The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 372

CHAPTER XX. 15). The phrase is used again in ver. 12. For will do nothing the written text reads JoNATHAN's COVENANT WITH DAVID RE• "has done for himself," which the Kri NEWED (vers. 1-23). Ytr. 1.-David :fled properly corrects. The rashness of Saul's from Naiotb. While Saul was under the temper, and his frank talk about killing infinence of the prophetic enthusiasm David David recorded in eh. xix. 1, confirm Jona- escaped; but it is evident that this visit to than's statement about the openness of his Samuel, and the extraordinary occurrences father's ways, and he therefore assures David which attended it, were not without a good that he may take his place in safety. influence for the time upon Saul's mind. Vers. 3, 4.-Thyfathercertainlyknoweth, Some sort of reconciliation must have been &c. Though Saul did not know the entire- patched np, probably by the mediation of ness of J onathan's love for David, yet he was Samuel ; for David assumed that at the new aware of the friendship that existed between moon be would be expected to dine at the them, and consequently might keep his pur- king's table (ver. 5), and that Saul would pose a secret from Jonathan, especially if he look for him as a matter of course (ver. 6). considered that his frankness in speaking We find, moreover, that bis place was made openly to his son and servants on a previous ready, not only on-the new moon (ver. 25), occasion had led to David's escape. Davicl, but also on the following day (ver. 26). But therefore, urges upon his friend a clilferen t whatever professions Saul may have made to course, to which he assents. But how are we Samuel, it is evident that no promise had to explain the entirely clilferent views taken been I!lade personally to David, and taught of Saul's conduct by the two. When David by past experience that the intention of slay- tells his fears Jonathan utters an exclamation ing him had groWil more and more fixed in of horror, and says, "Thou shalt not die." the king's mind, he feels that his position Yet he knew that his father had talked to him is full of danger, and takes counsel with and his officerR about putting David to death; Jonathan, with the Yicw of learning whether that he had tried to kill him with his own he might venture once again to take his hand, and on his escape had set people to place as a member of Saul's family. watch his house with orders to slay him ; Ver. 2.-God forbid. An exclamation of and on David's flight to the prophet had horror; literally, "Far be it" (see on eh. ix. thrice sent emissaries to bring him away by 45). Jn spite of the many proofs of Saul's force. The explanation probably lies in bitter hatred, Jonathan cannot believe that Saul's insanity. When he threw his javelin 11,fter all that had taken place at Ramah his at David and during the subsequent proceed- father would still persist in his murderous ings he was out of his mind. The violent pu1T,ose. He fmther assures David that fit at Naioth had for the time cleared his Saul would do nothing without telling him ; reason, ancl he had come back sane. Jona- literally, witl,out uncovering his ear, with- than regarded all that had taken place u ont telling it Lim privately (see on eh. ix. , the effect of a mind diseased, and concluded, f.:R. XX, 1-23.] THE FIRST BOOK OE' SAMUEL. 377