1 Samuel 19:6

KJV

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, [As] the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} hearkened {H8085} unto the voice {H6963} of Jonathan {H3083}: and Saul {H7586} sware {H7650}, As the LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, he shall not {H518} be slain {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul heeded Y'honatan's advice and swore, "As ADONAI lives, he will not be put to death."

Berean Standard Bible

Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.”

American Standard Version

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As Jehovah liveth, he shall not be put to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:6 captures a pivotal moment where King Saul, influenced by the earnest appeal of his son Jonathan, makes a solemn, divinely-invoked oath not to harm David. This verse powerfully illustrates Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and courageous intercession, temporarily overriding Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent, and serving as a testament to God's providential protection over David's life amidst royal intrigue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly volatile period of Saul's reign, characterized by his increasing paranoia and malevolent hostility towards David. David's military successes and burgeoning popularity had fueled Saul's intense envy, leading to repeated attempts on David's life, including a javelin attack in [1 Samuel 18:11](/1_samuel/18-11 "1 Samuel 18:11 - Saul's Javelin Attack"). Jonathan, however, had formed an extraordinary and unbreakable covenant of friendship with David, valuing him above his own royal inheritance, a bond profoundly established in [1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1-4 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Jonathan's Soul Knit to David"). In the immediate preceding verses of [1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - Saul's Renewed Attempts on David's Life"), Jonathan bravely confronts his father, reminding Saul of David's faithful service, his heroic victory over Goliath, and the great salvation he brought to Israel ([1 Samuel 19:4-5](/1_samuel/19-4-5 "1 Samuel 19:4-5 - Jonathan's Defense of David")). Jonathan's impassioned and logical advocacy culminates in Saul's temporary capitulation and the solemn oath recorded here, representing a brief reprieve from Saul's relentless pursuit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of swearing an oath "As the LORD liveth" (חַי יְהוָה, _chai YHWH_) was an extremely serious and binding declaration in ancient Israelite society. Such an oath invoked God, Yahweh, as a living witness to the truth and sincerity of the speaker's words, placing the speaker under divine judgment if the oath was broken. For a king, whose word carried immense weight and whose decrees were considered law, such a public vow was particularly significant, intended to assure those present, and indeed the entire nation, of his commitment. This cultural practice underscores the profound gravity of Saul's promise and, by extension, the egregious nature of his subsequent betrayal. Furthermore, the narrative reflects the inherent instability of the early Israelite monarchy, where a king's personal whims, spiritual state, and emotional volatility could directly impact the lives of his subjects and the future trajectory of the nation, contrasting sharply with the ideal of a king ruling justly under God's covenant law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy and David"). Firstly, it highlights the **power of intercession and loyal friendship**, profoundly exemplified by Jonathan's selfless courage in defending David, even at great personal risk to his own life and royal prospects. His advocacy temporarily diverts Saul's murderous intent, demonstrating the significant influence of righteous counsel. Secondly, it underscores **Saul's volatile and inconsistent character**, marked by impulsiveness, spiritual instability, and a tragic inability to maintain his commitments. His oath, though solemn, proves to be a fleeting moment of clarity or remorse, soon to be broken as his jealousy resurfaces ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9-10 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Evil Spirit Returns")). This foreshadows the tragic trajectory of his reign and his ultimate rejection by God. Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **divine protection over God's chosen one**. Despite Saul's relentless attempts, David's life is consistently preserved, often through human instruments like Jonathan, aligning with God's overarching plan for David to succeed Saul as king, as prophesied in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shama'_):** From H8085, this verb signifies more than merely hearing; it implies listening with attention, understanding, and often, obeying or responding positively. In this context, it suggests that Saul genuinely took Jonathan's words to heart, at least for a moment, and allowed them to influence his decision. It represents a rare instance of Saul yielding to righteous counsel rather than being solely driven by his paranoid impulses.
* **sware (Hebrew, _shaba'_):** From H7650, to "swear" or "take an oath" is to make a solemn declaration, often invoking a divine being as a witness or guarantor of the truth of the statement. This act elevates a promise from a mere intention to a sacred commitment, binding the speaker to its fulfillment under penalty of divine judgment. Saul's act of swearing here indicates a high degree of seriousness and public commitment, at least superficially.
* **liveth (Hebrew, _chay_):** From H2416, this word means "alive" or "living." In the phrase "As the LORD liveth" (חַי יְהוָה, _chai YHWH_), it is part of a powerful and frequently used oath formula in the Old Testament. It means "by the life of Yahweh" or "as surely as Yahweh lives." It is the strongest possible affirmation, invoking the very existence and active presence of God as a witness and guarantor of the oath's truth and binding nature. For Saul to use this phrase underscores the extreme gravity of his promise not to harm David, making his subsequent breach of it all the more reprehensible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan:"** This clause highlights a significant, albeit temporary, shift in Saul's disposition. Despite his deep-seated jealousy and murderous intent towards David, he pauses to listen to his son. Jonathan's appeal, rooted in David's loyal service and God's deliverance through him, resonated with a flicker of reason or conscience within Saul, demonstrating the persuasive power of truth spoken courageously.
* **"and Saul sware,"** This signifies the formal and public act of taking an oath. It was not a casual statement but a deliberate, binding declaration. The act of swearing itself indicates Saul's intention to commit to his promise, at least at that moment, perhaps influenced by the weight of Jonathan's words and the public nature of the discussion.
* **"[As] the LORD liveth,"** This is the most potent part of Saul's oath. By invoking the living God, Yahweh, Saul elevates his promise to a sacred covenant. He calls upon God as a witness and guarantor, effectively placing himself under divine judgment if he were to break this vow. This phrase underscores the solemnity and perceived irrevocability of his commitment, making his subsequent actions a direct affront to God.
* **"he shall not be slain."** This is the explicit promise made by Saul concerning David. It is a direct and unequivocal declaration of David's safety, a complete reversal of Saul's previous murderous intentions. This promise, however fleeting, reveals the temporary success of Jonathan's intercession and God's providential hand in protecting David, ensuring His divine plan would continue to unfold.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Saul, the king chosen by God, swears by the living God to protect David, the very man whom God has chosen to replace him, only to break this sacred oath shortly thereafter. This highlights Saul's spiritual decline and his increasing rebellion against God's will. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Saul's temporary change of heart, followed by his quick reversion to hostility, foreshadows his continued instability, erratic behavior, and ultimate tragic end. This pattern of fleeting repentance followed by renewed malice characterizes much of his remaining reign. The stark **contrast** between Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, selflessness, and spiritual discernment and Saul's volatile, self-serving paranoia further emphasizes the moral and spiritual chasm between father and son, and by extension, between a king after God's own heart (David) and one who has turned from Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich in theological implications, underscoring God's sovereign protection over His chosen instruments, even amidst intense human hostility and political intrigue. David's life is preserved not by his own strength or cunning, but by divine providence, often working through unexpected means like Jonathan's courageous intercession. Saul's oath, sworn by the living God, reveals the seriousness with which God views human promises, particularly those made in His name. Saul's subsequent breaking of this oath highlights the danger of spiritual inconsistency and the tragic consequences of allowing jealousy and an evil spirit to override moments of clarity and divine influence. It also speaks to the power of righteous advocacy and the profound impact of a faithful friend who is willing to speak truth to power, even at personal cost, aligning their actions with God's purposes.

* [1 Samuel 20:1-42](/1_samuel/20-1-42 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1-3 "Psalm 18:1-3 - David's Song of Deliverance")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 19:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the depth of our own friendships and the integrity of our commitments. It prompts us to consider if we possess the courage and selflessness to intercede for others, even when it is difficult, inconvenient, or carries personal risk, much like Jonathan's bold advocacy for David. Jonathan's example reminds us that true loyalty is not passive but actively seeks the good of the friend, even at personal cost. Furthermore, Saul's fleeting commitment and subsequent breach of a sacred oath serve as a sobering warning against making promises without genuine change of heart or deep-seated integrity. It highlights the spiritual danger of allowing negative emotions like jealousy, paranoia, and resentment to fester, ultimately leading to broken vows, spiritual inconsistency, and a life out of alignment with God's will. Ultimately, the verse encourages us to place our trust in God's unfailing protection. Even when surrounded by treachery, opposition, or the volatile whims of others, we can rest assured that God's purposes for His people will prevail, often working through unexpected means or individuals to ensure His will is done.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we emulate Jonathan's courageous loyalty and intercession for others in our own relationships and communities, even when it is difficult?**
* **What lessons does Saul's fleeting commitment teach us about the nature of true repentance, integrity, and the dangers of spiritual inconsistency in our own lives?**
* **How does this narrative encourage us to trust in God's sovereign protection and faithfulness, even when facing powerful opposition or betrayal from those in authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul's oath not last?**

Answer: Saul's oath, though solemnly sworn by the living God, was a temporary aberration from his increasingly unstable and malevolent character. His underlying jealousy and paranoia towards David, coupled with the recurring influence of an evil spirit ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")), quickly reasserted themselves. The text indicates that "an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul" shortly after this oath, leading him to again attempt to kill David with a javelin ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9-10 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Renewed Javelin Attack")). This demonstrates that his oath was not born of genuine repentance or a fundamental change of heart, but perhaps a momentary weakness, a fleeting moment of clarity, or a strategic desire to appease Jonathan. Saul's reign is tragically characterized by such spiritual inconsistency and a persistent inability to submit to God's will.

**What does "As the LORD liveth" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "As the LORD liveth" (חַי יְהוָה, _chai YHWH_) is a powerful and sacred oath formula frequently used in the Old Testament. When Saul swore this, he was invoking the very existence and active presence of Yahweh, the living God, as a witness to the truth and binding nature of his promise. It means, "As surely as God is alive and actively present, so my word is true and binding." For a king to utter such an oath made his promise exceptionally weighty and solemn, placing him under divine judgment if he were to break it. It was the strongest possible affirmation, underscoring the gravity of his commitment not to harm David, and making his subsequent betrayal a direct affront to God.

**How did Jonathan's actions demonstrate true friendship?**

Answer: Jonathan's actions in [1 Samuel 19:6](/1_samuel/19-6 "1 Samuel 19:6 - Saul's Oath to Jonathan"), and throughout his relationship with David, profoundly exemplify true, selfless friendship. Firstly, he demonstrated **courageous advocacy** by speaking truth to his volatile father, King Saul, risking his own life and royal favor to defend David ([1 Samuel 19:4-5](/1_samuel/19-4-5 "1 Samuel 19:4-5 - Jonathan's Defense of David")). Secondly, he showed **unwavering loyalty**, prioritizing his deep covenant friendship with David over his own claim to the throne or his father's irrational demands ([1 Samuel 20:4](/1_samuel/20-4 "Jonathan's Loyalty to David")). Thirdly, his actions were profoundly **selfless**, as he understood that David was God's chosen king and genuinely desired David's well-being and success, even if it meant his own demotion or displacement. Jonathan's intercession was born of a pure heart, reflecting a friendship that sought the good of the other, even at immense personal cost.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of [1 Samuel 19:6](/1_samuel/19-6 "1 Samuel 19:6 - Saul's Oath to Jonathan"), with Jonathan's intercession and David's providential protection, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, God's anointed king, is preserved from the murderous schemes of Saul, just as Jesus, the ultimate King and Anointed One, was divinely protected until His appointed time. Jonathan's selfless advocacy for David, risking his own standing and life, points to Christ as our supreme Intercessor and Advocate. Unlike Jonathan, whose intercession was temporary and whose father's promise was broken, Jesus offers a perfect, eternal intercession before the Father on our behalf ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Furthermore, Saul's broken oath, sworn by the living God, highlights human sinfulness and the tragic inability to keep even the most sacred vows, contrasting sharply with Christ's perfect obedience and unwavering faithfulness to God's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus is the true Lamb of God, whose life was not taken by human treachery but willingly laid down as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His resurrection then assures us that God's plan for His chosen King cannot be thwarted, guaranteeing our salvation and eternal life through His enduring reign ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")).

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

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

1 Samuel 28:10

And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, [As] the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

Psalms 15:4

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.

1 Samuel 19:10

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

1 Samuel 19:11

¶ Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.