And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
1 SAMUEL 23:17KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 23:17 mean?
1 Samuel 23:17 records Jonathan reassuring David that Saul, Jonathan’s father, will not succeed in capturing him and that David will become king over Israel, with Jonathan as his trusted second. Jonathan also affirms that Saul himself knows this future is inevitable.
In this verse, Jonathan is speaking to David while David is on the run from King Saul, who is trying to kill him. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, expresses loyalty and encouragement, acknowledging God’s plan for David to be king. Jonathan’s words show both his faith in David’s future and his willingness to support him, even above his own claim to the throne.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 23:17
- "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to be afraid or to fear. Jonathan’s use of it is a gentle command, aiming to calm David’s anxiety in a dangerous situation.
- "Hand" (יָד, yad): Often used to symbolize power or control. Here, Jonathan assures David that Saul’s power ("hand") will not be able to reach or harm him.
- "Next" (מִשְׁנֶה, mishneh): This word means "second" or "next in rank." Jonathan is not just offering support, but is humbly accepting a subordinate role to David, which is significant given his position as the king’s son.
Why 1 Samuel 23:17 matters
- This verse clarifies that Jonathan, despite being the heir to Saul’s throne, willingly accepts David’s future kingship and even desires to serve alongside him.
- It highlights Jonathan’s deep friendship and loyalty to David, contrasting sharply with Saul’s jealousy and hostility.
- The verse connects to the broader narrative by showing that even Saul, the current king, is aware that David is destined to become king, adding tension to the unfolding story.