And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
1 SAMUEL 20:12KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 20:12 mean?
1 Samuel 20:12 shows Jonathan making a promise to David, calling on the LORD God of Israel as his witness. Jonathan tells David that after he has spoken with his father Saul about David’s situation, he will let David know if Saul’s intentions toward him are good.
Jonathan is speaking privately to David during a tense time when David fears for his life because of King Saul’s anger. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, is assuring David that he will find out Saul’s true feelings and will secretly send word to David, keeping him informed and safe.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:12
- LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): Jonathan invokes the personal name of God, showing the seriousness of his promise and the deep trust between him and David.
- sounded (חָקַר, chaqar): This word means to search out or investigate. Jonathan is not just casually asking his father but intends to carefully probe Saul’s intentions.
- good (טוֹב, tov): Jonathan specifically promises to report if there is any “good” toward David, meaning if Saul’s attitude is favorable or harmless.
- send (שָׁלַח, shalach) and shew (גָּלָה, galah): Jonathan promises both to send a message and to reveal the truth to David, emphasizing his commitment to keep David fully informed.
Why 1 Samuel 20:12 matters
- This verse highlights the loyalty and trust between Jonathan and David, even though Jonathan’s father is the king and David’s enemy.
- Jonathan’s careful wording and oath before God show the seriousness of the situation and the deep danger David faces.
- The verse sets up the secret communication plan that becomes crucial in the following verses, showing the risks Jonathan is willing to take for David’s safety.