David warns Jonathan that the threat on his life is real and imminent.
David, who lived around 1040-970 BC, reaffirms the depth of his peril when he declares, “Yet David vowed again, saying, ‘Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, “Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.” But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.’” (v.3) King Saul, who reigned from about 1050-1010 BC, had grown increasingly hostile toward David, perceiving him as a threat to his throne. In this intimate exchange with Jonathan, David underscores Saul’s concealed intent, suspecting the king would obscure his plans so as not to wound his son’s feelings. Jonathan, Saul’s eldest son, lived alongside David as a true friend, bound by a covenant of loyalty (1 Samuel 18:3).
When David proclaims, “there is hardly a step between me and death” (v.3), he articulates a profound urgency. He believes that at any moment Saul might find reason to kill him. This sentiment shows David’s vulnerability and his reliance on God’s protection. Despite his fears, David continues to trust that the “LORD lives” (v.3), a declaration of faith that resonates throughout the rest of his life. Scripture repeatedly affirms David’s confidence in the LORD’s provision (Psalm 18:2), foreshadowing the humility and trust seen ultimately in Jesus, who likewise committed Himself wholly to the Father (Luke 23:46).
David’s emphasis on God’s sovereignty and his strong sense of danger both highlight the tension of his days. Although David was already anointed to be Israel’s future king, he still had to endure this time of peril and testing (1 Samuel 16:13). This passage also reflects the deep emotional toll that Saul’s hostility took on David, yet David’s perseverance laid the foundation for his reign and played a crucial role in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1).
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 20:3 meaning
David, who lived around 1040-970 BC, reaffirms the depth of his peril when he declares, “Yet David vowed again, saying, ‘Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, “Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.” But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.’” (v.3) King Saul, who reigned from about 1050-1010 BC, had grown increasingly hostile toward David, perceiving him as a threat to his throne. In this intimate exchange with Jonathan, David underscores Saul’s concealed intent, suspecting the king would obscure his plans so as not to wound his son’s feelings. Jonathan, Saul’s eldest son, lived alongside David as a true friend, bound by a covenant of loyalty (1 Samuel 18:3).
When David proclaims, “there is hardly a step between me and death” (v.3), he articulates a profound urgency. He believes that at any moment Saul might find reason to kill him. This sentiment shows David’s vulnerability and his reliance on God’s protection. Despite his fears, David continues to trust that the “LORD lives” (v.3), a declaration of faith that resonates throughout the rest of his life. Scripture repeatedly affirms David’s confidence in the LORD’s provision (Psalm 18:2), foreshadowing the humility and trust seen ultimately in Jesus, who likewise committed Himself wholly to the Father (Luke 23:46).
David’s emphasis on God’s sovereignty and his strong sense of danger both highlight the tension of his days. Although David was already anointed to be Israel’s future king, he still had to endure this time of peril and testing (1 Samuel 16:13). This passage also reflects the deep emotional toll that Saul’s hostility took on David, yet David’s perseverance laid the foundation for his reign and played a crucial role in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1).