1 Samuel 20:12

KJV

And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, [or] the third [day], and, behold, [if there be] good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} said {H559} unto David {H1732}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, when I have sounded {H2713} my father {H1} about to morrow {H4279} any time {H6256}, or the third {H7992} day, and, behold, if there be good {H2895} toward David {H1732}, and I then send {H7971} not unto thee, and shew {H1540}{H241} it thee;

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan said to David, "ADONAI, the God of Isra'el [is witness]: after I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, then, if things look good for David, I will send and let you know.

Berean Standard Bible

and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?

American Standard Version

And Jonathan said unto David, Jehovah, the God of Israel, be witness: when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:12 captures a profound moment in the covenant friendship between Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David, the anointed future king. In this verse, Jonathan solemnly invokes "O LORD God of Israel" as he outlines his discreet plan to ascertain his father's true intentions toward David over the next one to two days. He pledges to communicate Saul's disposition to David, ensuring David's safety by providing crucial information about whether Saul intends "good" or harm, thereby demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and strategic foresight in the face of imminent danger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the dramatic unfolding of the deep bond between Jonathan and David, set against the backdrop of King Saul's escalating, irrational jealousy and murderous intent toward David. Following David's desperate plea to Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20:1-3](/1_samuel/20-1 "David's appeal to Jonathan"), Jonathan, despite being the heir apparent, pledges unwavering loyalty to David, recognizing God's hand upon him. The immediate context of [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "Jonathan and David's Covenant") details the elaborate plan Jonathan devises to discover Saul's true disposition and communicate it to David via a secret signal. This particular verse initiates Jonathan's solemn oath, calling God as a witness to his commitment, and sets the stage for the crucial test of Saul's intentions that follows in the chapter. It reinforces the covenant established between them earlier in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "Jonathan and David's initial covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative takes place during the early monarchy in Israel, a period marked by the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. King Saul, Israel's first king, is increasingly consumed by a spirit of madness and jealousy, particularly towards David, who has gained immense popularity after defeating Goliath and achieving military successes ([1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7 "Saul's jealousy of David")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oaths and covenants, especially those invoking a deity, were considered extremely binding and sacred. Jonathan's invocation of "LORD God of Israel" underscores the gravity of his promise and his appeal to divine witness. The king's word was law, and royal displeasure often meant death, making Jonathan's actions incredibly courageous and risky, as he was effectively siding against his own father and the established royal lineage for the sake of a friend and God's chosen one.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Loyalty and Friendship**, exemplified by Jonathan's selfless devotion to David, which transcends familial and political ties. His actions highlight a friendship that "loves at all times" ([Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "A friend loves at all times")). The invocation of God emphasizes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Witness**, acknowledging God's ultimate authority over human affairs and His involvement in their covenant. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Peril and Protection** David faced from Saul, and Jonathan's role as a faithful protector, a stark contrast to Saul's escalating hostility ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9 "Saul's attempts to kill David")). Finally, Jonathan's careful plan demonstrates **Discernment and Strategic Wisdom**, as he seeks to uncover the truth about Saul's intentions through a measured, non-confrontational approach, rather than impulsive action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD God of Israel (Hebrew, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, _Yahweh Elohei Yisrael'_):** This is a profound and weighty invocation of God's covenant name (Yahweh) combined with His title as the God of the nation Israel. By invoking this name, Jonathan is not merely using a common expression; he is calling upon the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel as a solemn witness to the oath he is about to make and the plan he is about to execute. It imbues his words with immense spiritual gravity and underscores the sacredness of the bond between him and David, placing their friendship under divine oversight.
* **sounded (Hebrew, חָקַר, _chaqar'_):** This verb means "to search out, to examine, to investigate, to probe, to explore." It implies a careful, thorough, and often discreet inquiry rather than a direct or confrontational questioning. Jonathan intends to subtly discern Saul's true disposition towards David, to "take his measure" or "test his mood," without revealing his own intentions or David's whereabouts. This choice of word highlights Jonathan's prudence and strategic intelligence in navigating a highly volatile and dangerous situation.
* **good (Hebrew, טוֹב, _tov'_):** In this context, "good" refers to well-being, favor, safety, or a favorable disposition. It stands in direct opposition to harm, evil, or murderous intent. Jonathan is seeking to determine if Saul's heart is inclined towards David's welfare or if his murderous jealousy still holds sway. The presence of "good" would mean David's safety, while its absence would necessitate David's immediate flight, as elaborated in the subsequent verses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel":** This opening phrase establishes the solemnity and divine witness of Jonathan's oath. By invoking the covenant God of Israel, Jonathan elevates their agreement beyond a mere human promise, placing it under the divine gaze and ensuring its sacred obligation. This invocation reflects the depth of Jonathan's commitment and his understanding of God's active involvement in the destiny of Israel and its leaders.
* **"when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, [or] the third [day]":** This clause reveals Jonathan's strategic plan and timeline. He intends to discreetly investigate Saul's intentions over the next one to two days. The phrase "sounded my father" indicates a careful, indirect probing of Saul's mood and disposition, rather than a direct confrontation, demonstrating Jonathan's wisdom in dealing with his volatile father. This timeframe allows for a thorough assessment of Saul's state of mind.
* **"and, behold, [if there be] good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;":** This is a conditional clause that, in this verse, is left incomplete (an *apodosis* without its *protasis* explicitly stated in this specific verse, though implied and completed in [1 Samuel 20:13](/1_samuel/20-13 "Jonathan's full oath and signal plan")). Jonathan is stating that *if* Saul shows a favorable disposition ("good") towards David, *and* Jonathan then *fails* to send word to David, it implies a negative outcome for David. The full meaning is that Jonathan *will* send word if there is "good," and if he doesn't, it means Saul intends harm. This sets up the critical signal system Jonathan elaborates on in the following verses, highlighting his commitment to transparency and David's safety.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Oath/Covenant Formula**, evident in Jonathan's invocation of "O LORD God of Israel," which elevates his promise to David to a sacred, divinely witnessed covenant. This solemn declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the unbreakable nature of their bond. There is also clear **Foreshadowing**, as Jonathan's careful plan to "sound" his father hints at the dangerous and unpredictable nature of Saul's future actions, building suspense for the revelation of Saul's true intentions. Finally, a subtle **Dramatic Irony** is present: Jonathan, the rightful heir, is actively working to protect David, the one destined to replace his father, a reality known to the reader but not fully grasped by Saul. This irony highlights the tragic conflict between Saul's personal ambition and God's divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:12 is a powerful testament to the themes of loyalty, divine providence, and covenant faithfulness. Jonathan's unwavering commitment to David, even at the risk of his own life and throne, mirrors the steadfastness of God's covenant love. By invoking the "LORD God of Israel," Jonathan acknowledges God's overarching sovereignty and His witness to their sacred bond, reinforcing the biblical understanding that true covenants are made before God and reflect His own faithfulness. This act of self-sacrificial friendship, driven by a recognition of God's anointing on David, serves as a theological bridge, demonstrating how human relationships, when lived out in integrity and faith, can reflect divine principles. It highlights God's protective hand over His chosen ones, even amidst intense human hostility.

* [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "Jonathan and David's initial covenant")
* [1 Samuel 20:13](/1_samuel/20-13 "Jonathan's full oath and signal plan")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "A friend loves at all times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:12 offer profound lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning the nature of true friendship and courageous discernment. His willingness to risk personal safety and familial loyalty for the sake of his friend David exemplifies a selfless love that prioritizes another's well-being above one's own comfort or advancement. In a world often characterized by self-interest, Jonathan's example calls us to cultivate friendships marked by unwavering commitment, active protection, and genuine concern. Furthermore, his strategic approach to "sound" his father, rather than acting impulsively, teaches us the importance of wisdom, discernment, and careful planning when navigating difficult or dangerous situations. By invoking the "LORD God of Israel," Jonathan also models a reliance on divine oversight, reminding us that even in our most challenging circumstances, we can call upon God as our witness and guide, trusting in His providence to reveal truth and provide protection. This verse challenges us to consider what kind of friend we are called to be and how we might courageously stand for what is right, even when it demands sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's invocation of "LORD God of Israel" elevate the nature of his promise to David, and what does this teach us about the seriousness of our own commitments?**
* **In what ways can we "sound" or discreetly discern the truth in difficult relational or professional situations today, rather than acting impulsively?**
* **What does Jonathan's willingness to risk his own position and safety for David teach us about the characteristics of a truly selfless friendship?**
* **How can we, like Jonathan, demonstrate courage and loyalty to others, especially when it might go against popular opinion or personal comfort?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jonathan invoke "LORD God of Israel" in this private conversation with David?**

Answer: Jonathan's invocation of "LORD God of Israel" was not a casual utterance but a deeply significant act that underscored the solemnity and sacredness of the oath he was making to David. In ancient Israel, calling upon the name of God in an oath meant that God Himself was being called as a witness to the promise. This elevated the covenant between Jonathan and David beyond a mere human agreement to one witnessed and sanctioned by the Almighty. It demonstrated Jonathan's profound sincerity, his recognition of God's active involvement in their lives and the destiny of Israel, and his commitment to fulfill his promise, knowing he was accountable to God. It also served to reassure David of the absolute seriousness and divine backing of Jonathan's pledge to protect him.

**What does "sounded my father" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "sounded my father" (from the Hebrew _chaqar_) means to carefully and discreetly investigate, probe, or examine his father's true intentions and disposition towards David. Jonathan was not planning a direct confrontation or an open inquiry that might alert Saul to David's whereabouts or Jonathan's involvement. Instead, he intended to subtly observe Saul's mood, listen to his words, and perhaps engage him in conversations that would reveal his underlying feelings about David. This method highlights Jonathan's prudence and strategic thinking in navigating a highly dangerous and unpredictable situation with his volatile father. He sought to gather intelligence without exposing himself or David to immediate risk.

**Why didn't Jonathan just confront Saul directly about his intentions toward David?**

Answer: Direct confrontation with King Saul would have been extremely perilous and likely counterproductive. Saul was known for his volatile temper, paranoia, and murderous rages, especially concerning David ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9 "Saul's attempts to kill David")). A direct challenge from Jonathan, his own son, regarding David's safety would likely have confirmed Saul's suspicions, enraged him further, and potentially endangered both Jonathan and David. Jonathan's goal was to ascertain Saul's true intentions without provoking him or revealing David's location. His indirect, strategic approach was a testament to his wisdom and his understanding of his father's unpredictable nature, prioritizing David's safety above a futile confrontation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's self-sacrificial loyalty and unwavering commitment to David in 1 Samuel 20:12 beautifully foreshadow the ultimate friendship and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the son of the reigning king, willingly sets aside his own claim to the throne and risks his life for David, the one God has chosen to be king. This mirrors Christ, the true Son of God, who willingly "emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's humility and self-emptying")) of divine prerogatives, not for a friend who was already righteous, but for humanity caught in the peril of sin. Just as Jonathan acted as an intercessor and protector for David, so Christ, our ultimate advocate, intercedes for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's perpetual intercession")). Jonathan's oath, sealed before the "LORD God of Israel," points to the new covenant established in Christ's blood, a covenant of eternal friendship and reconciliation where God Himself guarantees our safety and well-being ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the mediator of a better covenant")). Jonathan's love for David, which "surpassed the love of women" ([2 Samuel 1:26](/2_samuel/1-26 "David's lament for Jonathan")), finds its supreme fulfillment in the love of Jesus, who declared, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "No greater love than this")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing our eternal safety from the ultimate peril of sin and death.

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

Psalms 17:3

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] in the night; thou hast tried me, [and] shalt find nothing; I am purposed [that] my mouth shall not transgress.

Joshua 22:22

The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:4

For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

Proverbs 25:2

¶ [It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter.

Proverbs 25:3

The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings [is] unsearchable.

Job 31:4

Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?