C. F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch on 1 Samuel 20:11

1Sa 20:11

Before replying to these questions, Jonathan asked David to go with him to the field, that they might there fix upon the sign by which he would let him know, in a way in which no one could suspect, what was the state of his father’s mind.

In the field, where they were both entirely free from observation, Jonathan first of all renewed his covenant with David, by vowing to him on oath that he would give him information of his father’s feelings towards him (1Sa 20:12, 1Sa 20:13); and then entreated him, with a certain presentiment that David would one day be king, even then to maintain his love towards him and his family for ever (1Sa 20:14-16); and lastly, he made David swear again concerning his love (1Sa 20:17), and then gave him the sign by which he would communicate the promised information (1Sa 20:18-23).