1 Samuel 22:8

KJV

That all of you have conspired against me, and [there is] none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and [there is] none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

KJV (with Strong's)

That all of you have conspired {H7194} against me, and there is none that sheweth {H1540}{H241} me that my son {H1121} hath made a league {H3772} with the son {H1121} of Jesse {H3448}, and there is none of you that is sorry {H2470} for me, or sheweth {H1540}{H241} unto me that my son {H1121} hath stirred up {H6965} my servant {H5650} against me, to lie in wait {H693}, as at this day {H3117}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Is this why you have all conspired against me, why none of you told me when my son went in league with Yishai's son? None of you is concerned about me! Otherwise you would have told me that my son had incited my servant to become my enemy, as he is now."

Berean Standard Bible

Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”

American Standard Version

that all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that discloseth to me when my son maketh a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or discloseth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:8 captures King Saul's profound paranoia and tragic descent into delusion. From his stronghold in Gibeah, he desperately accuses his loyal servants of conspiring against him, lamenting their perceived failure to inform him of a supposed alliance between his son Jonathan and David, whom he now views as a rebellious threat. This outburst reveals Saul's deep-seated insecurity, his distorted perception of reality, and his overwhelming sense of isolation as he struggles to maintain his crumbling kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in a pivotal and tragic phase of King Saul's reign, immediately following the massacre of the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:6-23). Saul has just learned that David received aid from Ahimelech, the high priest, intensifying his rage and paranoia. He is now seated under a tamarisk tree in Gibeah, surrounded by his Benjamite kinsmen and servants, feeling utterly betrayed. His preceding actions, such as his violent outburst against the priests and his increasingly erratic behavior, set the stage for this public accusation. The immediate context shows Saul attempting to rally his own tribe and loyalists by appealing to their self-interest ("Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds?" [1 Samuel 22:7](/1_samuel/22-7 "1 Samuel 22:7 - Saul's Accusation to His Servants")). His rhetorical questions in verse 8 are a desperate attempt to elicit information and expose perceived traitors, highlighting his profound distrust and the breakdown of his court.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul's reign, though initially promising, was marked by disobedience to God, leading to the withdrawal of the Spirit of the Lord and the torment of an evil spirit ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). This period saw the transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy, and Saul, as the first king, faced immense pressure to consolidate power and defend against external threats like the Philistines. The cultural context of ancient Near Eastern kingship often involved intense loyalty oaths and severe penalties for perceived treason. Saul's accusations reflect a common fear among insecure monarchs of internal plots and coups. His retreat to Gibeah, his hometown and capital, underscores his isolation and reliance on his immediate tribal kinsmen. The "league" or covenant (Hebrew: *berith*) between Jonathan and David was a sacred bond, and Saul's perception of it as a political conspiracy rather than a genuine friendship demonstrates his warped understanding of loyalty and his increasing detachment from reality.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 22:8 powerfully illuminates several overarching themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it showcases **Saul's tragic decline** from a divinely appointed king to a paranoid tyrant, consumed by jealousy and insecurity. His inability to trust, even his own son, is a stark contrast to the faithful leadership God desires. Secondly, the verse underscores the **unbreakable bond between Jonathan and David**, a covenant of friendship that transcends political ambition and familial loyalty, serving as a foil to Saul's fractured relationships. This bond is explicitly mentioned in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant") and reaffirmed in [1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - Jonathan and David's Farewell"). Thirdly, it highlights the **theme of divine sovereignty versus human will**. Saul's desperate attempts to thwart David's rise are futile, as God has already chosen David to be the next king ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). Saul's accusations of human conspiracy unknowingly reflect the divine hand at work, positioning David for the throne, despite Saul's opposition. Finally, the verse speaks to the **corrosive nature of fear and distrust**, which ultimately isolates Saul and leads him to commit horrific acts, such as the slaughter of the priests of Nob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conspired (Hebrew, _qāshar'_):** This verb means "to bind together," "to league together," or "to conspire." In biblical usage, it often carries the negative connotation of forming a secret plot or rebellion, particularly against a king or established authority (e.g., [2 Kings 15:15](/2_kings/15-15 "2 Kings 15:15 - Shallum's Conspiracy")). Saul's use of this word reveals his deep-seated belief that his own servants, and even his son, are engaged in a treacherous, hidden plot against his life and throne. It underscores his paranoia and the complete breakdown of trust within his court.
* **League (Hebrew, _bĕrît'_):** This is a highly significant theological term, meaning "covenant," "treaty," or "alliance." It denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often sealed with an oath and involving mutual obligations. While *bĕrît* can refer to political treaties, its use here in relation to Jonathan and David (cf. [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant")) emphasizes the profound and sacred nature of their friendship. Saul's accusation transforms this pure, divinely-blessed bond into a perceived political threat, demonstrating his distorted perception and inability to comprehend loyalty outside of his own self-interest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That all of you have conspired against me,"**: Saul begins with a sweeping, baseless accusation, projecting his internal fears onto his entire retinue. This generalized charge reveals his profound paranoia and the breakdown of trust within his court. He sees enemies everywhere, even among those ostensibly loyal to him.
* **"and [there is] none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse,"**: This clause reveals the specific focus of Saul's paranoia: the bond between Jonathan and David. Saul is convinced that this "league" (covenant) is a political maneuver aimed at his overthrow, and he feels betrayed that no one among his servants has warned him of it. The phrase "son of Jesse" is a dismissive way of referring to David, highlighting Saul's contempt for his perceived rival.
* **"and [there is] none of you that is sorry for me,"**: Here, Saul shifts from accusation to self-pity. He believes his servants lack empathy for his plight, which he perceives as a direct result of the conspiracy against him. This highlights his profound sense of isolation and his desperate need for affirmation and sympathy, even as he alienates those around him.
* **"or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?"**: This final clause reiterates and intensifies the previous accusation, explicitly stating Saul's belief that Jonathan has incited David (his "servant") to rebellion, culminating in an active plot ("to lie in wait") against him. The phrase "as at this day" emphasizes the immediacy and perceived danger of the supposed conspiracy, underscoring Saul's acute distress and the urgency of his plea for information.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 22:8 is a powerful example of a **Dramatic Monologue**, where Saul, in a state of extreme distress, addresses his servants, revealing his inner turmoil, fears, and distorted perceptions. The entire verse functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not truly seeking information but rather expressing Saul's deep-seated grievances, his sense of betrayal, and his desperate appeal for loyalty and sympathy. This rhetorical device underscores his isolation and the futility of his attempts to control the narrative. There is profound **Irony** in Saul's accusations: he perceives a human conspiracy, while the true "conspiracy" is God's sovereign plan to remove Saul and establish David as king. Saul's lament also employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the supposed betrayal ("all of you have conspired against me," "none that sheweth me"), which serves to amplify his sense of victimhood and the depth of his paranoia. The passage vividly portrays the **Psychological Realism** of a mind consumed by jealousy and fear, demonstrating how unchecked negative emotions can lead to delusion and destructive behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark illustration of the destructive power of unchecked paranoia and the tragic consequences of a king who has lost divine favor. Saul's accusations, rooted in fear and insecurity rather than truth, reveal a spiritual blindness that prevents him from discerning God's hand in David's rise. His inability to trust, even his own son, highlights the spiritual decay that began when the Spirit of the Lord departed from him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). The "league" between Jonathan and David, which Saul perceives as treason, is in fact a divinely sanctioned bond that foreshadows the establishment of God's chosen king. Saul's lament is a poignant cry of a man utterly isolated by his own sin and delusion, unable to see the true nature of loyalty or the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Brings a Snare")
* [Psalm 14:1](/psalm/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool Says There Is No God")
* [Isaiah 59:4](/isaiah/59-4 "Isaiah 59:4 - No One Pleads Justly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's tragic decline, vividly portrayed in 1 Samuel 22:8, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His desperate cry, "all of you have conspired against me," resonates with the human tendency to project internal insecurities onto external circumstances, often leading to baseless accusations and the erosion of trust. This verse challenges us to examine the sources of our own fears and suspicions. Are we quick to assume malicious intent in others, or do we cultivate a spirit of discernment rooted in truth and grace? Saul's isolation, born from his paranoia, reminds us that unchecked jealousy and a refusal to release control can alienate even our closest allies. In a world often fraught with division and mistrust, this passage calls us to resist the corrosive effects of suspicion and to instead foster relationships built on genuine love, transparency, and forgiveness. Ultimately, Saul's story is a powerful reminder that true security is found not in clinging to earthly power or control, but in humble submission to God's sovereign will, even when His plans diverge from our own expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's paranoia in this verse reflect a deeper spiritual condition, and what parallels might we see in our own lives when we struggle with trust?**
* **What is the danger of allowing fear and insecurity to dictate our perceptions of others and our circumstances?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of discernment that distinguishes between genuine threats and unfounded suspicions?**
* **In what ways might our own desires for control or recognition hinder our ability to accept God's sovereign plan, even when it involves challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so paranoid about David and Jonathan's "league"?**

Answer: Saul's paranoia stemmed from a confluence of factors, primarily his loss of divine favor and the anointing of David as his successor ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). He was tormented by an evil spirit, which likely exacerbated his existing insecurities and jealousy. The "league" or covenant between Jonathan and David ([1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant")) was a genuine bond of friendship and loyalty, but Saul, consumed by fear of losing his throne, misinterpreted it as a political conspiracy aimed at his overthrow. He saw David, once his loyal servant and a national hero, as a direct threat to his dynasty. His fear was so intense that he could not conceive of a pure, non-political alliance, especially one involving his own son and the man he perceived as his rival.

**Did Saul's servants truly conspire against him, or was his accusation unfounded?**

Answer: Saul's accusation that "all of you have conspired against me" was largely unfounded and a product of his severe paranoia. While some individuals might have been sympathetic to David or disillusioned with Saul's increasingly erratic rule, there is no biblical evidence of a widespread, active conspiracy among his immediate servants to overthrow him. Their silence was more likely due to fear of Saul's unpredictable rage (as seen in his massacre of the priests of Nob, [1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Saul's Slaughter of the Priests of Nob")). Saul's lament that "none that sheweth me" about Jonathan and David's bond indicates his isolation and the breakdown of communication, not necessarily a deliberate plot. His perception was distorted by his own internal turmoil and the evil spirit that tormented him.

**What does this verse reveal about the nature of leadership and trust?**

Answer: This verse profoundly reveals the critical importance of trust in leadership and the destructive consequences when it erodes. Saul's inability to trust his own son and loyal servants led him to baseless accusations, creating an environment of fear and suspicion. Effective leadership requires a foundation of trust, where leaders are secure enough to empower and confide in their subordinates, and subordinates feel safe to offer honest counsel. Saul's paranoia alienated those who might have genuinely supported him, leading to his increasing isolation and the ultimate collapse of his reign. It demonstrates that a leader's internal state—their security, humility, and trust in God—profoundly impacts their ability to lead effectively and maintain the loyalty of their people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 22:8, with Saul's desperate cry of betrayal and perceived conspiracy, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between Saul's earthly, insecure kingship and the perfect, secure, and self-sacrificing kingship of Jesus Christ. Saul, consumed by fear and paranoia, saw betrayal in the loyal friendship between Jonathan and David; he sought to preserve his throne through violence and suspicion. Yet, Jesus, the true Son of David and the Messiah, perfectly embodies the ultimate "league" or covenant, not one of human plotting, but of divine love and redemption. He was truly "conspired against" by human authorities—religious and political—who sought to "lie in wait" and ultimately crucify Him ([Matthew 26:4](/matthew/26-4 "Matthew 26:4 - Conspiracy Against Jesus")). However, unlike Saul, who was isolated by his own sin, Jesus willingly embraced this betrayal, knowing it was part of God's redemptive plan. His "servants" did not stir Him up against anyone, but He Himself laid down His life, a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). While Saul lamented that "none...is sorry for me," Jesus, in His suffering, bore the sins of humanity, offering forgiveness even to those who crucified Him ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). The paranoia and insecurity that drove Saul stand in stark opposition to Christ's perfect trust in His Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")) and His unwavering commitment to His mission, ultimately securing an eternal kingdom not through force, but through grace and truth ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Saul's tragic reign foreshadows the need for a perfect King who would not be consumed by paranoia, but by perfect love and self-giving.

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.

1 Samuel 23:21

And Saul said, Blessed [be] ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.

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 20:2

And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it [is] not [so].

Job 33:16

Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

1 Samuel 20:8

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?

1 Samuel 23:16

And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.