Bible Commentaries

5. Jonathan Protects David and Their Separation

CHAPTER 20

1. David with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:1-10)

2. The strengthened bonds and the token (1 Samuel 20:11-23)

3. Saul’s attempt to kill Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:24-34)

4. David separated from Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:35-42)

We do not need to enlarge upon this beautiful story of the further devotion of Jonathan to David. What friendship and affection is here! Indeed the chapter contains one of the most charming incidents in this book. When David told Jonathan of his great danger, Jonathan refused to believe it. But David knew there was but a step between him and death. The conversation which took place in the field is most pathetic. Both were men of faith putting their trust in Jehovah and hence this great affection. Jonathan also was deeply conscious of David’s destiny as the Lord’s anointed. Verses 14 and 15 bear witness to this. “And thou shalt not only while I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not. 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.” Then Jonathan caused David to make a covenant with him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul. And Jonathan had to taste his father’s anger. Vicious are Saul’s words to his own son, and in wrath he threw a javelin at him to smite him. How this illustrates Satan’s hatred, both against Christ and those who are one with Him, as David and Jonathan were one.

Then comes the parting. They kissed one another, and wept one with another till David’s weeping exceeded (literally, “till David wept loudly”). Jonathan went into the city and David into the suffering of the exile. They met but once more (1 Samuel 23:16-18).