1 Samuel 20:13

KJV

The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father [to do] thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} do {H6213} so {H3541} and much more {H3254} to Jonathan {H3083}: but if it please {H3190} my father {H1} to do thee evil {H7451}, then I will shew {H1540}{H241} it thee, and send thee away {H7971}, that thou mayest go {H1980} in peace {H7965}: and the LORD {H3068} be with thee, as he hath been with my father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if my father intends to do you harm, may ADONAI do as much and more to me if I don't let you know and send you away, so that you can go in peace. And may ADONAI be with you, just as he used to be with my father.

Berean Standard Bible

But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father.

American Standard Version

Jehovah do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do thee evil, if I disclose it not unto thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and Jehovah be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonathan, King Saul's son, makes a solemn, divinely-invoked oath to David, promising to alert him if Saul intends him harm and to facilitate his safe departure. This declaration underscores Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and deep affection for David, even at the risk of his own life and royal succession, while implicitly acknowledging God's guiding hand over David's destiny, contrasting with Saul's diminishing divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the elaborate plan Jonathan orchestrates with David to ascertain King Saul's true intentions regarding David's life. The preceding verses [1 Samuel 20:1-12](/1_samuel/20-1-12 "1 Samuel 20:1-12 - David and Jonathan's Covenant") detail David's desperate plea for help and Jonathan's initial disbelief, followed by their forging of a solemn covenant, witnessed by the Lord. They establish a secret signal system involving arrows to communicate Saul's disposition. Verse 13 represents Jonathan's binding vow within this sacred agreement, where he explicitly pledges to reveal Saul's murderous intent should it exist and to ensure David's safe escape. This vow immediately precedes Jonathan's courageous, yet ultimately futile, attempt to intercede for David with Saul during the New Moon festival, an event that tragically confirms Saul's murderous rage and necessitates David's urgent flight.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Israel's nascent monarchy, a period marked by the transition from a decentralized tribal system to a more centralized kingdom under King Saul. Saul, the first king, is increasingly unstable, plagued by an evil spirit, and consumed by intense jealousy over David's popularity and military triumphs, as evidenced in passages like [1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7-9 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Saul's Jealousy and David's Popularity"). In ancient Israel, oaths and covenants were profoundly serious commitments, often invoked with divine imprecations, rendering Jonathan's words in this verse a sacred and binding promise before God. The phrase "go in peace" was a common farewell, but here it carries deeper theological weight, signifying a divinely sanctioned departure, emphasizing safety, well-being, and God's protective presence. The poignant reference to the Lord being with David "as he hath been with my father" is a stark reminder of Saul's initial anointing and divine favor, which had demonstrably departed from him, as narrated in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul").

* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illuminates several profound themes central to the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "The Book of 1 Samuel - The Rise of David and Fall of Saul"). Foremost is the theme of **unwavering loyalty and sacrificial friendship**, exemplified by Jonathan's extraordinary faithfulness to David, even when it means defying his own father and jeopardizing his royal inheritance. It also underscores **divine providence and protection**, as Jonathan, with remarkable spiritual insight, acknowledges God's active hand in David's life and implicitly recognizes God's choice of David over Saul. The stark contrast between Saul's declining divine favor and David's rising favor with God, a recurring motif throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "The Book of 1 Samuel"), is subtly reinforced. Furthermore, Jonathan's willingness to sacrifice his personal ambition for David's well-being highlights the theme of **selfless submission to God's sovereign plan**, demonstrating a profound spiritual maturity that prioritizes God's will above personal gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this refers to the covenant name of God, Jehovah, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Jonathan's invocation of "The LORD" in his oath underscores the absolute solemnity and binding nature of his promise, calling upon the supreme divine authority as witness and enforcer of his commitment to David. It highlights that this is not merely a human promise, but one made before God.
* **shew (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, meaning "to denude," "to reveal," or "to disclose." In this context, Jonathan's promise to "shew it thee" means he will explicitly and unambiguously reveal Saul's evil intentions to David. This is not a subtle hint but a direct, clear disclosure, emphasizing Jonathan's commitment to ensuring David is fully aware of the danger he faces.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this word signifies much more than the absence of conflict; it encompasses completeness, well-being, prosperity, and security. Jonathan's desire for David to "go in peace" is a profound blessing, expressing his earnest wish for David's holistic safety, flourishing, and divine protection as he flees. It is a prayer for God's comprehensive presence and favor to accompany David on his perilous journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan":** This is Jonathan's solemn self-imprecation, a powerful oath formula common in ancient Israel. By invoking this, Jonathan is essentially calling upon God to bring severe, unspecified judgment upon himself if he fails to uphold his promise to David. This underscores the profound depth of his commitment and the absolute seriousness with which he views their covenant.
* **"but if it please my father [to do] thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away":** Jonathan here articulates the specific course of action he will take if King Saul's murderous intent against David is confirmed. He pledges to explicitly inform David of the danger ("shew it thee") and then actively facilitate his safe departure ("send thee away"). This demonstrates Jonathan's proactive and protective intervention on behalf of his friend.
* **"that thou mayest go in peace":** This phrase conveys Jonathan's ultimate desire for David's well-being and security. It functions as both a blessing and a prayer, expressing his earnest hope that David's escape will be successful and that he will find safety and comprehensive peace, despite the perilous circumstances orchestrated by Saul. It reflects Jonathan's selfless concern for David's future.
* **"and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father":** This concluding blessing is deeply significant and profoundly insightful. Jonathan invokes God's abiding presence and favor upon David, explicitly drawing a parallel to the divine presence that once empowered and guided King Saul. This subtly acknowledges that God's favor has shifted from Saul to David, recognizing David's divine anointing and future kingship, and expressing Jonathan's heartfelt desire for God's continued guidance and protection over David's life.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Irony**, as Jonathan, the rightful heir to the throne of Israel, is actively working to protect and secure the future of David, who is divinely chosen to replace him. This highlights Jonathan's extraordinary selflessness and his profound recognition of God's sovereign plan overriding human ambition. There is also strong **Foreshadowing** in Jonathan's invocation, "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father," which subtly predicts David's ascent to the throne and Saul's ultimate downfall, mirroring the departure of God's Spirit from Saul and its powerful presence with David. The entire dialogue functions as a **Covenantal Oath**, emphasizing the sacred and binding nature of the friendship between David and Jonathan, sealed by divine invocation and carrying profound implications for their future actions and destinies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's solemn oath in [1 Samuel 20:13](/1_samuel/20-13 "1 Samuel 20:13 - Jonathan's Oath to David") is a powerful testament to the divine orchestration of events and the profound impact of faithful human relationships within God's sovereign plan. His willingness to defy his father, King Saul, and risk his own life for David's safety demonstrates a profound understanding that God's favor had decisively shifted from Saul to David, and that David's life was precious in God's sight. This act of loyal friendship, sealed with a divine imprecation and a blessing for David's peace, underscores the biblical value of covenant faithfulness and selfless love, even in the face of immense personal cost and the relinquishment of personal ambition. It serves as a compelling model of how individuals can align themselves with God's purposes, even when those purposes run counter to familial loyalty or societal expectations, demonstrating a spiritual maturity that prioritizes God's will above all else.

* [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - The Covenant Between David and Jonathan")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in this verse provide a profound challenge and inspiration for our own lives, calling us to a higher standard of commitment and discernment. His unwavering loyalty to David, even when it meant personal danger and defying his own father, compels us to examine the depth of our commitment to those we claim to love and to God's revealed purposes. Are we willing to stand for what is right, to protect the vulnerable, and to act with integrity even when it comes at a significant personal cost or when it requires us to step outside our comfort zones? Jonathan's earnest desire for David to "go in peace" reminds us of the importance of seeking true well-being and security, not just for ourselves, but for others, trusting that God's abiding presence is the ultimate source of that peace. His remarkable recognition of God's hand in David's life, even as God's favor had departed from his own father, compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment and to align our lives with God's unfolding will, rather than clinging to human expectations, earthly power, or personal gain. We are called to be friends who love at all times, demonstrating the selfless love that truly reflects God's character and advances His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Jonathan's extraordinary loyalty to David challenge my understanding of true friendship and selfless commitment?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and align myself with God's will, especially when it might conflict with my personal desires or societal expectations?**
* **What "peace" am I truly seeking in my life, and how does trusting in God's abiding presence contribute to that peace, particularly in times of uncertainty or conflict?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jonathan invoke a curse upon himself ("The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan")?**

Answer: This is a common and very serious form of oath-taking in ancient Hebrew culture. By saying "The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan," Jonathan is calling upon God to bring severe, unspecified judgment upon himself if he fails to uphold his promise to David. It underscores the absolute solemnity and binding nature of his vow, demonstrating the depth of his commitment and his recognition that God is the ultimate witness and enforcer of covenants. It's a way of saying, "May God punish me severely if I break my word." This kind of imprecation was not taken lightly and indicated a promise made with the utmost sincerity and seriousness, reflecting the profound weight of the covenant he was making with David.

**What is the significance of Jonathan saying "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father"?**

Answer: This phrase carries profound theological weight. Jonathan is not merely offering a polite farewell; he is invoking God's presence and favor upon David. The comparison to Saul ("as he hath been with my father") is a poignant and subtle acknowledgment of the shift in divine favor. God's Spirit had departed from Saul (as noted in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")), and Jonathan, through his deep spiritual insight, recognizes that God's presence is now powerfully with David. This statement subtly affirms David's divine anointing and future kingship, even as Jonathan, the rightful heir, blesses David's journey and acknowledges God's sovereign plan. It's a prayer for David's continued success and divine protection, recognizing that God's presence is the ultimate source of power and authority and that it has been transferred to David.

**How do Jonathan's actions in this verse relate to his own position as heir to the throne?**

Answer: Jonathan's actions are remarkably selfless and demonstrate a profound spiritual maturity. As King Saul's eldest son, Jonathan was the natural heir to the throne of Israel. However, he consistently recognized God's choice of David as the next king, even before David's anointing was widely known (see [1 Samuel 23:17](/1_samuel/23-17 "1 Samuel 23:17 - Jonathan Encourages David")). In [1 Samuel 20:13](/1_samuel/20-13 "1 Samuel 20:13 - Jonathan's Oath to David"), by actively protecting David and facilitating his escape, Jonathan is essentially working against his own dynastic interests. His loyalty to David and to God's plan supersedes his personal ambition or his familial obligation to his father. This highlights his extraordinary character and his willingness to submit to God's sovereign will, even when it meant relinquishing his own claim to power and potentially sacrificing his own life for the one chosen by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's selfless loyalty and sacrificial love for David, powerfully exemplified in [1 Samuel 20:13](/1_samuel/20-13 "1 Samuel 20:13 - Jonathan's Oath to David"), profoundly foreshadow the ultimate friendship and covenant faithfulness found in Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan willingly risked his life and relinquished his claim to the throne for David's well-being and divinely appointed destiny, so too did Christ, the true Son of God and rightful heir to all things, lay down His life for His friends (and indeed, for His enemies). Jesus declares, "[Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")," a truth perfectly embodied by Jonathan's actions and fully realized in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Furthermore, Jonathan's invocation, "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father," points to the ultimate divine presence that is fully manifest in Christ, who is "[God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")," Emmanuel. Through Christ, believers are granted eternal peace and the abiding presence of God's Holy Spirit, a peace that surpasses all understanding (as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Jonathan's act of sending David away "in peace" anticipates the profound and lasting peace that Christ offers to all who trust in Him, a peace that reconciles humanity to God and secures our eternal safety from all spiritual enemies (see [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith and Peace with God")). He is the faithful friend who never abandons us, ensuring our ultimate going "in peace" into the eternal presence of God.

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

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Ruth 1:17

Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me.

1 Samuel 17:37

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

1 Chronicles 22:11

Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.

1 Chronicles 22:16

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, [there is] no number. Arise [therefore], and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

1 Samuel 3:17

And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

1 Samuel 11:6

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.