1 Samuel 20:15

But [also] thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

But also thou shalt not cut off {H3772} thy kindness {H2617} from my house {H1004} for {H5704} ever {H5769}: no, not when the LORD {H3068} hath cut off {H3772} the enemies {H341} of David {H1732} every one {H376} from the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}.

but also, after ADONAI has eliminated every one of David's enemies from the face of the earth, you are to continue showing kindness to my family forever."

and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

but also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever; no, not when Jehovah hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

Commentary

Context

1 Samuel 20:15 is a pivotal verse in the deep friendship and covenant between Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, God's anointed successor. Jonathan, recognizing that the Lord had chosen David to be king instead of himself (1 Samuel 20:13), is making a solemn request. He foresees David's eventual triumph and establishment of his kingdom, implying the demise of Saul's lineage as a threat. Jonathan's plea here is for David to extend the covenant of loyalty beyond their lifetimes to his descendants, ensuring their safety and well-being even when David is firmly on the throne and all his rivals are gone.

Key Themes

  • Enduring Loyalty and Friendship: This verse beautifully illustrates the extraordinary depth of Jonathan's loyalty to David, prioritizing David's future over his own dynastic claims. It's a testament to a friendship rooted in mutual respect and faith, a model of true Biblical friendship.
  • Covenant and Promise: Jonathan is appealing to the sacred nature of their covenant, asking David to uphold his promise to show "kindness" to his house. This highlights the importance of keeping oaths and agreements, especially those made before the Lord.
  • Future Generations: The request extends beyond Jonathan's own life, demonstrating a concern for his descendants. This foresight reflects an understanding of the long-term implications of leadership and succession in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where new kings often eradicated previous royal lines to consolidate power.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Jonathan's phrasing, "when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David," acknowledges God's ultimate control over history and the establishment of David's kingdom. He trusts in God's plan for David while seeking protection for his own family within that plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "kindness" is chesed (often transliterated as hesed). This term is much richer than simple kindness; it signifies loyal love, steadfast affection, covenant faithfulness, and mercy. Jonathan is not merely asking for a favor but for David to uphold his covenant obligations with an enduring, unwavering loyalty. The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew: karath) is also significant, as it is often used in the context of covenant-making (literally "cutting a covenant") and also for the destruction or eradication of a lineage or people. Jonathan is asking David not to "cut off" his hesed, contrasting it with the Lord "cutting off" David's enemies.

Practical Application

Jonathan's selfless request offers several timeless lessons for believers:

  • Faithful Relationships: It underscores the value of deep, committed relationships that endure through changing circumstances. True loyalty seeks the well-being of the other, even at personal cost, reflecting the selflessness of Christian love.
  • Keeping Promises: The verse reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments, especially those made to others. Like David, who later showed great kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son (2 Samuel 9:7), we are called to be faithful to our word, just as God is faithful to His covenant promises.
  • Thinking Beyond Ourselves: Jonathan's concern for future generations challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our actions and decisions, not just on ourselves but on those who come after us. This applies to our legacy, spiritual influence, and stewardship.
  • Trust in God's Plan: Jonathan's acceptance of God's choice for David, despite it meaning the end of his own royal prospects, is a powerful example of trusting in divine sovereignty even when it doesn't align with personal ambition or desired outcomes.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 21:7 (3 votes)

    But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that [was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

  • 1 Samuel 24:21 (2 votes)

    Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

  • 2 Samuel 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

  • 2 Samuel 9:7 (2 votes)

    And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.