1 Samuel 20:35

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(35) At the time appointed with David.—This meeting between the friends is not described at any length; all was done as had been pre-arranged, and, alas! everything had come to pass as David in his sad foresight had expected.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

20:35-42 The separation of two such faithful friends was grievous to both, but David's case was the more deplorable, for David was leaving all his comforts, even those of God's sanctuary. Christians need not sorrow, as men without hope; but being one with Christ, they are one with each other, and will meet in his presence ere long, to part no more; to meet where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The greatest insult and most stinging reproach that can be cast upon an Oriental is to reproach his parents or ancestors (see Job 30:8). Saul means to intimate that Jonathan was stubborn from his mother's womb.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

35. Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed—or, "at the place appointed."

Matthew Poole's Commentary

In the morning, to wit, of the third day, appointed, for this work, 1 Samuel 20:5.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And it came to pass in the morning:,.... The next morning, the morning of the third day of the month:

that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David; he went to the place in the field, or near it, where David hid himself, and at the time agreed between them; which, Abarbinel says, was the time the nobles agreed on for walking, and motion, and for hunting, and casting of arrows, so that Jonathan could go forth without suspicion:

and a little lad with him; to carry his bow and arrows, and fetch his arrows when cast.

Geneva Study Bible

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field {q} at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

(q) For this was the third day, as it was agreed on in 1Sa 20:5.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

35–42. The parting between Jonathan and David

35. at the time appointed] Better, to the place appointed (1 Samuel 20:19).

a little lad] Who would not suspect the real purpose of Jonathan’s shooting: a vivid touch of reality in the narrative.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 35-38. - The next morning Jonathan went out into the field, not at the time, but "to the place" appointed, taking with him a little lad, as less likely to suspect a reason. Having shot at the mark, he sends him to pick up the arrows, and as he runs to do so he shoots one beyond him, and, calling aloud, gives David the sign that there was no hope. To keep the boy's attention engaged he gives him hurried commands - Make speed, haste, stay not. Instead of the arrows the written text has "Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrow," i.e. that one especially which Jonathan had shot beyond him, and to which his rapid commands referred. 1 Samuel 20:35

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

The next morning Jonathan made David acquainted with what had occurred, by means of the sign agreed upon with David. The account of this, and of the meeting between Jonathan and David which followed, is given very concisely, only the main points being touched upon. In the morning (after what had occurred) Jonathan went to the field, דּוד למועד, either "at the time agreed upon with David," or "to the meeting with David," or perhaps better still, "according to the appointment (agreement) with David," and a small boy with him.