John Gill Commentary 1 Samuel 20:32

"And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore should he be put to death? what hath he done?" — 1 Samuel 20:32 (ASV)

And Jonathan answered Saul his, father, and said to him ,
&c.] Making no answer to the charges of perverseness, rebellion, and folly brought against himself, which he bore with patience, but could not bear to hear his dear friend spoken against, and as worthy of death; and therefore in answer to that says,

wherefore shall he be slain? what has he done ?
has he attempted to take away your life? to deprive you of your crown? to settle himself upon the throne? what overt act of treason has he been guilty of; that he should die? on the contrary, has he not done many things worthy of immortal honour, for the good of the nation, and the glory of your reign? and if God has determined the kingdom for him, and anointed him to it, what blame can be laid upon him? nay, should he not be the rather respected and honoured?