Jonathan’s heartfelt reassurance testifies to his love and loyalty for David.
Jonathan, the son of King Saul who reigned from about 1049 BC to 1009 BC, seeks to reassure David in this crucial conversation, telling him, “Far from it, you shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. So why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so!” (v.2). David has expressed concern for his own life, fearing Saul’s anger and a potential plot to harm him. Jonathan’s words here reflect his belief that he would be fully informed by his father, the king, if there were such a danger—and that David should not expect any hidden malice to succeed.
By insisting, “you shall not die” (v.2), Jonathan is doing more than offering hollow comfort. He is showing deep loyalty and trust in David’s anointing as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). Jonathan’s defense of David points to a bond echoing the New Testament principle of sacrificial friendship expressed by Jesus, who calls His followers friends (John 15:13). Though Jonathan is confident he would be privy to any scheme arising from Saul, this story gradually reveals that Saul’s heart has been hardened—and that even Jonathan’s inside knowledge cannot prevent Saul’s attempts on David’s life.
When Jonathan refers to his father not doing “anything either great or small without disclosing it” (v.2), he is alluding to the custom of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where royal heirs often participated in state affairs. This also underscores the closeness of their relationship and highlights Jonathan’s disbelief that Saul could plot something so drastic without his awareness. Nevertheless, David’s faithfulness to the LORD prevails. As the true anointed king, David’s ultimate protection underscores God’s sovereignty and sets the stage for his enduring legacy as an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:1).
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1 Samuel 20:2 meaning
Jonathan, the son of King Saul who reigned from about 1049 BC to 1009 BC, seeks to reassure David in this crucial conversation, telling him, “Far from it, you shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. So why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so!” (v.2). David has expressed concern for his own life, fearing Saul’s anger and a potential plot to harm him. Jonathan’s words here reflect his belief that he would be fully informed by his father, the king, if there were such a danger—and that David should not expect any hidden malice to succeed.
By insisting, “you shall not die” (v.2), Jonathan is doing more than offering hollow comfort. He is showing deep loyalty and trust in David’s anointing as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). Jonathan’s defense of David points to a bond echoing the New Testament principle of sacrificial friendship expressed by Jesus, who calls His followers friends (John 15:13). Though Jonathan is confident he would be privy to any scheme arising from Saul, this story gradually reveals that Saul’s heart has been hardened—and that even Jonathan’s inside knowledge cannot prevent Saul’s attempts on David’s life.
When Jonathan refers to his father not doing “anything either great or small without disclosing it” (v.2), he is alluding to the custom of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where royal heirs often participated in state affairs. This also underscores the closeness of their relationship and highlights Jonathan’s disbelief that Saul could plot something so drastic without his awareness. Nevertheless, David’s faithfulness to the LORD prevails. As the true anointed king, David’s ultimate protection underscores God’s sovereignty and sets the stage for his enduring legacy as an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:1).