1 Samuel 19:1

KJV

¶ And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} spake {H1696} to Jonathan {H3129} his son {H1121}, and to all his servants {H5650}, that they should kill {H4191} David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul told Y'honatan his son and all his servants that they should have David killed. But because Y'honatan was very fond of David,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,

American Standard Version

And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should slay David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:1 marks a perilous and public escalation in King Saul's relentless animosity towards David, as he abandons covert plots and personal attacks to issue a direct, murderous command to his own son Jonathan and all his servants: that they should assassinate David. This verse signifies a dark turning point, revealing the destructive depths of Saul's jealousy, paranoia, and spiritual decline, while simultaneously setting the stage for Jonathan's profound moral dilemma and God's continued sovereign protection over His chosen servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of escalating tension and attempted violence from King Saul towards David. In [1 Samuel 18](/1_samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - Saul's Jealousy and David's Success"), David's military successes and soaring popularity, particularly after his victory over Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:50](/1_samuel/17-50 "1 Samuel 17:50 - David's Victory Over Goliath")), ignited Saul's profound envy and insecurity. The women's song, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song")), inflamed Saul's wrath, leading to repeated attempts to kill David with a javelin ([1 Samuel 18:10-11](/1_samuel/18-10-11 "1 Samuel 18:10-11 - Saul's Javelin Attempts")). Despite these personal attacks and Saul's attempts to have David killed by the Philistines through impossible dowry demands ([1 Samuel 18:25](/1_samuel/18-25 "1 Samuel 18:25 - Saul's Plot with Philistines")), David continued to prosper because "the Lord was with him" ([1 Samuel 18:12](/1_samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - The Lord Was With David")). Chapter 19 opens with Saul abandoning these more subtle or personal methods for an open, public decree of murder, dramatically escalating the conflict and forcing a crisis of loyalty within his own court.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern monarchies often involved intense power struggles, with kings viewing popular rivals or potential successors as direct threats to their throne. Saul's actions, while extreme and morally reprehensible, reflect a paranoid ruler's desperate attempt to eliminate perceived competition and secure his dynasty. The concept of a king's command being absolute was prevalent, making Saul's decree particularly dangerous for David, as it carried the full weight of royal authority. However, the command to "kill" an innocent, loyal servant was a profound violation of justice, hospitality, and the covenantal principles that were meant to govern the Israelite kingdom. The narrative unfolds in Israel, where God's covenant with His people and His anointing of leaders were meant to establish a righteous kingdom, making Saul's unrighteous command a stark contrast to divine principles. This command would have been issued within Saul's court, likely in Gibeah, to his closest advisors and military leaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of unchecked **jealousy** and **paranoia**, as Saul's envy morphs into a murderous intent that consumes him, leading him to disregard all moral boundaries. It highlights the profound tension between **divine sovereignty** and human rebellion, demonstrating that despite Saul's malicious efforts, God's plan for David's kingship will ultimately prevail. The verse also introduces the critical theme of **loyalty and betrayal**, as Jonathan, Saul's own son and heir, is placed in an agonizing moral dilemma between allegiance to his father and his deep, covenantal friendship with David, established in [1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1-4 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **divine protection**, foreshadowing how God will continually safeguard David from Saul's relentless pursuit, even when the king's own household is commanded to turn against him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (דָּבַר, _dâbar_), derived from the primitive root H1696, signifies more than casual conversation; it denotes a deliberate, authoritative utterance, often implying a command, decree, or formal declaration. In this context, it emphasizes the intentionality and force behind Saul's instruction. It is a public and official pronouncement, not a private whisper, indicating Saul's open commitment to David's demise and his desire to legitimize the act through royal decree.
* **kill (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** The Hebrew word מוּת (_mûwth_), H4191, is a strong, unambiguous term meaning "to die" or, in its causative form, "to kill," "to slay," or "to put to death." Its use here leaves no doubt about Saul's intent: he desires David's assassination. This is not a request for imprisonment or exile, but a direct order for lethal violence, underscoring the extreme nature of Saul's hatred and his complete disregard for David's life, even in the face of David's loyalty and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants,"**: The pilcrow (¶) in the KJV signifies a new paragraph or a significant thematic shift in the narrative, here marking the dangerous escalation of Saul's campaign against David. Saul's decision to "speak" to Jonathan, his heir and David's closest friend, and "to all his servants" indicates a public, official decree rather than a covert plot. By involving his own son, Saul creates an immediate moral crisis and tests the loyalty of his inner circle. This public declaration reveals the extent of Saul's desperation, his abandonment of any pretense of justice, and his willingness to corrupt his own household to achieve his murderous aims.
* **"that they should kill David."**: This is the chilling command at the heart of the verse. It is a direct order for assassination, revealing the depth of Saul's jealousy, paranoia, and spiritual depravity. David, who had served Saul faithfully, defeated Israel's enemies, and brought honor to the kingdom, is now targeted for murder by the very king he served. This command is a heinous act, violating both human and divine law (specifically the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder"), and it sets the stage for a prolonged period of persecution for David, highlighting the profound moral decay of King Saul.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Escalation** is profoundly evident as Saul moves from personal javelin attacks and indirect plots to a public, direct command for murder, signifying a dangerous new phase in his animosity. There is profound **Irony** in Saul commanding his own son, Jonathan, to kill David, given Jonathan's deep covenantal friendship and unwavering loyalty to David, which is well-established in the preceding chapter. This sets up a powerful **moral dilemma** for Jonathan, forcing a choice between filial obedience to a corrupt king and righteous loyalty to an innocent friend and God's anointed. The explicit command to "kill" also functions as **foreshadowing**, indicating the relentless and violent pursuit David will endure throughout the subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel, yet simultaneously highlighting God's unwavering **protection** over His anointed one. The stark contrast between Saul's destructive hatred and David's innocent faithfulness also serves as a form of **character foil**, emphasizing the spiritual and moral decline of the king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark theological commentary on the destructive power of unchecked sin, particularly jealousy, pride, and an unyielding grip on power, when it takes root in a leader's heart. Saul's descent from a divinely appointed king to a murderous tyrant demonstrates the tragic consequences of rejecting God's Spirit and pursuing one's own agenda above divine will. His command to kill David is a direct affront to God's anointing and plan, highlighting the ongoing tension between human will and divine sovereignty. Yet, even in this dark moment of human treachery and the king's open rebellion against God's purposes, God's faithfulness to His promises and His chosen servant is implicitly affirmed, as Saul's command ultimately fails to thwart God's purpose for David.

* [Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder")
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps Around Those Who Fear Him")
* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - The Cruelty of Envy and Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 19:1 is a chilling reminder of how quickly unchecked sin can escalate from internal resentment to outward, destructive actions. Saul's jealousy, fueled by his insecurity and an evil spirit, led him to abandon all moral and ethical boundaries, even commanding murder against an innocent and loyal servant. This narrative compels us to examine our own hearts, recognizing the insidious nature of envy and pride and the importance of addressing them through confession, repentance, and reliance on God's grace before they consume us and harm others. It also highlights the profound courage and integrity required to stand for what is right, even when it means opposing powerful figures or family members, as Jonathan's subsequent actions demonstrate. Ultimately, the verse encourages us to place our trust not in human power or protection, but in the sovereign hand of God, who faithfully guards those He has chosen and fulfills His purposes despite human opposition and the most malicious of schemes. We are reminded that true security and purpose are found in aligning ourselves with God's will, not in clinging to earthly positions or possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's progression from internal jealousy to an open command for murder serve as a warning for us today regarding the dangers of unchecked sin?**
* **What are contemporary examples of "unchecked envy" or "paranoia" that lead to destructive outcomes, and how can we guard against them in our own lives and communities?**
* **In what situations might we be called to choose between loyalty to a person or institution and faithfulness to God's principles, as Jonathan was forced to do?**
* **How does this verse strengthen your trust in God's protection and sovereignty, even when facing seemingly overwhelming opposition or betrayal?**

### FAQ

**Why did Saul command Jonathan and all his servants to kill David, instead of doing it himself or just one person?**

Answer: Saul's command to Jonathan and "all his servants" was a strategic and desperate move born out of his escalating paranoia and a desire to legitimize his murderous intent. By involving Jonathan, his own son and heir, Saul aimed to test his loyalty and perhaps implicate him in the plot, making it harder for Jonathan to side with David. By including "all his servants," Saul was attempting to make David's assassination a public, sanctioned act of the court, rather than a private, illicit murder. This also served to spread the responsibility, making it more likely that someone would carry out the deed. However, this broad command also created a wider circle of potential dissenters and informants, ultimately working against Saul's goal, as Jonathan immediately warned David ([1 Samuel 19:2](/1_samuel/19-2 "1 Samuel 19:2 - Jonathan Warns David")).

**What does the "¶" (pilcrow) at the beginning of the KJV verse signify?**

Answer: In older English translations like the King James Version, the pilcrow (¶) is a typesetting mark used to indicate a new paragraph or a significant thematic break in the text. It doesn't imply a textual variant or a special meaning of the verse itself, but rather signals to the reader that the following sentence or passage begins a new thought or section within the narrative flow. In [1 Samuel 19:1](/1_samuel/19-1 "1 Samuel 19:1 - Saul Commands David's Death"), it highlights the beginning of a new and intensified phase in Saul's persecution of David, moving from individual, impulsive attempts to an open, public command for assassination.

**How did David respond to this direct threat on his life?**

Answer: David did not directly respond to Saul's command in this verse, as he was not present when it was issued. However, David was immediately warned by Jonathan, who had heard his father's decree and remained loyal to his friend ([1 Samuel 19:2](/1_samuel/19-2 "1 Samuel 19:2 - Jonathan Warns David")). Jonathan then interceded with Saul on David's behalf, temporarily pacifying the king and bringing David back to court ([1 Samuel 19:4-7](/1_samuel/19-4-7 "1 Samuel 19:4-7 - Jonathan's Intercession and David's Return")). Despite this temporary reprieve, Saul's murderous intent soon returned, leading David to flee and become a fugitive for many years, relying on God's miraculous protection and guidance ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9-10 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Renewed Attack and David's Escape")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 19:1, with its raw depiction of a divinely appointed leader seeking to murder an innocent, God-anointed servant, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate rejection and persecution of God's true Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Just as Saul, driven by jealousy, insecurity, and a desperate desire to retain earthly power, sought to eliminate David, so too did the religious and political authorities of Jesus' day conspire to put Him to death, viewing Him as a threat to their established order and earthly authority ([John 11:47-50](/john/11-47-50 "John 11:47-50 - The Council's Plot Against Jesus")). David, though innocent, was hunted and betrayed by the very king he served, much like the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who was "led as a sheep to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). Yet, just as God supernaturally protected David through various means and ultimately established him on the throne of Israel, so too did God raise Jesus from the dead, vindicating Him and establishing His eternal kingdom, a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Acts 2:23-24 - God Raised Him Up")). Saul's futile attempt to thwart God's plan for David underscores the unshakeable sovereignty of God in bringing about His redemptive purposes through Christ, ensuring that no human malice or conspiracy can ultimately prevent the triumph of His Messiah and the establishment of His everlasting reign ([Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above All Names")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 18:1

¶ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

1 Samuel 18:9

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.