1 Samuel 20:8

KJV

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou shalt deal {H6213} kindly {H2617} with thy servant {H5650}; for thou hast brought {H935} thy servant {H5650} into a covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} with thee: notwithstanding, if there be {H3426} in me iniquity {H5771}, slay {H4191} me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring {H935} me to thy father {H1}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you bound your servant to yourself by a covenant before ADONAI. But if I have done something wrong, kill me yourself! Why turn me over to your father?"

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?”

American Standard Version

Therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of Jehovah with thee: but if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 20:8, David, facing imminent danger from King Saul, makes a profound and desperate appeal to his loyal friend, Jonathan. This verse encapsulates David's plea for protection and justice, grounding his request in the solemn covenant they had previously established before the Lord. David challenges Jonathan to uphold their sacred bond, offering himself for judgment by Jonathan if truly guilty, but vehemently rejecting the notion of being handed over to Saul, whose murderous intent is well known and unjust. It is a powerful moment of trust, vulnerability, and an appeal to divine witness in the face of mortal peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of 1 Samuel, following David's meteoric rise in popularity and Saul's escalating, irrational jealousy. Chapters 18 and 19 detail Saul's repeated attempts to kill David, driving David into hiding. Chapter 20 opens with David seeking out Jonathan to discern the true extent of Saul's murderous intent. David's words in [1 Samuel 20:8](/1_samuel/20-8 "1 Samuel 20:8 - David's Plea to Jonathan") are part of a tense dialogue where David expresses his conviction that Saul seeks his life, and Jonathan, initially incredulous, agrees to investigate. This specific verse serves as David's direct appeal to Jonathan's covenant loyalty, forming the emotional and theological core of their discussion and setting the stage for Jonathan's subsequent actions to protect David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Covenants played a foundational role in ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel. They were solemn, binding agreements, often ratified by oaths, sacrifices, and divine witnesses, carrying immense social and religious weight. The "covenant of the LORD" between David and Jonathan, first mentioned in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - David and Jonathan's Covenant"), was not merely a personal friendship pact but a divinely sanctioned commitment of mutual loyalty, akin to a treaty. In a monarchical system where a king's word was law, and loyalty was paramount, David's appeal to a covenant made before God was a powerful invocation, placing Jonathan in a difficult position between his father, the king, and his sworn brother in the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Loyalty to David") and particularly in this verse is the **sacredness of covenant**. David explicitly reminds Jonathan of their "covenant of the LORD," elevating their personal bond to a divine level and emphasizing its unbreakable nature. This highlights God's role as a witness and guarantor of promises, a theme echoed in biblical covenants from Abraham to the New Covenant. Another prominent theme is **unwavering loyalty and friendship**, exemplified by Jonathan's profound devotion to David despite the immense personal cost and the direct conflict with his royal father's wishes. This selfless loyalty stands in stark contrast to Saul's destructive jealousy. Finally, the verse underscores **trust amidst peril**, as David, innocent of any wrongdoing against Saul, places his life entirely in Jonathan's hands, trusting his friend's integrity and commitment to justice over the capricious tyranny of the king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bĕrît'_):** This term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often accompanied by oaths and rituals, establishing a relationship between two parties. When qualified as "of the LORD" (YHWH), it signifies a pact made in God's presence, with God as a witness and guarantor, imbuing it with divine authority and obligation. David's appeal to this specific covenant underscores its sacred, unbreakable nature, implying that Jonathan's faithfulness to David is also faithfulness to God.
* **Kindly (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** While the KJV translates it as "kindly," the Hebrew word _ḥesed_ is far richer, denoting loyal love, steadfast love, unfailing devotion, or covenant faithfulness. It describes an active, committed love that goes beyond mere affection, especially within a covenant relationship. David is not just asking for kindness but for Jonathan to act according to the deep, loyal, and enduring love that their covenant demands, reflecting God's own _ḥesed_ towards His people.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʿāwōn'_):** This term refers to moral evil, guilt, or punishment for sin. David's phrase "if there be in me iniquity" is a declaration of his innocence regarding any offense against Saul. He is challenging Jonathan to judge him based on truth, confident that no genuine fault can be found. This highlights David's righteous standing before God and man, contrasting sharply with Saul's unjust accusations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant;":** David initiates his plea by invoking the _ḥesed_ (loyal love/covenant faithfulness) that Jonathan owes him. The term "thy servant" is a humble yet strategic address, acknowledging Jonathan's superior social standing as the king's son, but simultaneously appealing to the deeper bond that transcends hierarchy. David expects Jonathan to act with the steadfast loyalty inherent in their relationship.
* **"for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee:":** This clause provides the foundational reason for David's expectation. It explicitly reminds Jonathan of the sacred covenant they had established, emphasizing that it was a pact made "of the LORD," meaning God Himself was a party or witness to it. This elevates their agreement beyond a mere human promise, making its violation a transgression against God. David holds Jonathan accountable to this divine witness.
* **"notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself;":** Here, David boldly asserts his innocence. He challenges Jonathan to find any guilt (iniquity) in him that would justify Saul's murderous intent. By offering himself to Jonathan's hand, David demonstrates profound trust in Jonathan's integrity and justice, preferring to be judged and, if necessary, punished by his righteous friend rather than by Saul's irrational malice. This also serves as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore Saul's injustice.
* **"for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?":** This rhetorical question highlights the absurdity and injustice of the situation. David knows Saul's intent is to kill him without cause. To be handed over to Saul would be a betrayal of their covenant and a surrender to an unjust execution. David implies that Jonathan, as a man of integrity and a covenant partner, would never willingly participate in such an unrighteous act.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Plea/Supplication** is evident in David's direct appeal to Jonathan, underscoring his vulnerability and dependence. The use of **Covenant Language** ("covenant of the LORD," "deal kindly" – _ḥesed_) elevates the personal interaction to a theological plane, emphasizing the sacredness and binding nature of their relationship before God. There is a strong element of **Rhetorical Question** ("for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?"), which serves not to elicit information but to emphasize the moral imperative and the stark injustice of Saul's actions. Finally, a subtle **Irony** is present: David, the one destined to be king, is pleading for his life from the son of the current king, who is trying to kill him. This highlights the paradoxical nature of God's chosen one being hunted by the reigning monarch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:8 powerfully illustrates the sanctity of covenants, both human and divine, within the biblical narrative. David's appeal to the "covenant of the LORD" with Jonathan underscores that promises made before God carry immense weight and obligation. This human covenant mirrors and reflects the greater divine covenants God establishes with humanity, from Noah to Abraham, Moses, and David himself. Just as God is faithful to His covenant promises, so too are His people called to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and integrity in their relationships, especially those sealed by solemn commitment. The unwavering _ḥesed_ (loyal love) Jonathan shows David, even at great personal risk, serves as a poignant example of covenant faithfulness in action, echoing the steadfast love of God that endures through all circumstances.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's desperate appeal to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:8 resonates deeply with the human experience of vulnerability, trust, and the profound need for faithful relationships. It challenges us to consider the nature of our own commitments and the integrity with which we uphold them. Are our promises and agreements, whether formal or informal, treated with the solemnity that reflects their potential impact on others and, implicitly, on our standing before God? The unwavering loyalty of Jonathan, who risked his own life and royal inheritance for his friend, sets a high standard for true friendship and covenant faithfulness. This passage calls us to cultivate relationships marked by steadfast love (_ḥesed_), where trust is earned, and integrity is paramount, even when it demands personal sacrifice. It reminds us that genuine loyalty is not merely convenient but endures through adversity, reflecting the very character of God's faithfulness to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "covenants" or solemn promises have I made in my life, and how faithfully am I upholding them?**
* **How does Jonathan's _ḥesed_ (loyal love) towards David challenge my understanding and practice of friendship and loyalty?**
* **In what situations have I been called to trust in someone's integrity amidst personal peril or uncertainty, and how did I respond?**
* **How does the concept of a "covenant of the LORD" inform my view of personal commitments and their spiritual significance?**

### FAQ
**What was the nature of the "covenant of the LORD" between David and Jonathan?**

Answer: The "covenant of the LORD" between David and Jonathan was a solemn, binding agreement of mutual loyalty and protection, first established in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - David and Jonathan's Covenant"). It was more than just a personal friendship; by being "of the LORD," it implied that God was a witness and guarantor of their promises. This elevated their pact to a sacred level, carrying divine obligation. It was a commitment to protect each other and their descendants, even in the face of political upheaval and the king's wrath, as seen in Jonathan's actions in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Unwavering Loyalty").

**Why did David offer Jonathan to "slay me thyself" if there was iniquity in him?**

Answer: David's offer to Jonathan, "if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself," was a powerful declaration of his innocence and a profound expression of trust. David knew he had committed no wrong against King Saul that would warrant death. By offering himself to Jonathan's judgment, David was essentially saying, "I am confident in my righteousness; if you, my righteous and covenant-keeping friend, find any fault in me, then let justice be served by your hand." This was preferable to being unjustly handed over to Saul, who was driven by irrational jealousy and sought David's life without cause ([1 Samuel 19:1](/1_samuel/19-1 "1 Samuel 19:1 - Saul's Intent to Kill David")). It underscored David's belief in Jonathan's integrity and his own blamelessness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound covenant loyalty between David and Jonathan, highlighted in 1 Samuel 20:8, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as David appealed to Jonathan's covenant faithfulness, humanity, estranged by sin, appeals to God's steadfast covenant love. Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's eternal covenant with humanity, the very _ḥesed_ (loyal love) of God made flesh. He is the faithful Son who, unlike Saul, perfectly fulfills the Father's will, establishing a new and better covenant through His own blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). While David, innocent, offered himself to Jonathan's judgment, Christ, though sinless, willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, taking upon Himself the iniquity of us all ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")). He is the true King who does not betray His friends but lays down His life for them ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), bringing us into an unbreakable covenant relationship with God, secured by His resurrection and eternal reign ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, we find the ultimate friend and the perfectly faithful covenant partner, who will never hand us over to destruction but has secured our eternal salvation.

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 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

2 Samuel 14:32

And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? [it had been] good for me [to have been] there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be [any] iniquity in me, let him kill me.

1 Samuel 23:18

And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

1 Samuel 20:16

So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David, [saying], Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David's enemies.

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Joshua 2:14

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

1 Chronicles 12:17

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].