1 Samuel 20:30

“Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, etc.] For giving David leave to go, and for excusing him in this manner: and he said unto him, thou son of the perverse and rebellious [woman]; most of the Jewish commentators supply it as we do, but the supplement of woman may as well be left out, and be read, “thou son of perverse rebellion” f421; thou perverse and rebellious wretch, perverse in thy temper, and rebellious in thy conduct; for the design of the expression is not to reproach his mother, for which there seems no provocation, but Jonathan only; and the next clause confirms it, which expresses a concern for his mother’s honour and credit; the Targum is, “an obstinate son, whose…”

“Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman--This is a striking Oriental form of abuse. Saul was not angry with his wife; it was the son alone, upon whom he meant, by this style of address, to discharge his resentment. The principle on which it is founded seems to be, that to a genuine filial instinct it is a more inexpiable offense to hear the name or character of a parent traduced, than any personal reproach. This was, undoubtedly, one cause of "the fierce anger" in which the high-minded prince left the table without tasting a morsel.”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Thy confusion - Men will conclude that thou hast no royal blood in thy veins, that canst so tamely give up thy crown to so contemptible a person. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 20:33”

“20:30 You stupid son of a whore! This epithet was as strong and insulting in Hebrew as it is in English. • shaming yourself: Saul was interested in the legacy of his own dynasty. He viewed David’s actions as ultimately directed against Jonathan, the hereditary successor. To Saul, Jonathan was stupidly hurting and shaming himself by supporting David.”

“Saul's: Job 5:2; Pro 14:29, Pro 19:12, Pro 19:19, Pro 21:24, Pro 25:28, Pro 27:3; Jam 1:19, Jam 1:20 Thou: etc. or, Thou perverse rebel, Heb. Son of perverse rebellion, Pro 15:2, Pro 21:24; Mat 5:22; Eph 4:31, Eph 6:4 and unto the: This reflection on the mother of Jonathan, by the passionate monarch, reflects more dishonour on himself than on his brave and noble minded son. Mungo Park gives an instance of the prevalence of the same principles in Africa; for he says, "Maternal affection is every where conspicuous among the Africans, and creates a correspondent return of tenderness in the child. 'Strike me,' said my attendant, 'but do not curse my mother.' I found the same sentiment to prevail…”