1 Samuel 19:1

¶ And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

And Saul {H7586} spake {H1696} to Jonathan {H3129} his son {H1121}, and to all his servants {H5650}, that they should kill {H4191} David {H1732}.

Sha'ul told Y'honatan his son and all his servants that they should have David killed. But because Y'honatan was very fond of David,

Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,

And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should slay David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David.

Commentary

Context

1 Samuel 19:1 marks a significant escalation in King Saul's increasingly volatile relationship with David. Following David's heroic victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50) and subsequent military successes, David's popularity soared among the people of Israel. This success, however, ignited a deep-seated jealousy in Saul, who heard the women sing, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). What began as suspicion and an evil spirit from God tormenting Saul, leading to personal attempts on David's life with a javelin (1 Samuel 18:11), now transforms into a public decree. Saul moves from covert plots and personal attacks to openly commanding his son and servants to murder David, revealing the dangerous depth of his hatred.

Key Themes

  • Escalating Hatred and Jealousy: This verse starkly illustrates the destructive power of unchecked envy. Saul's jealousy, fueled by an evil spirit and his own insecurity, progresses from subtle animosity to a direct, murderous command.
  • Betrayal and Injustice: David, who had served Saul faithfully as a musician, armor-bearer, and military leader, is now targeted for assassination by the very king he served. This highlights the profound injustice and lack of gratitude from Saul.
  • Jonathan's Loyalty and Moral Conflict: The command is given to Jonathan, Saul's own son, who has already forged a deep and loyal friendship with David, even making a covenant with him. This sets the stage for a critical moral dilemma for Jonathan, forcing him to choose between obedience to his father and faithfulness to his friend and God's chosen one.
  • Divine Protection: Despite Saul's determined malice, God's hand is clearly seen in protecting David, who is destined to be the next king of Israel. This command ultimately fails to achieve its purpose, demonstrating God's sovereign plan.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants" implies a direct and public command, not a mere suggestion. The Hebrew word for "kill" (הָרַג, harag) is a strong verb meaning to slay, murder, or put to death, emphasizing the severity and directness of Saul's instruction. It indicates a deliberate act of assassination rather than a casual wish. The pilcrow (¶) at the beginning of the verse, a common KJV typesetting mark, indicates a new paragraph or section in the narrative flow, signaling a shift in Saul's strategy against David.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Peril of Unchecked Envy: Saul's example is a stark warning about how destructive envy can be. It can consume a person, leading to irrational decisions and harmful actions against innocent individuals. We are called to guard our hearts against envy.
  • The Value of True Friendship and Integrity: Jonathan's subsequent actions in protecting David highlight the importance of loyalty, integrity, and standing for what is right, even when it means opposing authority or family. True friendship prioritizes faithfulness over personal gain or blind obedience.
  • Trust in God's Protection: David's life is a testament to God's faithfulness in protecting His servants and fulfilling His purposes, even amidst intense persecution. This narrative provides comfort and encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and deliverance when facing opposition.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 18:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

  • 1 Samuel 18:9 (1 votes)

    And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.