Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Samuel
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 20
Overview:
David consults
Jonathan.
(1-10) Jonathan's
Covenant with
David.
(11-23) Saul, missing
David, seeks to kill
Jonathan.
(24-34) Jonathan takes leave of
David.
(35-42)
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.
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!
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 attending to
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!
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.