1 Samuel 20 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

The Friendship of David and Jonathan

4. Thy soul] a pathetic periphrasis for 'thou.'

The new moon] Many nations of antiquity appear to have observed the day of the new moon as a religious festival. For its observance in Israel cp. 2 Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13; Amos 8:5 (where it is coupled with the sabbath) Numbers 10:10; Numbers 10:25 and Numbers 10:27 imply that David, like Abner, ate regularly at Saul's table.

A yearly sacrifice] This refers to the ordinary annual festival of the family. Such family festivals were very widespread both among European and Semitic peoples.

A covenant of the lord] i.e. in which God had been invoked as a witness and the breach of which He would punish.

About to morrow any time] RV 'about this time tomorrow.' Or the third day] probably a gloss.

14, 15. That I die not: but also] LXX has an attractive reading: 'If I die, thou shalt not cut off thy kindness': cp. 2 Samuel 9:1

At the hand of David's enemies] David's enemies are a euphemism for David himself. Jonathan shrinks from invoking retribution on his friend or suggesting in so many words the possibility of bis breaking the covenant.

Thou shalt go down quickly] LXX reads 'Thou shalt be greatly missed,' and the whole clause means 'thou shalt be greatly missed on the third day.' The business] i.e. some matter well known to David and Jonathan. The stone Ezel] LXX 'this mound.'

Jonathan arose, and Abner sat] Jonathan gave up his rightful place and Abner took it.

He is not clean] i.e. some ceremonial defilement has happened to him which prevents him from sharing in the festival: cp. John 18:28.

Mother's nakedness] She would become the wife of the new king: cp. 2 Samuel 12:8.

Out of a place toward the south] LXX 'from beside the mound.'