be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he
<i>made a covenant</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.16" parsed="|1Sam|20|16|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>) <i>with the house of David.</i> Note, True friends
cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual
affections. <i>Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake
not.</i> This kindness, 1. He calls <i>the kindness of the
Lord,</i> because it is such kindness as God shows to those he
takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to
their seed; they are <i>beloved for the fathers' sakes.</i> 2. He
secures it by an imprecation (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.16" parsed="|1Sam|20|16|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>): <i>The Lord require it at the
hand of David's seed</i> (for of David himself he had no suspicion)
if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the
posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or
some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and
confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as
Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:Judg.9.5" parsed="|Judg|9|5|0|0" passage="Jdg 9:5">Judg. ix. 5</scripRef>), and this he would effectually
prevent; but the reason given (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.17" parsed="|1Sam|20|17|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>) why Jonathan was so earnest to
have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of
self in it; it was because <i>he loved him as he loved his own
soul,</i> and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by
him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as
amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved
him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the
principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn
to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it)
<i>to swear again,</i> which David consented to (for he that bears
an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his
love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's
heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he
concluded with a solemn appeal to God: <i>The Lord be between me
and thee for ever</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.23" parsed="|1Sam|20|23|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our
families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be
violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was
kind to Mephibosheth, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p8.8" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.9.7 Bible:2Sam.21.7" parsed="|2Sam|9|7|0|0;|2Sam|21|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 9:7,21:7">2 Sam. ix.
7; xxi. 7</scripRef>. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours
to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his
friends ours.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p9">III. He settles the method of intelligence,
and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his
father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first
day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be
enquired after, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.18" parsed="|1Sam|20|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>. On the third day, by which time he would have
returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.19" parsed="|1Sam|20|19|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), and Jonathan would
come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for
diversion (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.20" parsed="|1Sam|20|20|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>),
would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot
short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and
not be afraid to show his head (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.21" parsed="|1Sam|20|21|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>); but, if he shot beyond the
lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety,
<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.22" parsed="|1Sam|20|22|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. This
expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which
yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report
by word of mouth.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xxi-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.24-1Sam.20.34" parsed="|1Sam|20|24|20|34" passage="1Sa 20:24-34" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.20.24-1Sam.20.34">
<h4 id="iSam.xxi-p9.7">Jonathan Excuses David to
Saul. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p9.8">b. c.</span> 1058.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xxi-p10">24 So David hid himself in the field: and when
the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.   25
And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, <i>even</i> upon
a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's
side, and David's place was empty.   26 Nevertheless Saul
spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath
befallen him, he <i>is</i> not clean; surely he <i>is</i> not
clean.   27 And it came to pass on the morrow, <i>which
was</i> the second <i>day</i> 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?   28
And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked <i>leave</i> of
me <i>to go</i> to Bethlehem:   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 <i>to be there:</i> 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.
  30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he
said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious <i>woman,</i> 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?  
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.   32 And Jonathan
answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be
slain? what hath he done?   33 And Saul cast a javelin at him
to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his
father to slay David.   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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p11">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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p12">I. David is missed from the feast on the
first day, but nothing is said of him. <i>The king sat upon his
seat,</i> to feast upon the peace-offerings <i>as at other
times</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.25" parsed="|1Sam|20|25|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>),
and yet had his heart as full of envy and malice against David as
it could hold. He should first have been reconciled to him, and
then have come and offered his gift; but, instead of that, he
hoped, at this feast, to drink the blood of David. What an
abomination was that sacrifice which was brought with such a wicked
mind as this! <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.21.27" parsed="|Prov|21|27|0|0" passage="Pr 21:27">Prov. xxi.
27</scripRef>. When the king came to take his seat Jonathan arose,
in reverence to him both as a father and as his sovereign; every
one knew his place, but David's was empty. It did not use to be so.
None more content than he in attending holy duties; nor had he been
absent now but that he must have come at the peril of his life;
self-preservation obliged him to withdraw. In imminent peril
present opportunities may be waived, nay, we ought not to throw
ourselves into the mouth of danger. Christ him self absconded
often, till he knew that his hour had come. But that day Saul took
no notice that he missed David, but said within himself, "<i>Surely
he is not clean,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.26" parsed="|1Sam|20|26|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:26"><i>v.</i>
26</scripRef>. Some ceremonial pollution has befallen him, which
forbids him to eat of the holy things till he has <i>washed his
clothes, and bathed his flesh in water, and been unclean until the
evening.</i>" Saul knew what conscience David made of the law, and
that he would rather keep away from the holy feast than come in his
uncleanness. Blessed be God, no uncleanness is now a restraint upon
us, but what we may by faith and repentance be washed from in the
fountain opened, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.26.6" parsed="|Ps|26|6|0|0" passage="Ps 26:6">Ps. xxvi.
6</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p13">II. He is enquired for the second day,
<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.27" parsed="|1Sam|20|27|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>. Saul asked
Jonathan, who he knew was his confidant, <i>Wherefore cometh not
the son of Jesse to meat?</i> He was his own son by marriage, but
he calls him in disdain, <i>the son of Jesse.</i> He asks for him
as if he were not pleased that he should be absent from a religious
feast; and so it should be example to masters of families to see to
it that those under their charge be not absent from the worship of
God, either in public or in the family. It is a bad thing for us,
except in case of necessity, to omit an opportunity of statedly
attending on God in solemn ordinances. Thomas lost a sight of
Christ by being once absent from a meeting of the disciples. But
that which displeased Saul was that hereby he missed the
opportunity he expected of doing David a mischief.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p14">III. Jonathan makes his excuse, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.28-1Sam.20.29" parsed="|1Sam|20|28|20|29" passage="1Sa 20:28,29"><i>v.</i> 28, 29</scripRef>. 1. That he was
absent upon a good occasion, keeping the feast in another place,
though not here, sent for by his elder brother, who was now more
respectful to him than he had been (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.17.28" parsed="|1Sam|17|28|0|0" passage="1Sa 17:28"><i>ch.</i> xvii. 28</scripRef>), and that he had gone
to pay his respects to his relations, for the keeping up of
brotherly love; and no master would deny a servant liberty to do
that in due time. He pleads, 2. That he did not go without leave
humbly asked and obtained from Jonathan, who, as his superior
officer, was proper to be applied to for it. Thus he represents
David as not wanting in any instance of respect and duty to the
government.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p15">IV. Saul hereupon breaks out into a most
extravagant passion, and rages like a lion disappointed of his
prey. David was out of his reach, but he falls upon Jonathan for
his sake (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.30-1Sam.20.31" parsed="|1Sam|20|30|20|31" passage="1Sa 20:30,31"><i>v.</i> 30,
31</scripRef>), gives him base language, not fit for a gentleman, a
prince, to give to any man, especially his own son, heir apparent
to his crown, a son that served him, the greatest stay and ornament
of his family, before a great deal of company, at a feast, when all
should be in good humour, at a sacred feast, by which all irregular
passions should be mortified and subdued; yet he does in effect
call him, 1. A bastard: <i>Thou son of the perverse rebellious
woman;</i> that is, according to the foolish filthy language of
men's brutish passion now a day, "Thou son of a whore." He tells
him he was born <i>to the confusion of his mother,</i> that is, he
had given the world cause to suspect that he was not the legitimate
son of Saul, because he loved him whom Saul hated and supported him
who would be the destruction of their family. 2. A traitor: <i>Thou
son of a perverse rebellion</i> (so the word is), that is, "thou
perverse rebel." At other times he reckoned no counsellor or
commander that he had more trusty and well-beloved than Jonathan;
yet now in this passion he represents him as dangerous to his crown
and life. 3. A fool: <i>Thou hast chosen the son of Jesse</i> for
thy friend <i>to thy own confusion,</i> for while he lives <i>thou
shalt never be established.</i> Jonathan indeed did wisely and well
for himself and family to secure an interest in David, whom Heaven
had destined to the throne, yet, for this, he is branded as most
impolitic. It is good taking God's people for our people and going
with those that have him with them. It will prove to our advantage
at last, however for the present it may be thought a disparagement,
and a prejudice to our secular interest. It is probable Saul knew
that David was anointed to the kingdom by the same hand that
anointed him, and then not Jonathan, but himself, was the fool, to
think to defeat the counsels of God. Yet nothing will serve him but
David must die, and Jonathan must fetch him to execution. See how
ill Saul's passion looks, and let it warn us against the indulgence
of any thing like it in ourselves. Anger is madness, and <i>he that
hates his brother is a murderer.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p16">V. Jonathan is sorely grieved and put into
disorder by his father's barbarous passion, and the more because he
had hoped better things, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.2" parsed="|1Sam|20|2|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>. He was troubled for his father, that he should be
such a brute, troubled for his friend, whom he knew to be a friend
of God, that he should be so basely abused; he was <i>grieved for
David</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.34" parsed="|1Sam|20|34|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:34"><i>v.</i> 34</scripRef>),
and troubled for himself too, because <i>his father had done him
shame,</i> and, though most unjustly, yet he must submit to it. One
would pity Jonathan to see how he was put, 1. Into the peril of
sin. Much ado that wise and good man had to keep his temper, upon
such a provocation as this. His father's reflections upon himself
made no return to; it becomes inferiors to bear with meekness and
silence the contempts put upon them in wrath and passion. <i>When
thou art the anvil lie thou still.</i> But his dooming David to die
he could not bear: to that he replied with some heat (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.32" parsed="|1Sam|20|32|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>), <i>Wherefore shall he
be slain?</i> <i>What has he done?</i> Generous spirits can much
more easily bear to be abused themselves than to hear their friends
abused. 2. Into the peril of death. Saul was now so outrageous that
he threw his javelin at Jonathan, <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.33" parsed="|1Sam|20|33|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>. He seemed to be in great care
(<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.31" parsed="|1Sam|20|31|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>) than
Jonathan should be established in his kingdom, and yet now he
himself aims at his life. What fools, what savage beasts and worse
does anger make men! How necessary it is to put a hook in its nose
and a bridle in its jaws! Jonathan was fully satisfied that evil
was determined against David, which put him out of frame
exceedingly: he <i>rose from table,</i> thinking it high time when
his life was struck at, and <i>would eat no meat,</i> for they were
not to eat of the holy things in their mourning. All the guests, we
may suppose, were discomposed, and the mirth of the feast was
spoiled. <i>He that is cruel troubles his own flesh,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:Prov.11.17" parsed="|Prov|11|17|0|0" passage="Pr 11:17">Prov. xi. 17</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xxi-p0.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.35-1Sam.20.42" parsed="|1Sam|20|35|20|42" passage="1Sa 20:35-42" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.20.35-1Sam.20.42">
<h4 id="iSam.xxi-p16.8">David Informed of His
Danger. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p16.9">b. c.</span> 1058.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xxi-p17">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.   36 And he said unto his lad, Run,
find out now the arrows which I shoot. <i>And</i> as the lad ran,
he shot an arrow beyond him.   37 And when the lad was come to
the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried
after the lad, and said, <i>Is</i> not the arrow beyond thee?
  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.   39 But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and
David knew the matter.   40 And Jonathan gave his artillery
unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry <i>them</i> to the city.
  41 <i>And</i> as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out
of <i>a place</i> 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.   42 And
Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn
both of us in the name of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p17.1">Lord</span>,
saying, The <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xxi-p17.2">Lord</span> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xxi-p18">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
(<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.35" parsed="|1Sam|20|35|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>), within
sight of which he knew David lay hid, sent his footboy to fetch his
arrows, which he would shoot at random (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.36" parsed="|1Sam|20|36|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:36"><i>v.</i> 36</scripRef>), and gave David the fatal
signal by shooting an arrow beyond the lad (<scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.37" parsed="|1Sam|20|37|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:37"><i>v.</i> 37</scripRef>): <i>Is not the arrow beyond
thee?</i> That word [<i>beyond</i>] David knew the meaning of
better than the lad. Jonathan dismissed the lad, who knew nothing
of the matter, and, finding the coast clear and no danger of a
discovery, he presumed upon one minute's personal conversation with
David after he had bidden him flee for his life. 2. The most
sorrowful parting of these two friends, who, for aught that
appears, never came together again but once, and that was by
stealth <i>in a wood,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.23.16" parsed="|1Sam|23|16|0|0" passage="1Sa 23:16"><i>ch.</i>
xxiii. 16</scripRef>. (1.) David addressed himself to Jonathan with
the reverence of a servant rather than the freedom of a friend:
<i>He fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three
times,</i> as one deeply sensible of his obligations to him for the
good services he had done him. (2.) They took leave of each other
with the greatest affection imaginable, with kisses and tears; they
wept on each other's neck <i>till David exceeded,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xxi-p18.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.41" parsed="|1Sam|20|41|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:41"><i>v.</i> 41</scripRef>. The separation of two
such faithful friends was equally grievous to them both, but
David's case was the more deplorable; for, when Jonathan was
returning to his family and friends, David was leaving all his
comforts, even those of God's sanctuary, and therefore his grief
exceeded Jonathan's, or perhaps it was because his temper was more
tender and his passions were stronger. (3.) They referred
themselves to the covenant of friendship that was between them,
both of them comforting themselves with this in this mournful
separation: "<i>We have sworn both of us in the name of the
Lord,</i> for ourselves and our heirs, that we and they will be
faithful and kind to each other from generation to generation."
Thus, while we are at home in the body and absent from the Lord,
this is our comfort, that he has <i>made with us an everlasting
covenant.</i></p>
</div></div2>