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1 Samuel 20:3

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Samuel 20:3

Verse 3 of 42

Scripture focus

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.

1 Samuel 20:3 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:3

Theological / Devotional

David sware. That is, he affirmed with an oath that he knew whereof he spoke. David called Jonathan’s attention to the fact that Saul knew of their close friendship, and although Jonathan had been able to reason with his father in the past, David now feared that Saul would go on with his evil plans so secretly that he would not talk the matter over with anyone, let alone his own son. Perhaps Jonathan had not seen his father immediately before the Ramah experience and did not know of the sudden change for the worse.

Step. Heb. pesa‘. The word occurs only here in the OT. Its use in the phrase is an illustration of a colloquialism comparable to our modern idioms. Such expressions lend color to the narrative and give support to the authenticity of the story.

David had had a few hours to recover from his fright, and now he was able to think clearly and plan accordingly. He showed true leadership as he outlined his plan of getting the information necessary to determine future actions.

By SdaBc