Wesley Corpus

David complains to Jonathan; and desires his help, ver. 1 - 5. Jonathan promises to give him intelligence, and confirms his friendship, ver. 9 - 23. He finds his father implacable, ver. 24 - 34. He gives David notice of it, in the manner they had agreed on, ver. 35 - 42. Is it not so - For Jonathan gave credit to his father's oath, chap.19:6. David sware - The matter being of great moment, and Jonathan doubting the truth of it, he confirms his word with an oath, which follows in the end of the verse. Only he interposeth a reason why Saul concealed it from Jonathan. To the third day - That is, unto the next day, but one after the new moon. His meaning is not, that he would hide himself in any certain place all the three days, but that he would secure himself either at Bethlehem with his friends, or in any other place 'till the third day. Asked me - Who being the king's son and deputy, used to give license to military men to depart for a season upon just occasions. Deal kindly - In giving me timely notice, and a true account of Saul's disposition and intention towards me. A covenant of the Lord - That is, a solemn covenant, not lightly undertaken, but seriously entered into, in the name and fear of God, and in his presence, calling him to be the witness of our sincerity therein, and the avenger of perfidiousness in him that breaks it. Slay me - I am contented thou shouldst kill me. For why - Why shouldst thou betray me to thy father, by concealing his evil intentions from me O Lord God - Do thou hear and judge between us. It is an abrupt speech which is usual in great passions. Kindness as the Lord - That kindness to which thou hast engaged thyself, in the covenant sworn between thee and me in God's presence. I die not - That thou do not kill me or mine, as princes of another line use to kill the nearest relations of the former line, from whom the kingdom was translated to them. A covenant - The covenant which before was personal, he now extends to the whole house of David, expecting a reciprocal enlargement of it on David's side, which doubtless he obtained.