The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
1 SAMUEL 20:13KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 20:13 mean?
1 Samuel 20:13 shows Jonathan promising David that if Jonathan’s father, King Saul, intends to harm David, Jonathan will warn David and help him escape safely, asking God to be with David as He was with Saul. Jonathan also calls down a strong oath on himself if he fails to do this for David.
Jonathan is speaking to David during a tense time when Saul is secretly plotting against David’s life. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, assures David of his loyalty by vowing to protect him, even if it means going against his own father. Jonathan’s words highlight his deep commitment to David’s well-being and his trust in God’s ongoing presence and favor.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:13
- LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the seriousness and sacredness of Jonathan’s oath.
- evil (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means “harm” or “evil,” clarifying that Jonathan is specifically concerned about any real threat Saul might pose to David.
- peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it refers to wholeness, safety, and well-being, showing Jonathan’s hope for David’s complete safety as he leaves.
Why 1 Samuel 20:13 matters
- This verse clears up any doubt about Jonathan’s loyalty; he is willing to risk his own position and relationship with his father to protect David.
- Jonathan’s blessing for God to be with David “as he hath been with my father” hints at a shift in God’s favor from Saul to David, which is a key theme in the larger story.
- The verse highlights the depth of friendship and covenant between Jonathan and David, setting the tone for their actions and decisions in the chapters that follow.