Jonathan’s warning reveals a steadfast faithfulness that can overcome the fiercest opposition.
So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself” (v.2). Jonathan, the son of King Saul—who ruled over Israel from roughly 1050 to 1010 BC—warns David, the anointed future king of Israel, that his father intends to kill him. Saul’s growing jealousy compels him to take drastic measures against David, who had found favor with the people because of his brave exploits (1 Samuel 18:7). Jonathan’s words show his unwavering loyalty to David and demonstrate the danger and unrest that has come upon Saul’s household due to the king’s disobedience toward God (1 Samuel 15:23).
By urging David to remain vigilant and to hide himself, Jonathan demonstrates genuine concern for David’s welfare: “Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place...” (v.2). This act of warning and protection highlights Jonathan's godly loyalty and selflessness. Despite being within the royal lineage and a potential heir to the throne, Jonathan values righteousness and friendship over power. The trust displayed here reflects a powerful bond that points forward to the sacrificial love exalted by Jesus in the New Testament (John 15:13).
In this passage, Saul is set on a destructive course, blinded by envy and disregarding divine wisdom. Yet Jonathan’s intercession reminds us that God consistently raises up faithful voices to preserve His chosen purposes. As David seeks refuge, we see an echo of the many times God’s people find safety and deliverance in unexpected places, foreshadowing how Jesus would later offer shelter and salvation to those in spiritual peril (Luke 19:10).
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1 Samuel 19:2 meaning
So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself” (v.2). Jonathan, the son of King Saul—who ruled over Israel from roughly 1050 to 1010 BC—warns David, the anointed future king of Israel, that his father intends to kill him. Saul’s growing jealousy compels him to take drastic measures against David, who had found favor with the people because of his brave exploits (1 Samuel 18:7). Jonathan’s words show his unwavering loyalty to David and demonstrate the danger and unrest that has come upon Saul’s household due to the king’s disobedience toward God (1 Samuel 15:23).
By urging David to remain vigilant and to hide himself, Jonathan demonstrates genuine concern for David’s welfare: “Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place...” (v.2). This act of warning and protection highlights Jonathan's godly loyalty and selflessness. Despite being within the royal lineage and a potential heir to the throne, Jonathan values righteousness and friendship over power. The trust displayed here reflects a powerful bond that points forward to the sacrificial love exalted by Jesus in the New Testament (John 15:13).
In this passage, Saul is set on a destructive course, blinded by envy and disregarding divine wisdom. Yet Jonathan’s intercession reminds us that God consistently raises up faithful voices to preserve His chosen purposes. As David seeks refuge, we see an echo of the many times God’s people find safety and deliverance in unexpected places, foreshadowing how Jesus would later offer shelter and salvation to those in spiritual peril (Luke 19:10).