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Commentary on 1 Samuel 19 verses 1–7
Saul and Jonathan appear here in their different characters, with reference to David.
I. Never was enemy so unreasonably cruel as Saul. He spoke to his son and all his servants that they should kill David, Sa1 19:1. His projects to take him off had failed, and therefore he proclaims him an out-law, and charges all about him, upon their allegiance, to take the first opportunity to kill David. It is strange that he was not ashamed thus to avow his malice when he could give no reason for it, and that knowing all his servants loved David (for so he had said himself, Sa1 18:22), he was not afraid of provoking them to rebel by this bloody order. Either malice was not then so politic, or justice was not so corrupted as it has been since, or else Saul would have had him indicted, and have suborned witnesses to swear treason against him, and so have had him taken off, as Naboth was, by colour of law. But there is least danger from this undisguised malice. It was strange that he who knew how well Jonathan loved him should expect him to kill him; but he thought that because he was heir to the crown he must needs be as envious at David as himself was. And Providence ordered it thus that he might befriend David's safety.
II. Never was friend so surprisingly kind as Jonathan. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Such a one Jonathan was to David. He not only continued to delight much in him, though David's glory eclipsed his, but bravely appeared for him now that the stream ran so strongly against him.
1.He took care for his present security by letting him know his danger (Sa1 19:2): "Take heed to thyself, and keep out of harm's way." Jonathan knew not but that some of the servants might be either so obsequious to Saul or so envious at David as to put the orders in execution which Saul had given, if they could light on David.
2.He took pains to pacify his father and reconcile him to David. The next morning he ventured to commune with him concerning David (Sa1 19:3), not that night, perhaps because he observed Saul to be drunk and not fit to be spoken to, or because he hoped that, when he had slept upon it, he would himself revoke the order, or because he could not have an opportunity of speaking to him till morning.
(1.)His intercession for David was very prudent. It was managed with a great deal of the meekness of wisdom; and he showed himself faithful to his friends by speaking good of him, though he was in danger of incurring his father's displeasure by it - a rare instance of valuable friendship! He pleads, [1.] The good services David had done to the public, and particularly to Saul: His work has been to thee-ward very good, Sa1 19:4. Witness the relief he had given him against his distemper with his harp, and his bold encounter with Goliath, that memorable action, which did, in effect, save Saul's life and kingdom. He appeals to himself concerning his: Thou thyself sawest it, and didst rejoice. In that and other instances it appeared that David was a favourite of heaven and a friend to Israel, as well as a good servant to Saul, for by him the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel; so that to order him to be slain was not only base ingratitude to so good a servant, but a great affront to God and a great injury to the public. [2.] He pleads his innocency. Though he had formerly done many good offices, yet, if he had now been chargeable with any crimes, it would have been another matter; but he has not sinned against thee (Sa1 19:1), his blood is innocent (Sa1 19:5), and, if he be slain, it is without cause. And Jonathan had therefore reason to protest against it because he could not entail any thing upon his family more pernicious than the guilt of innocent blood.
(2.)His intercession, being thus prudent, was prevalent. God inclined the heart of Saul to hearken to the voice of Jonathan. Note, We must be willing to hear reason, and to take all reproofs and good advice even from our inferiors, parents from their own children. How forcible are right words! Saul was, for the present, so far convinced of the unreasonableness of his enmity to David that, [1.] He recalled the bloody warrant for his execution (Sa1 19:6): As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain. Whether Saul swore here with due solemnity or no does not appear; perhaps he did, and the matter was of such moment as to deserve it and of such uncertainty as to need it. But at other times Saul swore rashly and profanely, which made the sincerity of this oath justly questionable; for it may be feared that those who can so far jest with an oath as to make a by-word of it, and prostitute it to a trifle, have not such a due sense of the obligation of it but that, to serve a turn, they will prostitute it to a lie. Some suspect that Saul said and swore this with a malicious design to bring David within his reach again, intending to take the first opportunity to slay him. But, as bad as Saul was, we can scarcely think so ill of him; and therefore we suppose that he spoke as he thought for the present, but the convictions soon wore off and his corruptions prevailed and triumphed over them. [2.] He renewed the grant of his place at court. Jonathan brought him to Saul, and he was in his presence as in times past (Sa1 19:7), hoping that now the storm was over, and that his friend Jonathan would be instrumental to keep his father always in this good mind.
Therefore Jonathan spoke good of David to his father Saul, etc. The apostles spoke good of Christ to the Jews, recalling him as a man approved by God among them in the powers and signs and wonders which God had done through him in their midst; who not only could not be accused of sin, but also, being diligent in virtues, went around all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every infirmity.
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SUMMARY
First Samuel 19:4 presents a profound moment of courageous intercession, where Jonathan, King Saul's son, passionately advocates for David before his volatile and increasingly paranoid father. Jonathan appeals to Saul's sense of justice, reason, and moral duty, meticulously emphasizing David's blameless conduct and the immense, undeniable good he has brought to the kingdom. This pivotal verse not only highlights Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and covenant love for David but also starkly contrasts David's consistent integrity with the destructive nature of Saul's unchecked jealousy and unrighteous anger.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and emotional weight. Irony is powerfully present, as the king, who is divinely appointed to uphold justice and protect his subjects, is being admonished by his own son not to "sin against" a loyal and innocent servant. This highlights Saul's profound moral decay and the inversion of proper royal conduct. Contrast is central to the passage, starkly juxtaposing Jonathan's selfless loyalty, moral courage, and clear-sightedness with Saul's paranoid jealousy, irrational hatred, and murderous intent. Furthermore, David's blameless service and undeniably "very good" works stand in sharp contrast to Saul's unrighteous animosity. Jonathan's speech itself functions as a potent Rhetorical Appeal, specifically an appeal to reason (logos) and moral duty (ethos), attempting to sway Saul through logical argument and an emphasis on David's undeniable contributions and innocence. The use of strong, declarative statements reinforces the gravity of the situation and the sincerity of Jonathan's plea.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates with profound theological and thematic connections, illustrating God's sovereign protection over His chosen one and the transformative power of righteous intercession. Jonathan's courageous stand for David underscores the biblical theme of covenant loyalty and the profound value of true friendship, which reflects, albeit imperfectly, the steadfast love of God for His people. It also speaks to the broader narrative of God's providence, demonstrating how He often uses human agents and relationships to fulfill His divine purposes, even in the face of human wickedness and opposition. Jonathan's advocacy for David serves as a powerful example of speaking truth to power and defending the innocent, a call echoed throughout scripture for those who seek justice and righteousness in a fallen world.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's bold intercession on behalf of David in 1 Samuel 19:4 offers a timeless and challenging model for believers today. It compels us to examine our own courage and conviction in the face of injustice. Are we willing to speak up for those who are being wronged, even when it might be inconvenient, unpopular, or personally risky? Jonathan's loyalty to David, which transcended his own self-interest, familial ties to the king, and even potential danger, calls us to cultivate friendships marked by such profound commitment, self-sacrifice, and unwavering support. Furthermore, David's consistent integrity and excellent service, despite being the object of Saul's irrational hatred and persecution, reminds us of the paramount importance of maintaining our character, diligently performing our duties with excellence, and trusting God with the outcomes of our faithfulness, regardless of external circumstances or unfair treatment. Finally, the narrative serves as a potent cautionary tale against the corrosive power of jealousy and envy, urging us to guard our hearts against such destructive emotions that can blind us to truth, distort our perceptions, and ultimately lead to harmful, unrighteous actions against others and ourselves.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jonathan risk his position and life by interceding for David?
Answer: Jonathan risked his position and life primarily out of a profound loyalty and covenant love for David, which he sealed in 1 Samuel 18:3. He clearly recognized David's innocence, integrity, and the immense good David had done for the kingdom, understanding that Saul's animosity was unjust and driven by irrational jealousy. Jonathan also likely discerned God's favor on David, recognizing that David was God's chosen one for the future of Israel, even if it meant superseding his own claim to the throne. His actions were a testament to his deep moral conviction, his genuine friendship, and his willingness to prioritize righteousness and God's will over personal safety, political gain, or filial obligation to an unrighteous king. Jonathan's selfless love for David is one of the most profound and exemplary friendships recorded in Scripture.
Was Saul's animosity toward David ever truly overcome by Jonathan's pleas?
Answer: While Jonathan's intercession in 1 Samuel 19:4-7 initially seemed to sway Saul, leading him to swear an oath not to kill David, this period of peace was unfortunately short-lived. Saul's deep-seated jealousy and paranoia were recurrent issues, often exacerbated by the "evil spirit" that tormented him (1 Samuel 16:14). Subsequent events, such as David's continued military successes and public acclaim, reignited Saul's murderous intent, as tragically seen later in 1 Samuel 19:9-10 when Saul again attempted to spear David. Thus, while Jonathan's words had a temporary and significant effect, they could not ultimately overcome the destructive power of Saul's unchecked sin and spiritual decline.
How does this event contribute to the broader narrative of David's rise to kingship?
Answer: This event is crucial to the broader narrative of David's rise to kingship in several significant ways. Firstly, it powerfully highlights God's ongoing and active protection of David, demonstrating how God uses faithful human agents like Jonathan to preserve His anointed one from the schemes of the unrighteous. Secondly, it further exposes Saul's increasing unsuitability for kingship, showcasing his irrationality, jealousy, and profound moral decline, which stand in stark contrast to David's character, integrity, and divine favor. Thirdly, it solidifies the unique and pivotal friendship between Jonathan and David, a bond that would prove instrumental in David's survival and eventually lead to David's covenantal kindness toward Jonathan's house after Jonathan's death, as exemplified by David's care for Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9. It underscores that David's ascent to the throne was not merely by human effort or political maneuvering but by divine orchestration, often working through the loyalty and self-sacrifice of others.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The selfless and courageous intercession of Jonathan for David in 1 Samuel 19:4 beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ on behalf of humanity. Just as Jonathan pleaded for David's innocence and highlighted his "very good works" before an unjust and volatile king, so Christ, our great High Priest, stands as our perfect advocate before the Father. He intercedes for us, not based on our own "very good works," which are tainted by sin, but solely on the basis of His own perfect righteousness and His finished, redemptive work on the cross. The "sin against" a loyal servant that Jonathan sought to prevent finds its ultimate reversal in Christ, who, though perfectly innocent and having done only "very good works" on our behalf, was unjustly condemned and suffered for the sins of others (Isaiah 53:5). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bearing the judgment we deserved. Furthermore, the profound covenant love between Jonathan and David, marked by self-sacrifice and unwavering loyalty, points to the infinitely greater love of Christ, who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13) and now ever lives to make intercession for us at the right hand of God (Hebrews 7:25). He is our perfect advocate (1 John 2:1), whose "works" were not merely "very good" but perfectly redemptive, securing our salvation, reconciliation, and eternal peace with God.