And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.

1 SAMUEL 19:7KJV
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1 Samuel 19:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 19:7 mean?

1 Samuel 19:7 describes Jonathan calling David, explaining everything that had happened, and then bringing David back to King Saul so that David could be in Saul’s presence as he had been before. This verse shows a moment of restored peace between Saul and David, at least for a time, through Jonathan’s efforts.

Jonathan is Saul’s son and David’s close friend. Earlier, Saul had wanted to harm David, but Jonathan spoke to Saul on David’s behalf. Afterward, Jonathan goes to find David, tells him what happened, and safely brings him back to Saul. The verse highlights Jonathan’s role as a peacemaker and the temporary restoration of David’s place at Saul’s court.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 19:7

  • The word for “presence” is פָּנִים (panim), which literally means “face” or “in front of.” Here, it emphasizes that David was physically before Saul, showing a return to normal relations.
  • The phrase “as in times past” uses the words תְּמוֹל (temol, “yesterday” or “previously”) and שִׁלְשׁוֹם (shilshom, “the day before yesterday” or “formerly”). Together, they stress that David’s relationship with Saul was restored to how it used to be, not just a brief visit.

Why 1 Samuel 19:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jonathan did not just speak up for David but also took action to restore David’s standing with Saul, showing the depth of his loyalty and friendship.
  • The detail about David being “in his presence, as in times past” signals a return to normalcy, but it also hints at the fragile peace, since earlier events show Saul’s hostility could return.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing Jonathan’s ongoing efforts to protect David and mediate between him and Saul, which is a key theme in this part of 1 Samuel.

Where else these words appear

“past” Hebrew H865 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.
  • 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
  • Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

“past” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 10:11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • 2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!