1 Samuel 20:14

1 Samuel 20:14 is a poignant moment in the deep friendship between David and Jonathan, King Saul's son. This verse is part of a desperate plea from Jonathan to David, as David is fleeing Saul's murderous intent. Jonathan, recognizing God's favor on David and the inevitability of David becoming king, seeks a covenant of enduring kindness.

Context

At this point in the narrative, David is in grave danger, with King Saul actively seeking to kill him out of jealousy and paranoia. Jonathan, though Saul's son and heir apparent, understands that God has chosen David to rule Israel. Their bond is one of the Bible's most profound friendships, marked by loyalty and selfless love. In 1 Samuel 18:3, they had already made a covenant. Here in chapter 20, as David faces imminent death, Jonathan is renewing and extending that covenant, looking beyond his own life to the future of his family line once David assumes the throne.

Key Themes

• Covenant Loyalty (Chesed): The central request is for David to show "the kindness of the LORD" (Hebrew: chesed Yahweh). Chesed is a rich Hebrew term signifying steadfast love, loyal devotion, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. Jonathan is asking David to extend the same unwavering, covenantal love to him and his descendants that God shows to His people. This highlights the profound nature of their bond, mirroring a divine relationship.
• Profound Friendship: This verse underscores the extraordinary depth of Jonathan's devotion to David. Despite being the crown prince, Jonathan prioritizes his friend's well-being and God's will over his own claim to the throne.
• Future Security and Promise: Jonathan's concern extends not just to his immediate safety, but to the well-being of his family after his death, knowing that new kings often eliminated potential rivals from previous dynasties. He seeks assurance that David will protect his lineage.
• Divine Providence: Implicit in Jonathan's request is the acknowledgment that God is sovereignly orchestrating events, and David is destined for kingship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the kindness of the LORD" translates the Hebrew term chesed Yahweh (חֶסֶד יְהוָה). Chesed is a highly significant theological concept in the Old Testament, often translated as "loving-kindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love." It denotes a loyal, active, and enduring love that is rooted in a covenant or relationship. Jonathan is essentially asking David to display this divine quality in their human covenant, promising to reciprocate such loyalty. This concept is frequently seen in the Psalms, such as Psalm 136:1, which repeatedly states "his mercy endureth for ever."

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for us today:

• The Value of Loyalty: It emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and demonstrating unwavering loyalty in friendships and relationships, even when circumstances change or it becomes difficult.
• Extending Grace: Jonathan's request, and David's subsequent fulfillment of it (as seen in 2 Samuel 9:1 and 2 Samuel 9:7 when David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son), illustrates the profound impact of showing mercy and kindness, particularly to those who might otherwise be vulnerable.
• Living with a Future Perspective: Jonathan's foresight in securing a promise for his descendants encourages us to consider the long-term impact of our actions and commitments.
• Mirroring God's Character: By asking David to show "the kindness of the LORD," Jonathan implicitly calls David to embody God's own faithful and merciful nature in his human relationships. We too are called to reflect God's chesed in our interactions with others.