1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

For he did put {H7760} his life {H5315} in his hand {H3709}, and slew {H5221} the Philistine {H6430}, and the LORD {H3068} wrought {H6213} a great {H1419} salvation {H8668} for all Israel {H3478}: thou sawest {H7200} it, and didst rejoice {H8055}: wherefore then wilt thou sin {H2398} against innocent {H5355} blood {H1818}, to slay {H4191} David {H1732} without a cause {H2600}?

He put his life in his hands to attack the P'lishtim, and ADONAI accomplished a great victory for all Isra'el. You yourself saw it, and you were happy about it. So why do you want to sin against innocent blood by killing David without any reason?"

He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

for he put his life in his hand, and smote the Philistine, and Jehovah wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice; wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 19:5

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the complex relationship between King Saul, his son Jonathan, and David. Jonathan, deeply loyal to David and aware of his father's escalating jealousy and murderous intent, passionately pleads with Saul to spare David's life. Saul had previously attempted to kill David (see 1 Samuel 18:11 and 1 Samuel 19:10). Jonathan's appeal here is a direct confrontation, reminding Saul of David's past heroism and service to Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jonathan's Unwavering Loyalty: Jonathan exemplifies true friendship and moral courage. Despite being Saul's heir, he prioritizes justice and his covenant with David over blind familial allegiance. His words are a powerful defense of an innocent man.
  • Remembering God's Deliverance: Jonathan reminds Saul that David's victory over the Philistine Goliath was not merely a human feat, but a divine intervention where "the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel." This highlights God's active hand in Israel's history and David's role as His instrument.
  • The Sin of Unjustified Violence: Jonathan directly confronts Saul, calling his desire to kill David "sin against innocent blood." This emphasizes the grave moral and spiritual implications of unjustly taking a life, especially one that has served God and the nation faithfully.
  • David's Innocence and Service: The verse underscores David's blamelessness in the face of Saul's accusations. He risked his life for Israel, a fact Saul himself witnessed and rejoiced in, making his current murderous intent utterly baseless and perverse.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he did put his life in his hand" is a vivid idiom signifying extreme risk and courage. It paints a picture of David literally holding his life precariously, offering it up for the sake of Israel. It emphasizes the profound personal sacrifice David made in confronting Goliath, highlighting his bravery and dedication.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Courage to Speak Truth: Jonathan's example encourages us to speak up for what is right, even when it means confronting those in authority or facing difficult personal consequences.
  • Battling Envy and Insecurity: Saul's descent into madness is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of unchecked envy and insecurity. It reminds us to guard our hearts against these vices.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: Just as Jonathan reminded Saul of God's past "great salvation" through David, we are called to remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness in our lives and in the history of His people. This memory can anchor us in times of doubt or temptation.
  • Valuing Righteousness: The plea against "innocent blood" underscores the biblical emphasis on justice and the sanctity of human life, reminding us to uphold these principles in all our dealings.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 11:13 (6 votes)

    And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:14 (6 votes)

    And they set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance.

  • 1 Samuel 20:32 (5 votes)

    And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

  • Judges 9:17 (5 votes)

    (For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

  • Matthew 27:4 (5 votes)

    Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

  • Psalms 119:109 (4 votes)

    ¶ My soul [is] continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

  • 1 Samuel 28:21 (4 votes)

    And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.