1 Samuel 20:5

THE NEW MOON] Many nations of antiquity appear to have observed the day of the new moon as a religious festival. For its observance in Israel cp. 2 Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13; Amos 8:5 (where it is coupled with the sabbath) Numbers 10:10; Numbers 10:25 and Numbers 10:27 imply that David, like Abner, at... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 20:6

A YEARLY SACRIFICE] This refers to the ordinary annual festival of the family. Such family festivals were very widespread both among European and Semitic peoples.... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 20:12

ABOUT TO MORROW ANY TIME] RV 'about this time tomorrow.' _Or_ THE THIRD _day_] probably a gloss. 14, 15. THAT I DIE NOT: BUT _also_] LXX has an attractive reading: 'If I die, thou shalt not cut off thy kindness': cp. 2 Samuel 9:1... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 20:16

AT THE HAND OF DAVID'S ENEMIES] David's enemies are a euphemism for David himself. Jonathan shrinks from invoking retribution on his friend or suggesting in so many words the possibility of bis breaking the covenant.... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 20:19

THOU SHALT GO DOWN QUICKLY] LXX reads 'Thou shalt be greatly missed,' and the whole clause means 'thou shalt be greatly missed on the third day.' THE BUSINESS] i.e. some matter well known to David and Jonathan. THE STONE EZEL] LXX 'this mound.'... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 20:26

HE _is_ NOT CLEAN] i.e. some ceremonial defilement has happened to him which prevents him from sharing in the festival: cp. John 18:28.... [ Continue Reading ]

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