The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 357

CHAPTER XIX. Vcrs. 4-7.-In the field Jonathan inter. cedes for David, assures his father of hia JoNATRAN'S LOVE FOR DAVID (vers. 1-7). friend's innocence, reminds him of his noble Ver. 1.--Saul spake to Jonathan his sou . .. exploit, and of Saul's own joy at it, and; that they should kill David. The transla- beseeches him not t~, shed innocent blood.. tion of the last clause is untenable ; it really And Saul, fickle and selfish, yet not destitute means "abont killing David," and so both of noble feelings, repents of his purpos~, and the Septuagint and the Syriac render it. with characteristic impetuosity takes an oath The descent of men once full of noble im- that David's life shall be spared. Wh.ere- pulses, as was the case with Saul, into open upon a reconciliation takes place, and David rrime is gradual, and with many halts on resumes his· attendance upon the . king's the way. Saul first gave way to envy, and person. instead of struggling against his bad feelings, RENEWED ATTEMPT TO SLAY DAVID FRUB• nourished them. Then, when scarcely ac- TRATED DY MICHAL (vers. 8-17). Vers. 8, countable for his actions, he threatened 9. -The-more correctly an-evil spirit from Dand's life ; and next, with growing malice, Jehovah. The fliendly relations between encouraged him in dangerous undertakings, Saul and David continued for some timo ; in the hope that in one of them he might but when at length war broke out again, be slain. And now he goeg one step farther. David acquitted himself with his usua' He talks to Jonathan and his officers con- ability and success, whereupon Saul's envy cerning the many reasons there were for and jealousy returned, and fits of melancholy, Dand's death; argues that without it there deepening into insanity, once again over• will be no security for himself and his clouded his reason. It is no longer called dynasty; represents David probably as a "an evil spirit from God," as in eh. xviii. 10, traitor, with secret purposes of usurping the but from Jehovah, as in eh. xvi. 14, suggest- throne ; and reveals what hitherto had been ing that it was no longer a natural influence, but the half-formed wishes of his heart. But but that Saul, having broken his covenant even now, probably, he still spoke of David's relations with Jehovah, was now punished by death as a painful necessity, and bad many him. While in this moody state the same misgivings in bis own mind. But be was temptation to slay David with his javelin really encouraging himself in crime, and by came over him, but with such violence that he cherishing thoughts of murder he was gradu- was no longer able to restrain his evil intent. ally descending towards the dark abyss into Vera. 10-12.-Saul sought to smite which he finally fell David. The verb used here is not that Vers. 2, 3.-Until the moming. Rather, rendered cast in eh. xviii. 11, where probably "in the morning." Saul's purpose was we had the record of a purpose threatened, taking shape, and as there are always men but not carried out. Here Saul actually too ready to commit crime at the bidding of threw his javelin at David with such violence a king, there was the da11ger that secret that it was fixed into the wall. Dut David, murder might be the quick result of Saul's though playing some instrument of music at open communication of his wishes to his the time, was on his guard, and slipped men of war. Jonathan, therefore, warns away. And David fied, and escaped that Davi,! of the king's malice, and urges him night. As usual, the historian gives the to hide himself m,til he has made a last ultimate results of Saul's violence first, and entreaty for him. This was to take place in then returns and gives the particulars ; for the field, the open common land. There plainly David first went home, nnd it was was no idea of David overhearing the con- only when he found that the l10use was versation, but when the king took his usual sun-ounded by Saul's emissaries that he flecl walk Jonathan was to join him, and hold a away to find refuge with Samuel. Saul also conference with him apart in the unenclosed sent messengers. As is often the case, this hill pastures. After probing his father's real outbreak of violence on Saul's part broke down feelings he would continue his walk, and, all the former restraints of upright feeling without awakening any suspicions, would and conscience. He had lost his self-resp~ct, meet David and communicate to him the was openly a murderer as regards everythmg result. What I see, that I will tell thee. but the success of his attempt, and he de_ter- More exactly, "I will see \\'hat (he says), mined that that should not be long wantm~. md will tell thee." He sends persons, therefore, to watch David i OU, XIX. 1-24.) THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 36t