Sunday, June 2 – 1 Samuel 20, Psalm 11 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter 64, “David a Fugitive”

1. Did Jonathan do right in defending David in the dispute when his father wanted to harm him? (1 Samuel 20:28-31)

2. What covenant did Jonathan make with David? (1 Samuel 20:42)

3. What is the Lord’s attitude toward the righteous and the wicked? (Psalms 11:5)

Commentary and Reflection

I’ll share some notes from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 for today’s commentary. I hope you can enjoy and wisely apply them to your lives.

“The trials David faced prepared him for his future advancement. This is how the Lord deals with those whom He prepares for glory. He does not immediately put them in possession of the kingdom; He guides them through much tribulation, which becomes the means to equip them for the kingdom. Do not murmur against His appointment by grace, nor distrust God’s care, but look forward with joyful hope to the crown reserved for you.” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, 1 Samuel 20:1-10)

“Jonathan promises that he will faithfully inform David of his father’s attitude toward him. It is our wisdom and duty to get an interest in those who are favored by God and to make ourselves friends with their friends. True friendship rests on a firm foundation and is capable of silencing ambition, self-love, and undue regard for others. But who can fully understand the love of Jesus given in sacrifice for rebellious, corrupt sinners! How great, then, must be the power and effect of our love for Him, for His sake and His people!” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, 1 Samuel 20:11-23)

“The separation of the two faithful friends was sad for both, but David’s case was more lamentable because he left behind all his comforts, even those of the sanctuary of God. Christians should not grieve like those who have no hope, since they are one with Christ.” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, 1 Samuel 20:35-42)

David writes the beautiful words of Psalm 11 while fleeing from Saul. Beyond his poetic abilities, it testifies to his trust in God in times of trial.

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalms 11:3) When the foundations are destroyed, the righteous trust in the Lord.

“The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.” (Psalms 11:4)

The Lord tests the righteous but rejects the wicked. The righteous may suffer injustice in this world, but He is watching, and the end of the wicked will be the lake of fire and brimstone. David finds comfort in Saul’s unjust persecution with this thought.

This is the hope of those who love God, “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.” (Psalms 11:7)

May these words be a source of encouragement in our time of trial.