1 Samuel 20:7

If he say thus, [It is] well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, [then] be sure that evil is determined by him.

If he say {H559} thus, It is well {H2896}; thy servant {H5650} shall have peace {H7965}: but if he be very {H2734} wroth {H2734}, then be sure {H3045} that evil {H7451} is determined {H3615} by him.

If he says, 'Very good,' then your servant will be all right. But if he gets angry, you will know that he has planned something bad.

If he says, โ€˜Good,โ€™ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions.

If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be wroth, then know that evil is determined by him.

Commentary

1 Samuel 20:7 is a pivotal verse in the unfolding drama between David, Jonathan, and King Saul, revealing the careful plan Jonathan devises to discern his father's true intentions towards David. This verse highlights the method by which Jonathan will signal Saul's disposition: a calm response means David is safe, but intense anger signifies a fixed decision to harm him.

Context

This verse is part of a desperate conversation between David and Jonathan. David is in grave danger, having fled from King Saul's increasingly violent jealousy (1 Samuel 19:10). Jonathan, Saul's son and David's loyal friend, has made a solemn covenant with David (1 Samuel 18:3) and is determined to protect him. They devise a plan involving David's absence from the new moon feast, a significant royal and religious observance. Jonathan will observe Saul's reaction to David's empty seat, and this verse outlines the interpretation of Saul's demeanor.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Friendship: Jonathan's unwavering devotion to David is central. He risks his own standing and life to protect his friend, demonstrating true biblical friendship.
  • Discernment and Wisdom: The plan itself is a clever act of discernment. Jonathan understands Saul's volatile nature and uses a specific, observable reaction to reveal a hidden truth. This teaches the importance of careful observation to understand underlying motives.
  • Saul's Malice: The verse explicitly states that if Saul is "very wroth," then "evil is determined by him." This confirms the depth of Saul's murderous intent against David, making it clear that his hostility is not fleeting but a settled resolve.
  • Divine Providence: While human plans are made, God's providence often works through these circumstances to protect His chosen one, David, who is destined to be king.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "very wroth" comes from the Hebrew root charah (ื—ึธืจึธื”), meaning "to burn" or "to be kindled," conveying intense, fiery anger. This isn't mere displeasure but a deep, consuming rage.

The phrase "evil is determined by him" translates the Hebrew kaltah hara'ah (ื›ึธึผืœึฐืชึธื” ื”ึธืจึธืขึธื”). Kaltah means "it is finished" or "it is perfected/consumed." It implies that the evil or harm is not just contemplated but is a settled, fixed, and unchangeable resolve. Saul's decision to harm David is complete and ready to be executed.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Value of True Friendship: Jonathan's sacrificial loyalty serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a true friend, willing to take risks for another's well-being.
  • Discerning Character: We can learn from Jonathan to pay attention to people's reactions and behaviors. Sometimes, the most telling insights into someone's character or intentions come not from their words, but from their emotional responses and actions.
  • Recognizing Warning Signs: The ability to recognize when "evil is determined" can be crucial for personal safety and wise decision-making. It teaches the importance of not ignoring clear signals of hostility or danger.
  • Seeking Confirmation: Before making major decisions or assuming intentions, it is wise to seek concrete evidence or confirmation, as Jonathan did, rather than relying solely on assumptions.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 25:17

    Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot speak to him.

  • Esther 7:7

    ยถ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath [went] into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

  • Deuteronomy 1:23

    And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:

  • 1 Samuel 20:9

    ยถ And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

  • 2 Samuel 17:4

    And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
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