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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 1–8
Here, I. David makes a representation to Jonathan of his present troubles. While Saul lay bound by his trance at Naioth David escaped to the court, and got to speak with Jonathan. And it was happy for him that he had such a friend at court, when he had such an enemy on the throne. If there be those that hate and despise us, let us not be disturbed at that, for there are those also that love and respect us. God hath set the one over against the other, and so must we. Jonathan was a friend that loved at all times, loved David as well now in his distress, and bade him as welcome into his arms, as he had done when he was in his triumph (Sa1 18:1), and he was a brother that was born for adversity, Pro 17:17. Now, 1. David appeals to Jonathan himself concerning his innocency, and he needed not say much to him for the proof of it, only he desired him that if he knew of any just offence he had given his father he would tell him, that he might humble himself and beg his pardon: What have I done? Sa1 20:1. 2. He endeavors to convince him that, notwithstanding his innocency, Saul sought his life. Jonathan, from a principal of filial respect to his father, was very loth to believe that he designed or would ever do so wicked a thing, Sa1 20:2. He the rather hoped so because he knew nothing of any such design, and he had usually been made privy to all his counsels. Jonathan, as became a dutiful son, endeavored to cover his father's shame, as far as was consistent with justice and fidelity to David. Charity is not forward to think evil of any, especially of a parent, Co1 13:5. David therefore gives him the assurance of an oath concerning his own danger, swears the peace upon Saul, that he was in fear of his life by him: "As the Lord liveth, than which nothing more sure in itself, and as thy soul liveth, than which nothing more certain to thee, whatever thou thinkest, there is but a step between me and death," Sa1 20:3. And, as for Saul's concealing it from Jonathan, it was easy to account for that; he knew the friendship between him and David, and therefore, though in other things he advised with him, yet not in that. None more fit than Jonathan to serve him in every design that was just and honourable, but he knew him to be a man of more virtue than to be his confidant in so base a design as the murder of David.
II. Jonathan generously offers him his service (Sa1 20:4): Whatsoever thou desirest, he needed not insert the proviso of lawful and honest (for he knew David too well to think he would ask any thing that was otherwise), I will even do it for thee. This is true friendship. Thus Christ testifies his love to us: Ask, and it shall be done for you; and we must testify ours to him by keeping his commandments.
III. David only desires him to satisfy himself, and then to satisfy him whether Saul did really design his death or no. Perhaps David proposed this more for Jonathan's conviction than his own, for he himself was well satisfied. 1. The method of trial he proposed was very natural, and would certainly discover how Saul stood affected to him. The two next days Saul was to dine publicly, upon occasion of the solemnities of the new moon, when extraordinary sacrifices were offered and feasts made upon the sacrifices. Saul was rejected of God, and the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him, yet he kept up his observance of the holy feasts. There may be the remains of external devotion where there is nothing but the ruins of real virtue. At these solemn feasts Saul had either all his children to sit with him, and David had a seat as one of them, or all his great officers, and David had a seat as one of them. However it was, David resolved his seat should be empty (and that it never used to be at a sacred feast) those two days (Sa1 20:5), and he would abscond till the solemnity was over, and put it upon this issue: if Saul admitted an excuse for his absence, and dispensed with it, he would conclude he had changed his mind and was reconciled to him; but if he resented it, and was put into a passion by it, it was easy to conclude he designed him a mischief, since it was certain he did not love him so well as to desire his presence for any other end than that he might have an opportunity to do him a mischief, Sa1 20:7. 2. The excuse he desired Jonathan to make for his absence, we have reason to think, was true, that he was invited by his elder brother to Bethlehem, his own city, to celebrate this new moon with his relations there, because, besides the monthly solemnity in which they held communion with all Israel, they had now a yearly sacrifice, and a holy feast upon it, for all the family, Sa1 20:6. They kept a day of thanksgiving in their family for the comforts they enjoyed, and of prayer for the continuance of them. By this it appears that the family David was of was a very religious family, a house that had a church in it. 3. The arguments he used with Jonathan to persuade him to do this kindness for him were very pressing, Sa1 20:8. (1.) That he had entered into a league of friendship with him, and it was Jonathan's own proposal: Thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. (2.) That he would by no means urge him to espouse his cause if he was not sure that it was a righteous cause: "If there be iniquity in me, I am so far from desiring or expecting that the covenant between us should bind thee to be a confederate with me in that iniquity that I freely release thee from it, and wish that my hand may be first upon me: Slay me thyself." No honest man will urge his friend to do a dishonest thing for his sake.
Here some make the charge that the apostle has divided the human being into two parts, and that he states that a human’s combined essence conflicts with itself, and that the body has a contest with the soul. But this is clearly not so, for by “the flesh” he does not mean the body; if he did, what would be the sense of the clause immediately following, “for it lusts,” he says, “against the Spirit”? Yet the body does not move but is moved, is not an agent but is acted upon. How then does it lust, for lust belongs to the soul not to the body, for in another place it is said, “My soul longs,” and, “Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you” … and “So my soul pants.” Therefore when Paul says, “the flesh lusts against the Spirit,” he means that the flesh is not the human body but the depraved will, as where he says, “But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,” and again, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:4 captures a profound moment of unwavering loyalty and self-sacrificing friendship between Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David, the anointed future king of Israel. Amidst escalating danger and Saul's murderous jealousy, this verse records Jonathan's immediate, unconditional pledge to David, offering complete support and action, thereby solidifying their unique covenantal bond and demonstrating a rare depth of devotion in a time of intense political intrigue.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs Dialogue to convey the intimacy and urgency of the exchange between Jonathan and David, making the emotional stakes palpable. Jonathan's declaration serves as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, as it predicts his subsequent actions to protect David, culminating in his brave intercession with Saul and the elaborate plan to warn David of Saul's intentions. There is a strong Contrast between Jonathan's selfless loyalty and King Saul's increasingly paranoid and murderous jealousy, highlighting the moral and spiritual divide within the royal household. The phrase "Whatsoever thy soul desireth" can be seen as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the absolute and limitless nature of Jonathan's commitment, though in the context of their covenant, it is also a literal expression of his profound devotion. The narrative also uses Irony, as the heir apparent pledges his life to the man destined to take his throne, demonstrating a higher loyalty to God's plan than to personal ambition.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's unconditional pledge to David transcends mere human friendship, serving as a profound biblical example of covenantal loyalty and sacrificial love. His willingness to defy his father, the king, and jeopardize his own claim to the throne for the sake of God's anointed demonstrates a remarkable alignment with divine will and a deep understanding of God's sovereign plan. This bond reflects the covenant faithfulness that God Himself demonstrates towards His people, a faithfulness that is unwavering even in the face of human weakness or opposition. Jonathan's actions highlight that true love and loyalty often come at a significant personal cost, echoing the very nature of God's love for humanity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's declaration in 1 Samuel 20:4 stands as a timeless beacon for what true, selfless friendship and loyalty entail. In a world often characterized by self-interest and conditional relationships, Jonathan challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitments. His willingness to prioritize David's well-being, even at the expense of his own safety, political future, and familial harmony, calls us to evaluate the cost of genuine love and support for others. This passage encourages us to cultivate relationships marked by unwavering trust, sacrificial service, and a readiness to stand with those we love, especially in their darkest hours. It reminds us that God often works through faithful human instruments to provide comfort, protection, and guidance, and we are called to be such instruments for others.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Jonathan so loyal to David, despite being Saul's son and the rightful heir to the throne?
Answer: Jonathan's extraordinary loyalty to David stemmed from several factors. Firstly, there was a deep personal affinity and love between them, described as Jonathan loving David "as his own soul" in 1 Samuel 18:1. This bond was solidified by a formal covenant they made, a binding agreement in ancient culture, as recorded in 1 Samuel 18:3. More profoundly, Jonathan appears to have recognized and accepted God's divine anointing of David as the future king, even over himself. Unlike his father, Saul, who stubbornly resisted God's will, Jonathan humbly submitted to it, understanding that God had chosen David. His loyalty to David was, in essence, an act of loyalty to God's sovereign plan, prioritizing divine will over personal ambition or dynastic succession.
Did Jonathan's loyalty to David conflict with his duty to his father, King Saul?
Answer: Yes, Jonathan's loyalty to David created a profound and dangerous conflict with his duty to his father, King Saul. As the king's son and heir, Jonathan was expected to be loyal to his father and the reigning dynasty. However, Saul's increasing paranoia and murderous intent towards David forced Jonathan into an impossible ethical dilemma. Jonathan chose to honor his covenant with David and, by extension, God's will, over his familial and political obligations to Saul. This decision put his own life at risk, as seen when Saul attempted to strike him with a spear in 1 Samuel 20:33. Jonathan's choice highlights a higher loyalty—to a divinely ordained purpose and a sacred covenant—even when it meant opposing the established authority of his own father.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's selfless and unconditional pledge to David in 1 Samuel 20:4 serves as a beautiful, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate love and commitment to His people. Just as Jonathan, the rightful heir, willingly laid aside his own claim to the throne and risked his life to protect the divinely appointed king, so too did Jesus, the Son of God and rightful King, humble Himself, taking the form of a servant to secure our salvation, as described in Philippians 2:6-8. Jonathan's intercession for David before Saul in 1 Samuel 20:32 mirrors Christ's role as our great High Priest and Advocate, who constantly intercedes for us before the Father, a truth powerfully affirmed in Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34. The depth of Jonathan's love, willing to do "whatsoever thy soul desireth," points to the boundless love of God demonstrated in Christ, who gave His life for us while we were still sinners, as profound in Romans 5:8. Jonathan's covenant loyalty to David ultimately preserved the lineage through which the Messiah would come, making his friendship a vital thread in God's redemptive tapestry, culminating in the perfect, eternal covenant established through the blood of the Lamb of God, who lays down His life for His sheep, as declared in John 10:11.