I Samuel 18
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
When he had made an end of speaking - These first five verses are omitted by the Septuagint. See the notes on the preceding chapter, 1 Samuel 17 (note). Jonathan loved him as his own soul - The most intimate friendship subsisted between them; and they loved each other with pure hearts fervently. No love was lost between them; each was worthy of the other. They had a friendship which could not be affected with changes or chances, and which exemplified all that the ancients have said on the subject; Την φιλιαν ισοτητα ειναι, και μιαν ψυχην, τον φιλον ἑτερον αυτον; "Friendship produces an entire sameness; it is one soul in two bodies: a friend is another self."
Open source ↗JONATHAN LOVES DAVID. (Sa1 18:1-4) the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David--They were nearly of an age. The prince had taken little interest in David as a minstrel; but his heroism and modest, manly bearing, his piety and high endowments, kindled the flame not of admiration only, but of affection, in the congenial mind of Jonathan.
Open source ↗And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul,.... In answer to his questions about his descent and family, and doubtless more things were talked of than are recorded: that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David: he won his heart, made a conquest of his affections, these went out towards him, and cleaved unto him; such were the comeliness of his person, his graceful mien and deportment, his freedom and fluency of expression, his courage and undauntedness, joined with prudence, modesty, and integrity, that they strongly attached him to him: and Jonathan loved him as his own soul; not only according to the excellency of David's soul, and the greatness of it, as that deserved respect and love, as Abarbinel suggests, but he loved him as he loved himself. There was a similarity in their persons, in their age, in the dispositions of their minds, in their wisdom, courage, modesty, faithfulness, and openness of soul, that attracted them to each other, that they became as another self; as one soul, as Aristotle speaks (r) of true friends: instances of very cordial friendship are given by Plutarch (s), as in Theseus and Pirithous, Achilles and Patroclus, Orestes and Pylades, Pythias and Damon, Epaminondas and Pelopidas; but none equal to this. (r) Ethic. l. 9. c. 4, 9. So Porphyr. de Vita Pythagor. (s) Apud Patrick in loc.
Open source ↗The bond of friendship which Jonathan formed with David was so evidently the main point, that in Sa1 18:1 the writer commences with the love of Jonathan to David, and then after that proceeds in Sa1 18:2 to observe that Saul took David to himself from that day forward; whereas it is very evident that Saul told David, either at the time of his conversation with him or immediately afterwards, that he was henceforth to remain with him, i.e., in his service. "The soul of Jonathan bound itself (lit. chained itself; cf. Gen 44:30) to David's soul, and Jonathan loved him as his soul." The Chethibh ויּאהבו with the suffix ו attached to the imperfect is very rare, and hence the Keri ויּאהבהוּ (vid., Ewald, 249, b., and Olshausen, Gramm. p. 469). לשׁוּב, to return to his house, viz., to engage in his former occupation as shepherd.
Open source ↗David was anointed to the crown to take it out of Saul's hand, and over Jonathan's head, and yet here we find, I. That Saul, who was now in possession of the crown, reposed a confidence in him, God so ordering it, that he might by his preferment at court be prepared for future service. Saul now took David home with him, and would not suffer him to return again to his retirement, Sa1 18:2. And David having signalized himself above the men of war, in taking up the challenge which they declined, Saul set him over the men of war (Sa1 18:5), not that he made him general (Abner was in that post), but perhaps captain of the life-guard; or, though he was youngest, he ordered him to have the precedency, in recompence of his great services. He employed him in the affairs of government; and David went out withersoever Saul sent him, showing himself as dutiful as he was bold and courageous. Those that hope to rule must first learn to obey. He had approved himself a dutiful son to Jesse his father, and now a dutiful servant to Saul his master; those that are good in one relation it is to be hoped will be so in another. II. That Jonathan, who was heir to the crown, entered into covenant with him, God so ordering it, that David's way might be the clearer when his rival was his friend. 1. Jonathan conceived an extraordinary kindness and affection for him (Sa1 18:1): When he had made an end of speaking to Saul he fell perfectly in love with him. Whether it refers to his conference with Saul before the battle (Sa1 17:34, Sa1 17:37), or to that after (v. 51), in which it is probable much more was said than is there set down, is uncertain. But, in both, David expressed himself with so much prudence, modesty, and piety, such a felicity of expression, with so much boldness and yet so much sw…
Open source ↗18:1 David and Jonathan had much in common: both were young and capable, were military heroes, had a robust faith in God, and had a claim to the throne of Israel. It is a testimony to Jonathan’s true character that he recognized and supported God’s choice of David to be the next king of Israel (see 18:3-4; 20:12-17). • Jonathan loved David: See 20:17; 2 Sam 1:26. Others in this chapter are also said to love David: all Israel and Judah (1 Sam 18:16), Saul’s daughter Michal (18:20), and Saul’s servants (18:22). Some modern interpreters see a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan, but the text implies nothing other than a deep and loyal friendship.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
כָּלָה (kâlâh, H3615) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete,… דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân, H3083) — Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites קָשַׁר (qâshar, H7194) — to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse אָהַב (ʼâhab, H157) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
Open source ↗שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Open source ↗יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân, H3083) — Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to… בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh) אַהֲבָה (ʼahăbâh, H160) — {affection (in a good or a bad sense)} נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in…
Open source ↗יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân, H3083) — Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites פָּשַׁט (pâshaṭ, H6584) — to spread out (i.e. deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e. unclothe,… מְעִיל (mᵉʻîyl, H4598) — a robe (i.e. upper and outer garment) נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse מַד (mad, H4055) — properly, extent, i.e. height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured);… חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or… קֶשֶׁת (qesheth, H7198) — a bow, forshooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris חָגוֹר (châgôwr, H2289) — belted
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) שָׂכַל (sâkal, H7919) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) מִלְחָמָה (milchâmâh, H4421) — a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare) יָטַב (yâṭab, H3190) — to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy,… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity שִׁיר (shîyr, H7891) — to sing מְחֹלָה (mᵉchôlâh, H4246) — a dance קִרְאָה (qirʼâh, H7125) — an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite) מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites
Open source ↗אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6030) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond;… שָׂחַק (sâchaq, H7832) — to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) אֶלֶף (ʼeleph, H505) — hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse רְבָבָה (rᵉbâbâh, H7233) — abundance (in number), i.e. (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
Open source ↗שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites מְאֹד (mᵉʼôd, H3966) — properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication,… חָרָה (chârâh, H2734) — to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause יָרַע (yâraʻ, H3415) — properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e. (figuratively) to fear עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse רְבָבָה (rᵉbâbâh, H7233) — abundance (in number), i.e. (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite) אֶלֶף (ʼeleph, H505) — hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as… מְלוּכָה (mᵉlûwkâh, H4410) — something ruled, i.e. a realm
Open source ↗שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites עָוַן (ʻâvan, H5770) — to watch (with jealosy) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… הָלְאָה (hâlᵉʼâh, H1973) — to the distance, i.e. far away; also (of time) thus far
Open source ↗מׇחֳרָת (mochŏrâth, H4283) — the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow רַע (raʻ, H7451) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral) רוּחַ (rûwach, H7307) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively,… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… צָלַח (tsâlach, H6743) — to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites נָבָא (nâbâʼ, H5012) — to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse) תָּוֶךְ (tâvek, H8432) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse נָגַן (nâgan, H5059) — properly, to thrum, i.e. beat atune with the fingers; expectation. to play on astringed… יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חֲנִית (chănîyth, H2595) — a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
Open source ↗שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites טוּל (ṭûwl, H2904) — to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out חֲנִית (chănîyth, H2595) — a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse קִיר (qîyr, H7023) — a wall (as built in a trench) סָבַב (çâbab, H5437) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… פַּעַם (paʻam, H6471) — a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
Open source ↗שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative)
Open source ↗שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative) שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… שַׂר (sar, H8269) — a head person (of any rank or class) אֶלֶף (ʼeleph, H505) — hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence…
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse שָׂכַל (sâkal, H7919) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life,
If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known,
so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.
And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.”
So all the men of Israel gathered as one man, united against the city.