John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And David sware moreover, and said , etc.] To assure Jonathan of the truth of it, that he did most certainly seek after his life, of which, as he had no doubt himself, by an oath he endeavoured to remove any that might be in Jonathan, who was not willing to believe his father could be guilty of so foul a crime: thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes : that he was high in his favour, that he had a great value for him, and he had a large share in his love and friendship, and that was the reason why he hid from him his base intentions: and he saith, let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved ; as he would be, both for the evil his father would be guilty of, and the danger David, his beloved friend, would be in: but truly, [as] the Lord liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death ; as appeared by his casting a javelin at him, ( 1 Samuel 18:11), sending messengers to his own house to slay him, ( 1 Samuel 19:11), and others to Naioth to seize him, ( 1 Samuel 19:20), and coming himself thither with an intention to kill him, ( Samuel 19:22,23), and in each of these instances he had a narrow escape for his life; and this he declared in the most solemn manner by an oath, for the confirmation of the truth of it to Jonathan.
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 וישׁבע7650 עוד5750 דוד1732 ויאמר559 ידע3045 ידע3045 אביך1 כי3588 מצאתי4672 חן2580 בעיניך5869 ויאמר559 אל408 ידע3045 זאת2063 יהונתן3083 פן6435 יעצב6087 ואולם199 חי2416 יהוה3068 וחי2416 נפשׁך5315 כי3588 כפשׂע6587 ביני996 ובין996 המות׃4194
