1 Samuel 20:2

"Far from it!" Jonathan replied. "You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!"

Study Bible

Jonathan replied
The name "Jonathan" means "Yahweh has given" in Hebrew, reflecting his role as a divinely appointed friend and protector of David. His immediate response, "replied," indicates a deep, instinctive loyalty and trust in his relationship with David, which is a model of covenant friendship in the Bible.

Never!
This emphatic declaration in Hebrew, "chalilah," is an expression of strong denial or rejection. It underscores Jonathan's disbelief and his confidence in his father's transparency with him. This word choice reflects Jonathan's hopeful and perhaps naive trust in his father, King Saul.

You will not die!
Jonathan's assurance to David is both a statement of faith and a promise of protection. The Hebrew root for "die" here, "muwth," is often used in the Old Testament to denote physical death, but Jonathan's use of it conveys his commitment to safeguarding David's life, reflecting the sacredness of life and the seriousness of his vow.

Behold
This word, "hinneh" in Hebrew, is used to draw attention and emphasize the importance of what follows. It serves as a call to David to consider Jonathan's perspective and trust in his knowledge of his father's actions.

my father does nothing great or small
The phrase "great or small" indicates the comprehensive nature of Saul's actions that Jonathan believes he is privy to. The Hebrew words "gadol" (great) and "qatan" (small) suggest that Jonathan is confident in his understanding of all matters concerning his father, highlighting the close relationship and communication he believes he shares with Saul.

without letting me know
This phrase underscores Jonathan's belief in his father's transparency with him. The Hebrew root "galah" means to reveal or uncover, suggesting that Jonathan feels he is privy to all of Saul's plans, which is a testament to his trust in his father's openness.

Why would my father hide this matter from me?
Jonathan's rhetorical question reveals his incredulity and the depth of his trust in his father. The Hebrew word for "hide," "sathar," implies concealment or secrecy, which Jonathan cannot fathom in his relationship with Saul. This reflects his inner conflict and the tension between his loyalty to his father and his friendship with David.

It is not so!
This final assertion by Jonathan, "lo ken," in Hebrew, is a strong denial of David's fears. It reflects Jonathan's hope and perhaps his denial of the reality of Saul's intentions. This phrase encapsulates Jonathan's struggle to reconcile his love for David with his loyalty to his father, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative of 1 Samuel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and integrity, Jonathan plays a crucial role in the account of David's rise to kingship.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.

4. The Field
The setting for the secret meeting between Jonathan and David, where they discuss Saul's intentions and plan for David's safety.

5. The Covenant
The bond of friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, which is central to this chapter and reflects their mutual commitment to each other's well-being.

Teaching Points

Loyalty in Friendship
Jonathan's loyalty to David, even in the face of his father's hostility, exemplifies the biblical principle of steadfast friendship. True friends support and protect each other, even when it is costly.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the danger from Saul, Jonathan's confidence that David will not die reflects a trust in God's sovereign plan. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and purpose, even in uncertain circumstances.

Discernment and Wisdom
Jonathan's assertion that Saul would not hide anything from him shows the importance of discernment and wisdom in relationships. We should seek to understand the intentions of others and act wisely.

Courage to Stand for Righteousness
Jonathan's courage to stand against his father's unjust intentions teaches us to stand for righteousness, even when it means opposing those in authority or those we love.

The Power of Covenant Relationships
The covenant between Jonathan and David is a powerful example of commitment and faithfulness. Believers are called to honor their commitments and uphold their promises in relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jonathan's response to David in 1 Samuel 20:2 demonstrate the qualities of a true friend, and how can we apply these qualities in our own friendships?

2. In what ways does Jonathan's confidence in David's safety reflect a trust in God's sovereignty, and how can we cultivate a similar trust in our own lives?

3. How can we practice discernment and wisdom in our relationships, as Jonathan did in understanding his father's intentions?

4. What are some practical ways we can stand for righteousness in our daily lives, even when it means going against the expectations of those around us?

5. How does the covenant between Jonathan and David inspire us to honor our commitments in our relationships, and what steps can we take to strengthen our covenant relationships today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 18:1-4
This passage describes the deep friendship and covenant between Jonathan and David, highlighting the loyalty and love that Jonathan has for David, which is evident in 1 Samuel 20:2.

Proverbs 17:17
This verse speaks to the nature of true friendship, which is demonstrated by Jonathan's unwavering support for David despite the danger posed by his father, Saul.

John 15:13
Jesus speaks of the greatest love being to lay down one's life for friends, which parallels Jonathan's willingness to protect David at great personal risk.