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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.
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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. David, having repeatedly escaped King Saul's attempts on his life, including a recent spear attack (1 Samuel 19:10), 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), 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 detail David's pre-arranged excuse for his absence, setting the stage for Saul's anticipated reaction. Verse 1 Samuel 20:7 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). 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". 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). 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).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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". 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).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic tension in 1 Samuel 20:7, 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). 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). 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). 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).