John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And he said unto him, God forbid, thou shalt not die , etc.] He could not believe his father had any such intention; and that if he discovered anything of that kind, it was only when he was in a frenzy, and a melancholy disorder had seized him; and that David had nothing to fear on that head, and that he would secure him from all danger in that respect; the thing was too gross and detestable to be credited: behold, my father will do nothing, either great or small, but that he will show it me ; such an interest had he in him, and in his favour, being his son and heir to his crown, and having done many warlike exploits, which had the more endeared him to him, that he made him privy to all his secret designs, and took his opinion in all matters of moment and importance: and why should my father hide this thing from me ? his design of taking away the life of David, if he had really formed one: it [is] not [so] ; Jonathan concluded, from his ignorance of it, there was nothing in it, and that it was only a surmise of David’s; and yet it is strange that Jonathan should know nothing of the messengers being sent to David’s house to take him, and of others sent to Naioth after him, and of Saul’s going there himself with such a design; and if he did know anything of the matter, he made the best of it to David, partly to allay his fears, and partly that his father might not appear so black and vile as he really was.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - The trials David met with, prepared him for future advancement. Thu the Lord deals with those whom he prepares unto glory. He does not pu 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 crow 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 shoul prepare for the event. But though dangers appear most threatening, we cannot die till the purpose of God concerning us is accomplished; no till we have served our generation according to his will, if we ar believers. Jonathan generously offers David his services. This is tru 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.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 לו חלילה2486 לא3808 תמות4191 הנה2009 לו עשׁה6213 אבי1 דבר1697 גדול1419 או176 דבר1697 קטן6996 ולא3808 יגלה1540 את853 אזני241 ומדוע4069 יסתיר5641 אבי1 ממני4480 את853 הדבר1697 הזה2088 אין369 זאת׃2063
