But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret [place], and hide thyself:
Ver. 2. But Jonathan Saul's son.] And heir apparent to the kingdom, which might have made him an enemy to David, whom he knew likely to succeed his father.
And Jonathan told David.] Wherein he did him a most friendly office, for darts foreseen are dintless, a and to his father no disservice at all; by hindering him from imbruing his hands in innocent blood.
Saul my father seeketh to kill thee.] Before he had sought to do it more covertly; but now more overtly; so true is that of Luther, Hypocritis nihil est crudelius, impatientius, et vindictae cupidius, &c., there is nothing in the world more cruel, more impatient, and more vindictive, than are hypocrites: truly they are very serpents, spiteful, venemous, and revengeful.
Take heed to thyself until the morning,] viz., That thou be not surprised by my father's assassins and cut-throats.
Abide in a secret place.] Such a hidingplace, as thou knowest of, near to Saul's walk: where thou mayest hear what passeth betwixt us; and what thou hearest not I will tell thee.
a Praevisa iacula minus feriunt.