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?

And Jonathan {H3083} said {H559}, Far be it from thee {H2486}: for if I knew {H3045} certainly {H3045} that evil {H7451} were determined {H3615} by my father {H1} to come {H935} upon thee, then would not I tell {H5046} it thee?

Y'honatan said, "Heaven forbid! If I ever were to learn that my father had definitely decided to do you harm, wouldn't I tell you?"

โ€œNever!โ€ Jonathan replied. โ€œIf I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?โ€

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 20:9, we witness a pivotal moment in the deep bond between Jonathan and David. David, fearing for his life due to King Saul's growing jealousy and murderous intent, has just expressed his profound distress. Jonathan, Saul's son and David's loyal friend, responds with an emphatic reassurance, pledging to inform David if he discovers any plot against him from his father.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Saul's increasingly erratic and hostile behavior towards David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. David, now a celebrated military hero, has just sought out Jonathan to understand the true nature of Saul's intentions. David's desperation is palpable, as evidenced by his earlier plea, where he stated, 'there is but a step between me and death.' Jonathan's response here solidifies his unwavering loyalty, choosing his friend's safety over his familial allegiance to his father, the king.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: The verse powerfully illustrates Jonathan's extraordinary commitment to David. His declaration, "Far be it from thee," underscores his absolute rejection of the idea that he would ever betray or hide danger from his beloved friend. This loyalty transcends family ties and personal ambition, as Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne, yet he fully supported David's destiny as king, echoing Jonathan's covenant with David.
  • Trust and Assurance: Jonathan's words are a promise of transparency and protection, offering David much-needed assurance in a time of extreme peril. It highlights the foundation of trust upon which their extraordinary friendship was built, a bond often seen as a model of biblical friendship.
  • Divine Providence: Although not explicitly stated, Jonathan's actions are instrumental in preserving David's life, thereby facilitating God's plan for David to become the next king of Israel. Jonathan's loyalty serves as a human instrument in the unfolding of divine will.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Far be it from thee" translates the Hebrew idiom chalilah lach (ื—ึธืœึดืœึธื” ืœึผึธืšึฐ), which literally means "profane to you" or "unthinkable for you." It is a strong expression of vehement denial and shock, indicating that the very thought of withholding information from David about his father's evil intentions is utterly repugnant and impossible for Jonathan. This emphasizes the depth of his commitment and the sacredness of their bond.

Practical Application

Jonathan's selfless loyalty in 1 Samuel 20:9 offers timeless lessons for us today:

  • The Value of True Friendship: It reminds us of the importance of having and being a loyal friend who stands by us, even in difficult circumstances. True friends are those who look out for our well-being and are willing to make sacrifices.
  • Integrity and Trust: Jonathan's promise highlights the necessity of integrity and open communication in relationships. Building trust requires consistent honesty and a willingness to act in another's best interest.
  • Courage to Do Right: Jonathan chose to honor his covenant with David over his allegiance to his father's destructive will. This demonstrates the courage required to do what is right, even when it means going against powerful influences or personal gain.
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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 20:42

    And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

  • 1 Samuel 20:38

    And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

  • 1 Samuel 19:2

    But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret [place], and hide thyself:
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