1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.

And David {H1732} sware {H7650} moreover, and said {H559}, Thy father {H1} certainly {H3045} knoweth {H3045} that I have found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thine eyes {H5869}; and he saith {H559}, Let not Jonathan {H3083} know {H3045} this, lest he be grieved {H6087}: but truly {H199} as the LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, and as thy soul {H5315} liveth {H2416}, there is but a step {H6587} between me and death {H4194}.

In response David swore, "Your father knows very well that you have made me your friend. This is why he will say, 'Y'honatan must not know this, or he will be unhappy.'As truly as ADONAI lives, and as truly as you are alive, there is only a step between me and death."

But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father knoweth well that I have found favor in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Commentary

1 Samuel 20:3 (KJV) captures a moment of intense peril and desperation in David's life, as he appeals to his loyal friend Jonathan. This verse underscores David's conviction that King Saul, Jonathan's father, is actively seeking his life, and that death is an ever-present threat.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Saul's escalating jealousy and paranoia towards David. Despite David's unwavering loyalty and military successes, Saul saw him as a rival for the throne, especially after the women of Israel sang praises comparing their achievements (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul had already made several attempts on David's life, including throwing a javelin at him (1 Samuel 19:10). David had fled from Saul's presence, and here, he is attempting to make Jonathan understand the gravity of his situation, even though Jonathan initially struggled to believe his father would truly harm David.

Key Themes

  • Imminent Danger: David's stark declaration, "there is but a step between me and death," powerfully conveys the constant, life-threatening situation he faced. His life was hanging by a thread, requiring extreme vigilance and reliance on God's protection.
  • The Depth of David and Jonathan's Friendship: Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, even at the risk of his own standing with his father, is a hallmark of their extraordinary bond. David's plea to Jonathan highlights the trust and reliance he placed in his friend, a friendship famously cemented by a covenant (1 Samuel 18:3).
  • Saul's Deception and Jealousy: The verse reveals Saul's cunning, as he attempts to hide his murderous intentions from Jonathan ("Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved"). This illustrates the corrosive effect of unchecked jealousy and how it can lead to deceit and violence, even against those once loved.
  • Solemn Oaths: David's oath, "as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth," is a common and powerful biblical affirmation, emphasizing the absolute truthfulness and seriousness of his statement. It appeals to both divine and human life, underscoring the gravity of his words.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth" (Hebrew: חַי-יְהוָה וְחֵי נַפְשֶׁךָ - chai Yahweh v’chai nafsh'kha) is a traditional, solemn oath in ancient Israel. It invokes God's living presence and the very life of the person being addressed, signifying the utmost sincerity and truth of the speaker's words. David uses this powerful oath to convince Jonathan of the immediate and undeniable danger he faces, making the statement "there is but a step between me and death" profoundly impactful.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Facing Peril: David's experience reminds us that even those chosen by God may face extreme danger and persecution. It encourages a reliance on divine providence and the strength found in true friendships during times of adversity.
  • The Value of True Friendship: The bond between David and Jonathan exemplifies selfless love and loyalty. It highlights the importance of having trusted allies who stand with us, even when it is costly.
  • Recognizing Spiritual Warfare: Just as David faced a relentless adversary in Saul, believers today can face spiritual opposition. The constant threat David felt can parallel the battles believers face, reminding us to be vigilant and rely on God's protection (Ephesians 6:11).
  • Trust in God Amidst Danger: Despite the immediate threat, David ultimately trusted in God's plan for his life. His survival, despite being "but a step from death," testifies to God's preserving hand (Psalm 34:7).
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 2:6 (4 votes)

    And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

  • 1 Samuel 27:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.

  • Deuteronomy 6:13 (4 votes)

    Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

  • 1 Samuel 25:26 (4 votes)

    Now therefore, my lord, [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.

  • 1 Samuel 1:26 (3 votes)

    And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

  • 2 Kings 2:4 (3 votes)

    And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

  • 2 Kings 2:2 (3 votes)

    And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.