201 Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah , and came and said to Jonathan , "What have I done ? What is my iniquity ? And what is my sin before your father , that he is seeking my life ?" 2 He said to him, "Far from it, you shall not die . Behold , my father does nothing e either great or small without disclosing it to me. So why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so !" 3 Yet David vowed again , saying , "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight , and he has said , 'Do not let Jonathan know this , or he will be grieved .' But truly as the Lord lives and as your soul lives , there is hardly a step between me and death ." 4 Then Jonathan said to David , "Whatever you say , I will do for you." 5 So David said to Jonathan , "Behold , tomorrow is the new moon , and I ought to sit down to eat with the king . But let me go , that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening . 6 "If your father misses me at all , then say , 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city , because it is the yearly sacrifice there for the whole family .' 7 "If he says , 'It is good ,' your servant will be safe ; but if he is very angry , know that he has decided on evil . 8 "Therefore deal kindly with your servant , for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself ; for why then should you bring me to your father ?"
9 Jonathan said , "Far be it from you! For if I should indeed learn that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?" 10 Then David said to Jonathan , "Who will tell me if e your father answers you harshly ?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:1-10
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:1-10
(Read 1 Samuel 20:1-10)
The trials David met with, prepared him for future advancement. Thus the Lord deals with those whom he prepares unto glory. He does not put them into immediate possession of the kingdom, but leads them to it through much tribulation, which he makes the means of fitting them for it. Let them not murmur at his gracious appointment, nor distrust his care; but let them look forward with joyful expectation to the crown which is laid up for them. Sometimes it appears to us that there is but a step between us and death; at all times it may be so, and we should prepare for the event. But though dangers appear most threatening, we cannot die till the purpose of God concerning us is accomplished; nor till we have served our generation according to his will, if we are believers. Jonathan generously offers David his services. This is true friendship. Thus Christ testifies his love to us, Ask, and it shall be done for you; and we must testify our love to him, by keeping his commandments.