Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 20

Verses 1-42

David returned to Jonathan, and there follows an interesting and beautiful account of a time in which these two friends took counsel together about David's peril.

Every incident of the story is full of arresting beauty; Jonathan's deep concern and all he did to help his friend reveal a man of the finest type.

As we have suggested, the whole attitude of Jonathan becomes the more wonderful when we remember that he was the heir apparent to the throne. Moreover, we see not merely his love for David, but his willing co- operation with what he knew to be the will of God. He was aware that God had chosen his friend to be king, and, evidently without any pang of regret, he acquiesced in that divine appointment and remained true to David, loving him more rather than less because he saw in him the anointed of Jehovah.

On account of all this, Saul added to all his other sins his attempt on the life of his own son. He is revealed as rapidly becoming an irresponsible madman, while David is seen through all the painful discipline as being prepared for the work that lay before him.