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 ?" 11 Jonathan said to David , "Come , and let us go out into the field ." So both of them went out to the field . 12 Then Jonathan said to David , "The Lord , the God of Israel , be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow , or the third day, behold , if there is good feeling toward David , shall I not then send to you and make it known e to you? 13 "If it please my father to do you harm , may the Lord do so to Jonathan and more also , if I do not make it known e to you and send you away , that you may go in safety . And may the Lord be with you as He has been with my father . 14 "If I am still alive , will you not show me the lovingkindness of the Lord , that I may not die ? 15 " You shall not cut off your lovingkindness from my house forever e , not even when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth ." 16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David , saying, " May the Lord require it at the hands of David's enemies ." 17 Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life . 18 Then Jonathan said to him, " Tomorrow is the new moon , and you will be missed because your seat will be empty . 19 "When you have stayed for three days , you shall go down quickly and come to the place where e you hid yourself on that eventful day , and you shall remain by the stone Ezel . 20 "I will shoot three arrows to the side , as though I shot at a target . 21 "And behold , I will send the lad , saying, 'Go , find the arrows .' If I specifically say to the lad , 'Behold , the arrows are on this side of you, get them,' then come ; for there is safety for you and no harm , as the Lord lives . 22 "But if I say to the youth , ' Behold , the arrows are beyond e you,' go , for the Lord has sent you away . 23 " As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken , behold , the Lord is between you and me forever e ."
24 So David hid in the field ; and when the new moon came , the king sat down to eat food .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:5-24
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.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:11-23
(Read 1 Samuel 20:11-23)
Jonathan faithfully promises that he would let David know how he found his father affected towards him. It will be kindness to ourselves and to ours, to secure an interest in those whom God favours, and to make his friends ours. True friendship rests on a firm basis, and is able to silence ambition, self-love, and undue regard for others. But who can fully understand the love of Jesus, who gave himself as a sacrifice for rebellious, polluted sinners! how great then ought to be the force and effects of our love to him, to his cause, and his people!
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!