John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. Therefore thou shall deal kindly with thy servant , etc.] By informing him how his father’s mind stood affected to him, that he might conduct himself accordingly, either by appearing at court, or by providing for his safety by flight: for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee ; a covenant of friendship between Jonathan and David, of which Jonathan was the first mover, and so is said to bring or persuade him into it; called the covenant of the Lord, because made in his name and fear, and before him as a witness of it; and this David pleads as an argument with Jonathan, to deal kindly and faithfully by him in the present case: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself : or pass sentence upon him to be slain; which, if guilty, he might have power to do in his father’s absence, and which David desires might be done, notwithstanding the covenant of friendship between them, should he appear to deserve it by any action of his, of which he was not conscious; this expresses the strong sense he had of his own integrity, and served to confirm Jonathan in his opinion of it; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father ? deliver him up into his hands to be put to a cruel death by him, or give him the trouble of doing it, when he might as well dispatch him at once.
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 ועשׂית6213 חסד2617 על5921 עבדך5650 כי3588 בברית1285 יהוה3068 הבאת935 את853 עבדך5650 עמך5973 ואם518 ישׁ3426 בי עון5771 המיתני4191 אתה859 ועד5704 אביך1 למה4100 זה2088 תביאני׃935
