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6. For all the family. Better, “for all the clan.” Israel was divided into 12 tribes, but these tribes were again grouped into clans, or families (see Ex. 6:14-30). In the tribes of Benjamin and Judah one clan might meet in Gibeah and another in Bethlehem.

Some have questioned David’s integrity in asking Jonathan to tell Saul of an intended visit home, because they believe that David did not plan to go to Bethlehem at all. A careful examination of the context does not confirm the contention. Bible narratives frequently omit many details that, had they been given, would clarify the picture. The brief account here set forth conveys the impression that the whole incident was a mere fabrication to test Saul’s attitude. But Jonathan’s statement made to his father (vs. 28, 29) strongly implies that the two friends had talked the whole matter over, and that more had been said than is here recorded. It appears evident that David did plan to see his brothers, and that he probably made a brief visit to Bethlehem (see PP 654, 655). But before Saul would be likely to send after him he returned and hid himself in the field awaiting the information from Jonathan as to Saul’s reaction.