1 Samuel 20:3 Commentary and Bible Study

David doesn't accept Jonathan’s assurances. On an oath, he says to Jonathan, ‘Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this,’ – the intention to murder David – ‘lest he be grieved.’ And then David says, ‘Truly as the Lord liveth, there is but a step between me and death’ – I am one step away from death, and he is convinced of it. He knows that Jonathan will take seriously such an oath to the Lord. If Jonathan has not heard anything about Saul’s evil intentions towards David, it is easily accounted for. The king knows of the great friendship between Jonathan and David, and he suspects that Jonathan would take steps to protect his friend if he knew of his father’s real attitude to David, and therefore he has hidden it. Saul does not think this is the right way for his son to behave, but he guards against it. Later his anger about this will cause another murderous outburst, even to his own son.But suddenly this man of such valour is afraid for his life. David seems to be very lacking now in in his faith. It seems that the rigours of the way have brought him very low, and that can happen to anybody. When he faced the Philistine Goliath, he claimed the promises of God, and he was full of faith. But now he has been worn down by persecution. But in spite of his lack of insight into his father’s behaviour, Jonathan is a true believer, and he is going to be used by the Lord to encourage David in this chapter.