“And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.”
1 Samuel 19:3 is part of the narrative that follows the anointing of David by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel. At this point in the story, David had gained favour with King Saul because of his bravery and success in battle against Goliath. However, as David’s popularity grew, Saul became increasingly jealous and fearful that David would usurp his throne. Saul attempted to kill David on multiple occasions, but the Lord protected David and Saul’s plans were foiled.
In this particular verse, Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s close friend, intercedes on David’s behalf. Jonathan was a faithful friend to David, and he recognised the anointing of God on David’s life. He understood that David was innocent and did not deserve Saul’s anger and pursuit. So Jonathan devised a plan to test Saul’s intentions towards David.
Jonathan proposed to David that he would go out and stand beside his father in the field where David was hiding. Jonathan would then engage in a conversation with Saul about David, and whatever information he gleaned from that conversation, he would relay to David. Jonathan’s intention was to assess Saul’s true motives and ascertain whether there was a genuine threat to David’s life.
This verse demonstrates Jonathan’s loyalty and love for David. He risked his own safety and position by standing up for David. By promising to communicate Saul’s intentions to David, Jonathan assured David of his support and commitment.
This passage also reveals the complex dynamics of the relationship between Saul, Jonathan, and David. While Saul was driven by jealousy and fear, Jonathan showed integrity and righteousness. He did not blindly support his father’s unjust actions but sought to protect and aid David. Jonathan’s actions in this verse foreshadow the deep friendship and covenant that would develop between him and David.
As we reflect on this verse, we can draw a few lessons:
- The importance of loyal friendship:Jonathan’s friendship with David demonstrates the value of having a faithful companion who supports and encourages us, even in difficult times. It reminds us of the significance of surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely care for our well‑being.
- Courage to do what is right:Jonathan displayed courage by standing up to his own father when he recognised the injustice being done to David. Sometimes, we may find ourselves in situations where we need to take a stand for what is right, even if it means going against the opinions or actions of our loved ones.
- Seeking God’s guidance:Jonathan’s plan was to discern God’s will and Saul’s true intentions. As believers, we should also seek God’s guidance and wisdom in our relationships and decision‑making processes. Trusting in God’s leading can help us navigate complex situations with integrity and wisdom.
Overall, 1 Samuel 19:3 reminds us of the power of genuine friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is challenging.
