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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 1–8
Here, I. David makes a representation to Jonathan of his present troubles. While Saul lay bound by his trance at Naioth David escaped to the court, and got to speak with Jonathan. And it was happy for him that he had such a friend at court, when he had such an enemy on the throne. If there be those that hate and despise us, let us not be disturbed at that, for there are those also that love and respect us. God hath set the one over against the other, and so must we. Jonathan was a friend that loved at all times, loved David as well now in his distress, and bade him as welcome into his arms, as he had done when he was in his triumph (Sa1 18:1), and he was a brother that was born for adversity, Pro 17:17. Now, 1. David appeals to Jonathan himself concerning his innocency, and he needed not say much to him for the proof of it, only he desired him that if he knew of any just offence he had given his father he would tell him, that he might humble himself and beg his pardon: What have I done? Sa1 20:1. 2. He endeavors to convince him that, notwithstanding his innocency, Saul sought his life. Jonathan, from a principal of filial respect to his father, was very loth to believe that he designed or would ever do so wicked a thing, Sa1 20:2. He the rather hoped so because he knew nothing of any such design, and he had usually been made privy to all his counsels. Jonathan, as became a dutiful son, endeavored to cover his father's shame, as far as was consistent with justice and fidelity to David. Charity is not forward to think evil of any, especially of a parent, Co1 13:5. David therefore gives him the assurance of an oath concerning his own danger, swears the peace upon Saul, that he was in fear of his life by him: "As the Lord liveth, than which nothing more sure in itself, and as thy soul liveth, than which nothing more certain to thee, whatever thou thinkest, there is but a step between me and death," Sa1 20:3. And, as for Saul's concealing it from Jonathan, it was easy to account for that; he knew the friendship between him and David, and therefore, though in other things he advised with him, yet not in that. None more fit than Jonathan to serve him in every design that was just and honourable, but he knew him to be a man of more virtue than to be his confidant in so base a design as the murder of David.
II. Jonathan generously offers him his service (Sa1 20:4): Whatsoever thou desirest, he needed not insert the proviso of lawful and honest (for he knew David too well to think he would ask any thing that was otherwise), I will even do it for thee. This is true friendship. Thus Christ testifies his love to us: Ask, and it shall be done for you; and we must testify ours to him by keeping his commandments.
III. David only desires him to satisfy himself, and then to satisfy him whether Saul did really design his death or no. Perhaps David proposed this more for Jonathan's conviction than his own, for he himself was well satisfied. 1. The method of trial he proposed was very natural, and would certainly discover how Saul stood affected to him. The two next days Saul was to dine publicly, upon occasion of the solemnities of the new moon, when extraordinary sacrifices were offered and feasts made upon the sacrifices. Saul was rejected of God, and the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him, yet he kept up his observance of the holy feasts. There may be the remains of external devotion where there is nothing but the ruins of real virtue. At these solemn feasts Saul had either all his children to sit with him, and David had a seat as one of them, or all his great officers, and David had a seat as one of them. However it was, David resolved his seat should be empty (and that it never used to be at a sacred feast) those two days (Sa1 20:5), and he would abscond till the solemnity was over, and put it upon this issue: if Saul admitted an excuse for his absence, and dispensed with it, he would conclude he had changed his mind and was reconciled to him; but if he resented it, and was put into a passion by it, it was easy to conclude he designed him a mischief, since it was certain he did not love him so well as to desire his presence for any other end than that he might have an opportunity to do him a mischief, Sa1 20:7. 2. The excuse he desired Jonathan to make for his absence, we have reason to think, was true, that he was invited by his elder brother to Bethlehem, his own city, to celebrate this new moon with his relations there, because, besides the monthly solemnity in which they held communion with all Israel, they had now a yearly sacrifice, and a holy feast upon it, for all the family, Sa1 20:6. They kept a day of thanksgiving in their family for the comforts they enjoyed, and of prayer for the continuance of them. By this it appears that the family David was of was a very religious family, a house that had a church in it. 3. The arguments he used with Jonathan to persuade him to do this kindness for him were very pressing, Sa1 20:8. (1.) That he had entered into a league of friendship with him, and it was Jonathan's own proposal: Thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. (2.) That he would by no means urge him to espouse his cause if he was not sure that it was a righteous cause: "If there be iniquity in me, I am so far from desiring or expecting that the covenant between us should bind thee to be a confederate with me in that iniquity that I freely release thee from it, and wish that my hand may be first upon me: Slay me thyself." No honest man will urge his friend to do a dishonest thing for his sake.
Moreover, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, etc. He was separated from death by only a single step, that is, by the wall of the house in which he was staying, when (as the title of the fifty-eighth psalm also contains) Saul sent and watched him, seeking to kill him. But immediately slipping from death through a window, he was rescued and fled away, saved completely, so that by the Lord's mercy, what was foretold in the same title might happen: "Do not destroy David," in the title's inscription. This should likewise be understood also of the Lord Savior, as He was separated from death by only a single step, so to speak, due to the temerity of men, when the chief priests sent and watched over His tomb, trying to block His resurrection, by denying the entrance to it, drawing His disciples away from the faith, and erasing all memory of His name from the midst if His disciples were retracted from faith. But according to the testimony of the mentioned inscription, just as neither the title written by Pilate, "This is the King of the Jews," nor the kingdom of the same King could ever be corrupted.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:3 captures David's desperate and urgent plea to Jonathan, his closest friend and King Saul's son, revealing the immediate and profound danger he faced from the reigning monarch. Through a solemn, binding oath, David impresses upon Jonathan that his father, Saul, is fully aware of Jonathan's deep affection and loyalty towards David, and has deliberately concealed his murderous intentions from his own son to avoid Jonathan's grief or intervention. David's stark declaration, "there is but a step between me and death," powerfully conveys his conviction that Saul is actively seeking his life, underscoring the constant, life-threatening situation and the precariousness of his very existence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated at a critical and emotionally charged point in the narrative arc of David's rise and Saul's decline, immediately following Saul's increasingly violent and irrational attempts on David's life, detailed in 1 Samuel 19. David has already fled Saul's presence, and this intense conversation with Jonathan marks a pivotal moment where David seeks not just confirmation of Saul's animosity, but also a definitive commitment of help from his loyal friend. The preceding chapters have meticulously documented Saul's escalating jealousy, paranoia, and spiritual decline, fueled by David's military successes and the people's adoration, famously captured in the women's song in 1 Samuel 18:7. Despite Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, demonstrated by his courageous intercession for David with his father in 1 Samuel 19:1-7, David understands that Jonathan, out of filial piety or hopeful denial, might still be reluctant to accept the full depth of Saul's murderous intent. This verse, therefore, serves as David's forceful attempt to shatter any remaining illusions, setting the stage for the strategic plan Jonathan devises to ascertain Saul's true intentions, ultimately leading to their poignant farewell and the renewal of their covenant in 1 Samuel 20.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, kingship was a divinely sanctioned institution, yet often fraught with political intrigue, power struggles, and dynastic anxieties, particularly during periods of transition or when a reigning monarch felt threatened by a popular figure. Saul's unchecked jealousy and the fear of losing his throne to David, who had been secretly anointed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16, drove his irrational and increasingly violent pursuit. The cultural significance of solemn oaths, such as David's invocation, "as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth," cannot be overstated in this context. Such oaths were binding declarations, appealing to the very life of God and the addressee's life, signifying the absolute truthfulness and gravity of the speaker's words. They were not mere figures of speech but sacred commitments, understood to carry severe divine consequences if violated, making David's statement undeniably weighty. Furthermore, the concept of covenant friendship, exemplified by David and Jonathan's bond, was a powerful social institution, often involving mutual protection and loyalty extending to future generations, as first established in 1 Samuel 18:3. This deep bond provides the backdrop for the extraordinary risks Jonathan takes for David.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Foremost is the theme of imminent danger and divine preservation, as David's life is literally hanging by the slenderest thread, yet God's protective hand is subtly but surely evident in his continued survival despite Saul's relentless pursuit, foreshadowing David's eventual ascent to the throne as God's chosen king. The verse also highlights the corrosive nature of unchecked jealousy and paranoia, vividly portrayed in Saul's tragic descent from a divinely appointed king to a vengeful, deceitful tyrant, whose insidious actions are exposed by David's direct and desperate words. Crucially, it underscores the profound depth and sacrificial nature of David and Jonathan's friendship, a bond of loyalty that transcends political allegiance, familial ties, and personal risk, demonstrating a love that is willing to risk everything for the beloved friend, even against a father's wrath. Finally, the use of a solemn oath emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the absolute truthfulness of David's desperate communication, appealing to the highest authorities—God and Jonathan's very life—to convey the urgency of his plight and break through Jonathan's denial.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent Literary Devices to convey David's desperate plight and the gravity of his situation. The most prominent is Hyperbole, vividly expressed in the phrase "there is but a step between me and death." This exaggerated statement powerfully communicates the extreme and constant danger David faces, emphasizing the immediacy and existential threat to his life, making his peril tangible to Jonathan. David's use of a Solemn Oath ("as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth") is another key device. This is a traditional and highly binding form of affirmation in ancient Israel, serving to underscore the absolute truthfulness and gravity of the speaker's words, invoking divine and personal life as guarantees. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Dramatic Irony at play. While Jonathan initially struggles to believe his father would harm David, David's words reveal Saul's deceitful intentions, which the audience already knows to be true from previous chapters, creating a poignant tension between Jonathan's hopeful perception and the grim reality. The entire exchange also serves as Foreshadowing, hinting at the eventual tragic breakdown of Saul's kingdom and the ultimate triumph of God's chosen king, David, despite the immediate and overwhelming peril.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:3 powerfully illustrates the tension between divine promise and present suffering, a recurring and profound theme throughout biblical narrative. David, though divinely anointed to be the next king of Israel, finds himself in a state of extreme vulnerability, relentlessly hunted by the reigning monarch. This precarious existence highlights God's mysterious and often challenging ways of working out His sovereign purposes, frequently through periods of intense trial, reliance on human instruments of faithfulness, such as Jonathan, and the crucible of adversity. The verse underscores the stark reality of human depravity, as Saul's unchecked jealousy and paranoia lead to murderous intent and calculated deceit, contrasting sharply with the selfless love and unwavering loyalty demonstrated by Jonathan. It also speaks to the profound theological truth that even those chosen and favored by God are not exempt from severe hardship, persecution, and the shadow of death, yet God's preserving hand remains constant, guiding them through the darkest valleys and ultimately bringing His plans to fruition.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's desperate cry in 1 Samuel 20:3 resonates deeply with the universal human experience of vulnerability, fear, and the search for safety amidst betrayal. His situation reminds us that life, even for those walking in God's favor and fulfilling His purposes, is often precarious, marked by unexpected dangers, the painful reality of human malice, and the constant threat of adversity. In moments when we feel "but a step between me and death"—whether it's a physical threat, a crushing emotional burden, a spiritual attack, a crisis of faith, or relational betrayal—David's example prompts us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. It highlights the invaluable role of true, loyal friends who, like Jonathan, are willing to stand with us, offering support and even risking personal cost. Yet, it also points beyond human relationships to the ultimate source of security: God's unfailing providence and sovereign care. Our response to such peril should not be despair, but a renewed commitment to seek wisdom, rely on trusted counsel, and above all, cling to the divine promises that assure us of God's presence and ultimate victory, even when the path ahead is shrouded in darkness and death seems imminent.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jonathan initially struggle to believe David's claims about Saul's intentions?
Answer: Jonathan's initial disbelief, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:2, stemmed from a complex interplay of factors. Firstly, as Saul's son, Jonathan likely harbored a deep desire to believe the best of his father, perhaps rationalizing Saul's previous outbursts as temporary fits of rage or mental instability rather than calculated, persistent murderous intent. Secondly, Saul had previously sworn to Jonathan that he would not harm David (1 Samuel 19:6), and Jonathan, being a man of integrity and honor, would have taken his father's solemn oath seriously. Thirdly, Saul had successfully concealed his true, persistent murderous intentions from Jonathan, as David explicitly states in 1 Samuel 20:3. Jonathan's struggle was not a lack of loyalty or love for David, but a profound and understandable reluctance to accept the horrific truth about his own father's deep-seated depravity and murderous resolve.
What is the significance of David's solemn oath, "as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth"?
Answer: This is a powerful and common form of oath in the Old Testament, used to convey the utmost sincerity, certainty, and truthfulness of a statement. By invoking "as the LORD liveth," David appeals to the very existence, active presence, and covenant faithfulness of God, implying that if his words are false, God Himself would be called to account. By adding "and as thy soul liveth," he appeals to Jonathan's own life and being, making the statement even more personal, binding, and emotionally impactful. This double invocation underscores the absolute certainty of David's claim that his life is in immediate and grave danger. It is a desperate and potent attempt to break through any lingering denial Jonathan might have, impressing upon him the undeniable reality of Saul's murderous intent and the extreme urgency of the situation, leaving no room for doubt about David's desperate plight.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's desperate declaration in 1 Samuel 20:3, "there is but a step between me and death," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate peril and divine deliverance found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king-to-be, is hunted by a jealous and murderous king, experiencing a constant, existential threat to his life. This precarious existence mirrors the trajectory of Christ, the true Anointed One (Messiah), who willingly entered a world hostile to God, facing relentless opposition from spiritual and earthly powers that sought His life from birth (Matthew 2:13-18). Jesus, too, walked with death ever-present, knowing His ultimate purpose was to lay down His life as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His journey to the cross was the ultimate "step between me and death," a willing descent into the deepest abyss of human suffering and divine judgment for the sake of humanity (Philippians 2:8). Yet, unlike David, who was preserved from death for a time to fulfill his earthly kingship, Christ fully embraced death, not to be overcome by it, but to conquer it definitively through His glorious resurrection (Romans 6:9-10). Thus, David's desperate cry for deliverance finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in the one who faced death head-on, not merely to escape it, but to utterly defeat it, thereby offering eternal life and true security to all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).