1 Samuel 19:5

KJV

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

KJV (with Strong's)

For he did put {H7760} his life {H5315} in his hand {H3709}, and slew {H5221} the Philistine {H6430}, and the LORD {H3068} wrought {H6213} a great {H1419} salvation {H8668} for all Israel {H3478}: thou sawest {H7200} it, and didst rejoice {H8055}: wherefore then wilt thou sin {H2398} against innocent {H5355} blood {H1818}, to slay {H4191} David {H1732} without a cause {H2600}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He put his life in his hands to attack the P'lishtim, and ADONAI accomplished a great victory for all Isra'el. You yourself saw it, and you were happy about it. So why do you want to sin against innocent blood by killing David without any reason?"

Berean Standard Bible

He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

American Standard Version

for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and Jehovah wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice; wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonathan, King Saul's son, passionately intercedes for David's life, reminding his father of David's heroic act in slaying Goliath. He highlights that David "did put his life in his hand" for Israel's sake, and that "the LORD wrought a great salvation" through him, a victory Saul himself witnessed and celebrated. Jonathan then confronts Saul's murderous intent, labeling it a profound "sin against innocent blood" to slay David "without a cause," underscoring David's blamelessness and the moral depravity of Saul's escalating jealousy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a deeply tense and tragic narrative arc detailing King Saul's descent into madness and his irrational, destructive jealousy of David, whom God has clearly favored. Immediately preceding this plea, Saul has explicitly commanded his servants and Jonathan to kill David, revealing the depth of his malice (see [1 Samuel 19:1](/1_samuel/19-1 "1 Samuel 19:1 - Saul Commands David's Death")). Jonathan, bound by a deep covenant friendship with David (as established in [1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1-4 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")), intervenes directly, appealing to his father's conscience and sense of justice. This courageous intervention represents a pivotal moment of moral integrity and unwavering loyalty, setting the stage for David's subsequent escapes and the eventual, tragic rupture between Saul and his own son. The broader narrative of 1 Samuel consistently portrays David as innocent and divinely anointed, sharply contrasting with Saul's increasingly erratic, paranoid, and ungodly behavior.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The nascent Israelite monarchy, established relatively recently, was still navigating the complexities of royal authority, which, while significant, was not absolute, particularly when it conflicted with established moral and religious law. The Philistines represented a persistent and formidable military threat to Israel, making David's singular victory over Goliath a monumental event that secured national deliverance and elevated him to an unparalleled status as a national hero. The concept of "innocent blood" (Hebrew: _dam naqi_) was a matter of extreme gravity in ancient Israelite jurisprudence and ethics, deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against murder (e.g., [Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment")) and the severe, defiling consequences of shedding it unjustly (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:10](/deuteronomy/19-10 "Deuteronomy 19:10 - Punishment for Shedding Innocent Blood")). Jonathan's impassioned appeal skillfully leverages these deeply held cultural and religious values, attempting to recall Saul to a sense of moral responsibility and divine accountability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes that permeate the book of 1 Samuel. The profound tension between **Loyalty versus Jealousy** is central, vividly illustrated by Jonathan's unwavering fidelity to David directly confronting Saul's destructive and irrational envy. **Divine Providence and Deliverance** is prominently highlighted by Jonathan's insistence that "the LORD wrought a great salvation," underscoring God's active and sovereign hand in Israel's history and David's role as His chosen instrument in the miraculous victory over Goliath (as David himself proclaimed in [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45-47 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Trust in the Lord")). The **Sanctity of Life** and the **Grave Sin of Unjustified Violence** are underscored by Jonathan's direct accusation of "sin against innocent blood," reminding Saul of the profound moral and spiritual implications of his murderous intentions. Finally, David's **Innocence and Righteous Service** are unequivocally affirmed, contrasting sharply with Saul's baseless accusations and demonstrating the perversion of justice under Saul's increasingly tyrannical rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_ H5315):** From נָפַשׁ (_naphash_); properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality. In this context, _nephesh_ refers to David's very being, his soul and life, emphasizing that he placed his entire existence at immediate risk. It underscores the profound personal danger he willingly embraced.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwʻâh'_ H8668):** From שָׁוַע (_shâwaʻ_) in the sense of יָשַׁע (_yâshaʻ_); rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual); deliverance, help, safety, victory. This word emphatically attributes the national deliverance from the Philistines not to human might alone, but to the direct, saving act of God. It highlights that the victory was a divine intervention, a true act of God's powerful rescue for Israel.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_ H2398):** A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin. Jonathan uses this term to describe Saul's murderous intent as a profound moral and spiritual offense against God's law. It implies a deviation from the righteous path and a violation of divine standards, highlighting the gravity of Saul's unjust desire to kill David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he did put his life in his hand":** Jonathan begins by reminding Saul of David's extraordinary courage and self-sacrificial act. This vivid idiom portrays David's willingness to face Goliath as an act of profound personal risk, demonstrating his selfless devotion and bravery in the face of overwhelming danger for the sake of Israel.
* **"and slew the Philistine":** This clause states the undeniable, tangible outcome of David's perilous act—his decisive and miraculous victory over Goliath. It serves as a factual reminder of David's effectiveness as a warrior and, more importantly, as God's chosen instrument.
* **"and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel":** Jonathan immediately shifts the focus from David's human agency to God's divine power and initiative. This emphasizes that the victory was not merely a human feat but a miraculous deliverance orchestrated by Yahweh Himself for the benefit of the entire nation, with David serving as the vessel.
* **"thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice":** This is a direct, personal, and pointed appeal to Saul's own memory and conscience. Jonathan reminds Saul that he was not only a witness to David's heroism but, at that time, actively shared in the national joy and gratitude. This highlights Saul's profound hypocrisy and the irrationality of his current murderous intent, starkly contrasting his past positive reaction with his present destructive malice.
* **"wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?":** This is the forceful climax of Jonathan's plea—a powerful rhetorical question and a direct moral accusation. Jonathan challenges Saul's motive, asserting that David is unequivocally innocent and has given no legitimate cause for such a heinous act. He frames Saul's desire to kill David as a grave sin against divine law and the sanctity of life, appealing to Saul's moral compass and the severe implications of shedding blameless blood.

#### Literary Devices
Jonathan's impassioned speech in 1 Samuel 19:5 is rich with compelling literary techniques. He masterfully employs **Rhetorical Question** with "wherefore then wilt thou sin...?" This device is not intended to elicit an answer, but rather to provoke profound self-reflection in Saul, exposing the absurdity and moral depravity of his actions. Jonathan skillfully utilizes **Pathos** by appealing to Saul's past emotions, reminding him that he "sawest [it], and didst rejoice," aiming to evoke a sense of shame, regret, or cognitive dissonance by contrasting past joy with present malice. There is striking **Irony** in Saul's dramatic transformation from celebrating David's victory to actively seeking his life, powerfully underscoring the destructive and blinding power of jealousy. The phrase "put his life in his hand" functions as a vivid **Idiom**, creating a powerful mental image of David's extreme bravery and self-sacrifice. Furthermore, the speech employs a subtle form of **Repetition** by reiterating key ideas—David's heroism, God's divine salvation, and David's undeniable innocence—to build a compelling and morally unassailable argument against Saul's murderous intentions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's impassioned plea in 1 Samuel 19:5 serves as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the sanctity of life. It underscores that true deliverance comes from God, who sovereignly chooses and uses human instruments; therefore, to harm such an instrument is to directly oppose God Himself. Saul's descent into murderous jealousy exemplifies the destructive power of sin when unchecked, starkly contrasting with David's blamelessness and God's continued favor upon him. The emphasis on "innocent blood" highlights a foundational biblical principle: human life is sacred, made in God's image, and its unjust taking is a grave offense against the Creator, demanding divine justice. Jonathan's courageous act of speaking truth to power, even at significant personal risk, also models faithful witness and prophetic courage in the face of unrighteousness and tyrannical abuse of authority.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life")
* [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the LORD")
* [Proverbs 6:16-17](/proverbs/6-16-17 "Proverbs 6:16-17 - Things the Lord Hates, including Shedding Innocent Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's courageous stand in 1 Samuel 19:5 offers a powerful and enduring model for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a moral courage that enables us to speak truth to power, even when it is uncomfortable or carries significant personal cost, much like Jonathan risked his own standing and safety with his father to defend an innocent friend. Saul's tragic example serves as a stark and sobering warning against the insidious and destructive nature of unchecked envy, insecurity, and bitterness, reminding us to diligently guard our hearts against these corrupting forces. Furthermore, Jonathan's appeal to God's past "great salvation" wrought through David encourages us to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives and in the broader history of His people. This remembrance can serve as a powerful anchor for our faith, provide essential perspective in times of trial, and strengthen our resolve to uphold justice and the sanctity of all human life, thereby reflecting God's own righteous character in a world often prone to injustice and violence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate Jonathan's courage by speaking truth, even when it's difficult or unpopular?**
* **How can you identify and guard against the destructive influences of envy, insecurity, and bitterness, drawing lessons from Saul's tragic example?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness and "great salvation" in your life or in the history of the church strengthen your faith and guide your actions today?**
* **In what practical ways can you advocate for the sanctity of life and stand against the shedding of "innocent blood" in your community and beyond?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "he did put his life in his hand" truly convey?**

Answer: This vivid idiom, "he did put his life in his hand," signifies that David willingly placed himself in extreme, mortal danger, risking his very existence. It powerfully emphasizes his extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in confronting Goliath, highlighting that he faced a seemingly insurmountable threat with complete disregard for his own safety, all for the sake of his people and the honor of God.

**Why does Jonathan emphasize that "the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel"?**

Answer: Jonathan's emphasis on God's agency serves multiple crucial purposes. First, it reminds Saul that the victory over Goliath was not merely David's personal triumph but a divine act of deliverance orchestrated by Yahweh for the entire nation. Second, it underscores David's role as God's chosen instrument, implying that to harm David is to directly oppose God's will and His work. Finally, it appeals to Saul's own memory of a time when he rejoiced in God's blessing and deliverance through David, starkly contrasting it with his current sinful intent. This theological framing elevates the discussion beyond a personal vendetta to a matter of divine honor and national well-being, as David himself declared that "the battle is the LORD's" in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's").

**What is the significance of "sin against innocent blood" in this context?**

Answer: "Sin against innocent blood" refers to the grave moral and spiritual offense of unjustly taking a blameless person's life. In ancient Israelite law and theology, shedding innocent blood was considered a heinous crime that defiled the land and brought severe divine judgment, as explicitly outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 21:8](/deuteronomy/21-8 "Deuteronomy 21:8 - Atonement for Innocent Blood"). Jonathan uses this strong accusation to highlight the profound depravity and spiritual danger of Saul's murderous intentions toward David, who had done nothing to deserve death and had, in fact, served Israel faithfully and heroically. It frames Saul's intent as a violation of both human justice and divine command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's powerful appeal in 1 Samuel 19:5, highlighting David's self-sacrifice and the "great salvation" wrought by the LORD through him, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, in putting his life in his hand to save Israel from the Philistine giant, serves as a remarkable type, foreshadowing the ultimate Lamb of God who willingly laid down His life, not merely for a nation, but for the sins of the entire world (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "great salvation" achieved through David's act of physical deliverance for Israel, while significant, pales in comparison to the eternal spiritual salvation accomplished by Christ's crucifixion and resurrection ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Jesus, the truly innocent One, was unjustly slain "without a cause," fulfilling the prophetic lament of the righteous suffering innocently ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). His shed "innocent blood" ([Matthew 27:4](/matthew/27-4 "Matthew 27:4 - Judas's Confession of Innocent Blood")) did not defile the land but became the very means of atonement and cleansing for humanity's sins, establishing a new covenant of grace and forgiveness ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). Thus, David's heroic act serves as a powerful prefigurement, pointing forward to the infinitely greater, perfect, and redemptive sacrifice of Christ, through whom God accomplished the ultimate and eternal salvation for all who believe.

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 11:13

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:14

And they set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance.

1 Samuel 20:32

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

Judges 9:17

(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

Psalms 119:109

¶ My soul [is] continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

1 Samuel 28:21

And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.