28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
28 Jonathan answered, "David earnestly asked me for permission to go to Bethlehem.
28 Jonathan answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem.
28 Jonathan said, "David asked my special permission to go to Bethlehem.
28 So Jonathan answered Saul, "David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem.
28 Jonathan replied, "David earnestly asked me if he could go to Bethlehem.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:28
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24-34
(Read 1 Samuel 20:24-34)
None were more constant than David in attending holy duties; nor had he been absent, but self-preservation obliged him to withdraw. In great peril present opportunities for Divine ordinances may be waved. But it is bad for us, except in case of necessity, to omit any opportunity of statedly attending on them. Jonathan did wisely and well for himself and family, to secure an interest in David, yet for this he is blamed. It is good to take God's people for our people. It will prove to our advantage at last, however it may now be thought against our interest. Saul was outrageous. What savage beasts, and worse, does anger make men!