6 Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan: and Saul swore, "As Yahweh lives, he shall not be put to death."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
He shall not be slain - In consequence of this oath, we may suppose he issued orders contrary to those which he had given the preceding day.
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul (c) sware, [As] the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.
(c) Whatever he pretended outwardly, yet his heart was full of malice.
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan,.... Not only heard him out what he had to say, but was affected with it, and wrought upon by it, and was convicted for the present that he was wrong in seeking the life of David, and therefore would desist from it; the Lord working upon his mind by what Jonathan said, and inclined him to listen to it, and act accordingly:
and Saul sware, as the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain; this oath he added to what he said to Jonathan, for the confirmation of it; and which was taken either with a real intention to keep it, though that intention did not long continue; or with a view to deceive Jonathan, that he might acquaint David with it, and so prevent his flight and escape, and that he might the more easily fall into his hands; but the former seems rather to be the case.
These words made an impression upon Saul. He swore, "As Jehovah liveth, he (David) shall not be put to death;" whereupon Jonathan reported these words to David, and brought him to Saul, so that he was with him again as before. But this reconciliation, unfortunately, did not last long.
As the Lord, &c. - And without all doubt, he intended what he said, feeling a real change in himself for the present. "God," says Mr. Henry, "inclined the heart of Saul to hearken to the voice of Jonathan."
*More commentary available at chapter level.