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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23
Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (Sa1 20:9): "Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, Come let us go into the field (Sa1 20:11), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If there be good towards thee, I will show it thee, that thou mayest be easy (Sa1 20:12), if evil, I will send thee away, that thou mayest be safe" (Sa1 20:13); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary. For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a witness (Sa1 20:12): "O Lord God of Israel, thou knowest I mean sincerely, and think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan (Sa1 20:13), if I speak deceitfully, or break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have strong consolation, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper in it better than his father now did.
II. He provides for the entail of the covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, Sa1 20:14-16. He engages David to be a friend to his family when he was gone (Sa1 20:15): Thou shalt promise that thou wilt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever. This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease, and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement, and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, the Lord would cut off his enemies, Saul himself was not expected; then "Do not thou cut off thy kindness from my house, nor revenge my father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he made a covenant (Sa1 20:16) with the house of David. Note, True friends cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual affections. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. This kindness, 1. He calls the kindness of the Lord, because it is such kindness as God shows to those he takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to their seed; they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 2. He secures it by an imprecation (Sa1 20:16): The Lord require it at the hand of David's seed (for of David himself he had no suspicion) if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and this he would effectually prevent; but the reason given (Sa1 20:17) why Jonathan was so earnest to have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of self in it; it was because he loved him as he loved his own soul, and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it) to swear again, which David consented to (for he that bears an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he concluded with a solemn appeal to God: The Lord be between me and thee for ever (Sa1 20:23), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was kind to Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:7; Sa2 21:7. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his friends ours.
III. He settles the method of intelligence, and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be enquired after, Sa1 20:18. On the third day, by which time he would have returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (Sa1 20:19), and Jonathan would come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for diversion (Sa1 20:20), would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and not be afraid to show his head (Sa1 20:21); but, if he shot beyond the lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety, Sa1 20:22. This expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report by word of mouth.
May he take away Jonathan: It is a curse upon himself, if he should not be faithful to his promise.-- Ibid.
Require it: That is, revenge it upon David's enemies, and upon me, if I should fail of my word given to him.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:15 captures a pivotal moment in the profound covenant friendship between Jonathan and David. With remarkable foresight and humility, Jonathan, recognizing God's sovereign decree to establish David as the future king, requests that David extend his unwavering loyal love, or chesed, not only to Jonathan himself but perpetually to his descendants. This plea is made in anticipation of the time when David's kingdom will be fully secured and all his enemies eradicated by the Lord, highlighting Jonathan's selfless devotion, his deep trust in David, and his acknowledgment of divine providence amidst a volatile political landscape.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jonathan and David's covenant friendship, set against the backdrop of King Saul's increasingly murderous jealousy towards David. Immediately preceding this, 1 Samuel 20 details Jonathan's confirmation of Saul's intent to kill David, leading to a renewal and deepening of their existing covenant (1 Samuel 18:3). Jonathan's words in 1 Samuel 20:13-14 reveal his clear understanding and acceptance that David is divinely chosen to be king and that the Lord will indeed "cut off" David's enemies. Verse 15, therefore, is Jonathan's specific, humble, and poignant request for David to remember and uphold their sacred covenant, extending its benefits and protection to Jonathan's future "house" or lineage, thereby mitigating the common ancient Near Eastern practice of new kings eliminating rival royal lines.
Historical & Cultural Context: The ancient Near East was characterized by dynastic transitions often marked by violence and the systematic elimination of potential rivals from the previous ruling family. This brutal practice was a common method for a new king, especially one from a different lineage, to consolidate power and prevent future rebellions. Biblical examples, such as Baasha's eradication of Jeroboam's house in 1 Kings 15:29 or Jehu's purge of Ahab's descendants in 2 Kings 10:1-11, illustrate this grim reality. Jonathan's request is a desperate yet hopeful attempt to secure the safety and preservation of his family against this well-established historical precedent. Central to this culture was the concept of a covenant, a solemn and binding agreement often sealed with an oath before God, carrying profound implications and obligations for both parties and their descendants.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully articulates several enduring themes. First, it exemplifies Enduring Loyalty and Friendship, showcasing Jonathan's extraordinary devotion to David, where he selflessly prioritizes David's divinely ordained destiny over his own dynastic claims. This friendship serves as a profound model of selfless love and commitment, echoing the ideal of a faithful friend found in Proverbs 17:17. Second, Covenant Faithfulness is paramount, as Jonathan appeals to the sacred nature of their oath, underscoring the vital importance of keeping promises, particularly those made under divine witness. Third, the verse reveals a deep Concern for Future Generations, as Jonathan's remarkable foresight extends beyond his own lifespan, demonstrating a profound care for the long-term well-being and security of his descendants. Finally, Divine Sovereignty is explicitly acknowledged; Jonathan's phrasing, "when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David," confirms his unwavering understanding that God is ultimately in control of history, orchestrating the rise of David's kingdom, even as Jonathan seeks to secure his family's place within that divine plan.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning. Contrast is prominently featured, juxtaposing Jonathan's plea for David not to "cut off" his chesed from his house with the Lord's action of "cutting off" David's enemies. This highlights the stark difference between acts of covenantal preservation and acts of divine judgment and destruction. There is also strong Foreshadowing, as Jonathan's words accurately predict David's eventual kingship and the complete demise of his adversaries, including Saul's house. This prophetic insight underscores Jonathan's faith and acceptance of God's overarching plan. Furthermore, the pervasive use of Covenant Language throughout the passage, particularly with the terms chesed and karath, imbues the interaction with solemnity and profound theological depth, emphasizing the binding and sacred nature of their agreement before God. Finally, a subtle Irony pervades the situation, as Saul, the reigning king, desperately seeks to "cut off" David, the future king, while his own son, Jonathan, actively seeks to preserve his "house" through a covenant of chesed with the very man his father intends to destroy.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's earnest request for enduring chesed from David is a profound echo of God's own character and His unwavering covenantal faithfulness. Just as Jonathan, a human prince, sought to secure a future of loyal love and protection for his house, so too does God, the ultimate King, extend His unfailing chesed to His people. This divine chesed is the very foundation of salvation history, ensuring that God's promises, once made, are eternally binding and extend through generations, not based on human merit but on His divine commitment. Jonathan's selfless act of seeking protection for his descendants, even at the cost of his own dynastic claim, points to the broader biblical truth that true loyalty and love often involve sacrifice and a deep concern for the well-being of others beyond oneself, perfectly reflecting the very heart of God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's selfless plea in 1 Samuel 20:15 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating relationships, promises, and divine sovereignty. His remarkable willingness to prioritize David's divinely ordained future over his own personal ambition or dynastic claims is a powerful example of humility, self-sacrifice, and profound trust in God's greater plan. It challenges us to examine our own loyalties: are we truly committed to the well-being of others, even when it costs us something or means relinquishing personal advantage? The enduring nature of the chesed Jonathan sought reminds us of the profound importance of keeping our word and honoring our commitments, especially those made in solemn covenant before God. Just as David later demonstrated this chesed to Mephibosheth, we are called to extend grace, faithfulness, and loyal love to those around us, reflecting the very character of God who is abundant in steadfast love. Furthermore, Jonathan's deep concern for future generations prompts us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, encouraging us to live in a way that blesses those who come after us, leaving a legacy of faith, integrity, and Christ-like love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jonathan make this request, knowing David would be king?
Answer: Jonathan's request was born out of a profound understanding of both divine sovereignty and the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern politics. He had already recognized that the Lord had chosen David to be king, as seen in his prophetic words in 1 Samuel 20:13. Knowing that new kings often eradicated the previous royal line to secure their throne, Jonathan, in an act of incredible selflessness and foresight, sought to protect his descendants. His request for David's chesed (loyal love/covenant faithfulness) was a plea for his family's survival and well-being, trusting in David's character and their covenant even amidst the inevitable shift of power.
What is the significance of "kindness" (chesed) in this verse?
Answer: The Hebrew word chesed (often transliterated hesed) is far richer than simple "kindness." It encompasses loyal love, steadfast affection, covenant faithfulness, and mercy. When Jonathan asks David not to "cut off his chesed," he is appealing to the deepest form of covenant loyalty. It implies an enduring, unwavering commitment that transcends circumstances and extends through generations. This is the same profound word used to describe God's own faithful love for His people, highlighting the profound and binding nature of the relationship Jonathan sought to secure with David for his family.
How was Jonathan's request fulfilled by David?
Answer: David faithfully honored his covenant with Jonathan, demonstrating remarkable chesed to Jonathan's house. The most prominent and moving example is found in 2 Samuel 9, where David actively seeks out Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son. David restores all of Saul's land to Mephibosheth and invites him to eat at the king's table continually, treating him as one of his own sons, as if he were part of the royal family. This act was a direct and powerful fulfillment of the oath made in 1 Samuel 20:15 and a lasting testament to David's integrity and faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's selfless request for enduring chesed from David, the anointed king, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the son of a king who would be rejected, humbly recognized the true King and sought a covenant of loyal love that would preserve his house. Similarly, humanity, alienated from God by sin, finds its preservation and eternal well-being not through its own merit, but through the enduring chesed of God demonstrated in Christ. Jesus, the Son of David, is the King whose kingdom is truly eternal and whose covenant of grace is everlasting, as foretold in Luke 1:32-33. Unlike earthly kings who might "cut off" their enemies, Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, "cut off" the power of sin and death, offering eternal life and reconciliation to all who believe. His chesed is not merely a promise but a living reality, for He is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). We, the spiritual "house" of God, are the undeserving recipients of His "rich in mercy" and "great love with which he loved us" (Ephesians 2:4-7). Jonathan's self-sacrificial love for David, prioritizing the future king, beautifully foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of love, laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13), thereby securing our eternal place in His unshakable kingdom.