24 And David hid himself in the field; and it was the new moon, and the king sat at table to eat. 25 And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. 26 And Saul said nothing that day; for he thought, Something has befallen [him], that he is not clean: surely he is not clean. 27 And it came to pass the next day after the new moon, the second [day of the month], as David's place was empty, that Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why has not the son of Jesse come to table, neither yesterday nor to-day? 28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me [to go] to Bethlehem, 29 and said, Let me go, I pray thee; for we have a family sacrifice in the city; and my brother himself has commanded me [to be there]; and now, if I have found favour in thy sight, let me go away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. He has therefore not come to the king's table. 30 And Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, Son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own shame and to the shame of thy mother's nakedness? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon earth, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. And now send and fetch him to me, for he must die. 32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, Why should he be put to death? what has he done? 33 Then Saul cast the spear at him to smite him; and Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to put David to death. 34 And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no meat the second day of the new moon; for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
35 And it came to pass in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field, to the place agreed on with David, and a little lad with him. 36 And he said to his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. The lad ran, and he shot the arrow beyond him. 37 And when the lad came to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad and said, Is not the arrow away beyond thee? 38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not! And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. 39 And the lad knew nothing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 40 And Jonathan gave his weapons to his lad, and said to him, Go, carry them to the city.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24-40
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!
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:35-42
(Read 1 Samuel 20:35-42)
The separation of two such faithful friends was grievous to both, but David's case was the more deplorable, for David was leaving all his comforts, even those of God's sanctuary. Christians need not sorrow, as men without hope; but being one with Christ, they are one with each other, and will meet in his presence ere long, to part no more; to meet where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes.