1 Samuel 20:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:7 serves as the pivotal interpretive key within Jonathan and David's carefully orchestrated plan to uncover King Saul's true intentions towards David. This verse precisely defines the signal: a calm or accepting response from Saul regarding David's absence from the new moon feast would signify peace and safety for David, confirming that Saul's murderous rage had subsided. Conversely, an intense, fiery outburst of anger from Saul would unequivocally confirm his fixed and malicious resolve to harm David, leaving no doubt about his deadly intentions. This critical instruction underscores the extreme peril David faced and highlights Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and strategic wisdom in protecting his friend from a determined adversary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the dramatic and emotionally charged narrative of [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - David and Jonathan's Covenant"). David, having repeatedly escaped King Saul's attempts on his life, including a recent spear attack ([1 Samuel 19:10](/1_samuel/19-10 "1 Samuel 19:10 - Saul Seeks to Kill David")), is convinced that Saul is determined to kill him. Jonathan, torn between his filial duty to his father and his deep, sworn covenant of friendship with David ([1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")), devises a perilous test. The plan centers on David's calculated absence from the upcoming new moon feast, a significant royal and religious gathering. Verses [1 Samuel 20:5-6](/1_samuel/20-5-6 "1 Samuel 20:5-6 - David's Excuse for Absence") detail David's pre-arranged excuse for his absence, setting the stage for Saul's anticipated reaction. Verse [1 Samuel 20:7](/1_samuel/20-7 "1 Samuel 20:7 - The Signal for Saul's Intent") then provides the precise parameters for interpreting Saul's response, making it the linchpin for David's immediate future and survival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The new moon feast (Rosh Chodesh) was a vital religious and social observance in ancient Israelite society, marked by specific sacrifices, trumpet blasts, and communal meals, often involving the king and his court ([Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11-15 "Numbers 28:11-15 - Offerings for the New Moon")). Attendance by prominent figures like David was expected, making his absence glaringly noticeable and requiring a credible explanation. The cultural landscape also emphasized the absolute authority of the monarch; a king's wrath was not to be trifled with, often carrying immediate and fatal consequences. This context underscores the immense personal risk Jonathan undertook in defying his father's unspoken, yet palpable, murderous intent. Furthermore, covenants, like the one between David and Jonathan, were solemn and binding agreements, often sealed with oaths before God, highlighting the profound depth of Jonathan's commitment despite the immense personal and dynastic cost of his loyalty to David.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Loyalty and Friendship**, showcasing Jonathan's unparalleled and sacrificial devotion to David. His willingness to risk his own life, his standing as heir, and his relationship with his father for David's sake transcends mere camaraderie, embodying a profound biblical friendship that prioritizes divine will and personal integrity, echoing the sentiment that "[a friend loves at all times](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")". Secondly, the verse highlights **Discernment and Wisdom**, as Jonathan skillfully devises a practical and shrewd method to uncover Saul's hidden, murderous intentions. This strategic plan demonstrates the critical importance of careful observation and prudent action in navigating treacherous circumstances, a wisdom often sought from God ([Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")). Thirdly, it starkly reveals the escalating depth of **Saul's Malice and Spiritual Decline**. His "very wroth" reaction and the "evil...determined by him" confirm his settled, murderous intent against David, tragically illustrating the destructive power of unchecked jealousy and a heart hardened against God's sovereign plan. Finally, underlying these human interactions is the theme of **Divine Providence**. God sovereignly works through these perilous human circumstances, using Jonathan's loyalty and wisdom, to protect David, His chosen king, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises despite human opposition ([Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **well (Hebrew, טוֹב, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective signifies "good" in its widest sense, encompassing concepts of approval, satisfaction, well-being, and favor. When Saul says "It is well," it implies a state of acceptance, indicating that David's absence is not perceived as a threat or an affront. It suggests a benign or even positive disposition, signaling that David's life is not in immediate danger from the king's hand.
* **wroth (Hebrew, חָרָה, _chârâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to glow" or "to grow warm," this verb is primarily used figuratively to describe the intense kindling or blazing up of anger, zeal, or jealousy. It denotes a passionate, consuming rage, far beyond mere displeasure. In Saul's case, it would manifest as a visible, fiery fury, signaling a dangerous and potentially violent emotional state that confirms his murderous intent.
* **determined (Hebrew, כָּלָה, _kâlâh'_):** This primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to be completed." When applied to "evil," it signifies that the malicious intent has moved beyond contemplation to a fixed, settled, and unchangeable resolution. It implies a decided course of action, a fully formed and ready-to-be-executed plan. For Saul, his decision to harm David has become a complete and unyielding murderous resolve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If he say thus, [It is] well; thy servant shall have peace":** This clause presents the optimistic, though less likely, scenario. If King Saul responds to David's absence with acceptance or calm, indicated by the phrase "It is well" (טוֹב, _ṭôwb_), it would signify that his murderous intent has either subsided or is not currently directed at David. The consequence, "thy servant shall have peace" (שָׁלוֹם, _shâlôwm_), promises safety, security, and the absence of hostility for David, indicating a temporary reprieve or even a permanent cessation of Saul's pursuit.
* **"but if he be very wroth":** This is the critical and more anticipated condition. The phrase emphasizes the intensity of Saul's anger, using the Hebrew _chârâh_ (to burn) to describe a fierce, uncontrolled rage. This extreme emotional outburst would serve as the undeniable and definitive signal of his true, malevolent disposition towards David, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
* **"[then] be sure that evil is determined by him":** This final clause provides the unequivocal interpretation of Saul's intense wrath. The command "be sure" (יָדַע, _yâdaʻ_ - "know" with certainty) underscores the reliability of this sign. "Evil" (רָעָה, _raʻ_) refers specifically to Saul's murderous plot against David. The use of _kâlâh_ ("determined" or "finished") indicates that this evil is not a fleeting thought but a fixed, settled, and complete resolution. Saul's decision to eliminate David has been fully formed and is ready to be executed, leaving no doubt about his deadly intentions and necessitating David's immediate flight.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Symbolism**, where David's empty seat at the new moon feast serves as a symbolic void, representing his precarious position and the growing chasm between him and King Saul. Saul's reaction to this void, whether calm or furious, functions as a symbolic barometer, revealing the true, hidden disposition of his heart. There is also clear **Foreshadowing** at play, as the phrase "evil is determined by him" ominously foreshadows the relentless pursuit and numerous attempts on David's life that will characterize the remainder of Saul's reign, confirming David's initial assessment of mortal danger. Furthermore, the narrative utilizes **Contrast** to highlight the stark moral and spiritual divergence between Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and self-sacrificial love for David versus Saul's consuming jealousy and murderous intent. This contrast not only underscores the tragic decline of Saul but also elevates the righteous character of David and Jonathan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:7, while detailing a humanly devised plan, operates within a profound theological framework of divine sovereignty and protection. Jonathan's meticulous strategy to discern Saul's intent is a testament to human wisdom, courage, and loyalty, yet it implicitly acknowledges that God often works through human means to provide clarity and protection for His purposes. The "evil determined" by Saul serves as a stark reminder of the reality of sin's destructive power and how unchecked jealousy can escalate into murderous intent, even in those once chosen by God. This episode underscores the dynamic tension between human agency and divine providence, demonstrating how God can use even the malice of men to further His ultimate plan for His chosen one. The narrative reinforces the biblical truth that while the wicked plot against the righteous, the Lord watches over His own, providing pathways of escape and revealing hidden dangers through unexpected means.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalms/37-32-33 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful Are the Wounds of a Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient narrative offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary life. Jonathan's actions exemplify the highest ideals of true friendship, challenging us to consider that genuine loyalty often demands courage, keen discernment, and a willingness to act sacrificially for the well-being of others, even when such actions place us at personal risk. We are called to cultivate discernment in our own relationships, learning to pay careful attention not only to what people say but also to their actions, their emotional responses, and the underlying intentions that these behaviors reveal. Just as Jonathan meticulously sought a clear sign of Saul's true heart, we too must learn to recognize "red flags" and warning signs in various situations and relationships, understanding that sometimes "evil is determined" and we must respond wisely to protect ourselves or those entrusted to our care. This discernment is not about fostering suspicion, but about developing spiritual wisdom that enables us to navigate complex human dynamics with prudence, compassion, and a reliance on God's guidance. Furthermore, the story profoundly encourages us to trust in God's protective hand, even when facing formidable opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges, knowing that He can provide pathways of escape and reveal hidden dangers through unexpected means, often through the faithfulness and courage of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's friendship with David challenge your understanding of loyalty and sacrifice in your own relationships?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate greater discernment in your daily life to recognize true intentions, both good and potentially harmful, in others?**
* **What "warning signs" in your own life or relationships might you be overlooking, and how might you seek clarity or confirmation from God and trusted counsel?**
* **How does this story encourage you to trust in God's providence and protection, even when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition or personal danger?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of David's absence from the new moon feast?**

Answer: David's absence from the new moon feast was highly significant because it was a mandatory royal and religious observance where the king and his court were expected to be present. His empty seat would be conspicuously evident, especially to King Saul, making it the perfect, controlled test for Jonathan to observe Saul's reaction. If Saul reacted calmly, it would suggest his anger had subsided or was not aimed at David. However, if Saul became intensely enraged, it would unequivocally confirm his murderous intent, as his anger would be fueled by David's perceived disrespect or defiance, revealing his true, settled malice. The feast thus served as a precise barometer to elicit a definitive response from the volatile king, determining David's next course of action for survival, as detailed in [1 Samuel 20:5-7](/1_samuel/20-5-7 "1 Samuel 20:5-7 - David's Absence and Jonathan's Test").

**How does this event highlight Jonathan's character?**

Answer: This event profoundly highlights Jonathan's character as a man of unwavering loyalty, deep integrity, and courageous self-sacrifice. Despite being Saul's son and the presumed heir to the throne, Jonathan consistently prioritizes his covenant with David and God's apparent choice of David as the next king over his own personal ambition or familial allegiance to his father. He not only warns David but actively devises and executes a dangerous plan to confirm Saul's true intentions, risking his own life and royal position in the process. His actions demonstrate a rare and profound example of biblical friendship, where he is willing to stand with and protect God's anointed, even against his own father, embodying the principle that "[a friend loves at all times](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")". Jonathan's character shines as a beacon of faithfulness amidst political intrigue and personal danger.

**What does "evil is determined by him" mean for David?**

Answer: For David, the phrase "evil is determined by him" means that King Saul's intent to kill him is not a fleeting impulse, a temporary fit of rage, or a passing thought, but a fixed, settled, and unchangeable resolution. The Hebrew word for "determined" (_kâlâh_) implies that the evil has been "finished" or "completed" in Saul's mind, making his murderous plot a concrete and imminent threat. This confirmation from Jonathan would leave David with no doubt that he must flee immediately and remain in hiding, as Saul would actively and relentlessly seek his life. It signifies that any period of potential reconciliation or appeasement is definitively over, and David's survival now depends entirely on evasion and God's protective hand. This understanding is crucial for David's subsequent actions, as he immediately flees and begins his life as a fugitive, leading to a long period of exile and pursuit ([1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - David and Jonathan Part Ways")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic tension in [1 Samuel 20:7](/1_samuel/20-7 "1 Samuel 20:7 - The Signal for Saul's Intent"), where a beloved figure (David) is relentlessly pursued by a jealous king (Saul) and protected by a loyal friend (Jonathan), offers a profound foreshadowing of Christ's experience and the nature of His kingdom. David, God's anointed king, is hunted by Saul, who represents a fallen, human kingdom rejecting God's chosen one. This mirrors how Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, was rejected by the religious and political powers of His day, who sought His life out of envy and fear, ultimately determining "evil" against Him ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate Knew They Handed Jesus Over Out of Envy")). Just as Jonathan, the king's son, selflessly intercedes for David, risking everything, so too does Christ, the Son of God, intercede for humanity, laying down His life as the ultimate act of friendship and love ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). The certainty that "evil is determined" against David finds its ultimate fulfillment in the determined plan of God, where the "evil" of the cross, seemingly a human act of malice, was divinely purposed for salvation, turning human wickedness into the means of redemption for all who believe ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus Delivered Up by God's Plan")). Furthermore, the divine protection over David, ensuring his escape from Saul's determined malice, points to God's ultimate preservation of His Son, Jesus, who, though He suffered, ultimately triumphed over death and evil, establishing an eternal kingdom that no human malice or earthly power could thwart ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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

¶ 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.