“For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?”
Samuel 19:5 is a verse from the Old Testament that occurs during a crucial moment in the life of David, before he became the king of Israel. To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to examine the context surrounding it.
In the previous chapters, we learn that David had gained popularity and favour with the people of Israel due to his victories against the Philistines, particularly his defeat of Goliath. King Saul, who had initially welcomed David into his service, eventually became jealous of David’s success and the people’s admiration for him.
In Samuel 19, Saul’s jealousy intensifies to the point where he seeks to kill David. However, Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s dear friend, intercedes on David’s behalf, attempting to reason with his father. Jonathan reminds Saul of David’s loyalty, his victory over Goliath, and the great salvation the Lord had brought about for all of Israel through David’s bravery.
This is the context leading up to Samuel 19:5, where Jonathan implores Saul not to sin against innocent blood by unjustly slaying David. In this verse, Jonathan highlights David’s righteous actions and God’s intervention, emphasizing the injustice of Saul’s intentions.
From this verse, we can glean several key insights and lessons:
- Faithfulness and righteousness:David’s faithfulness to God and his commitment to doing what was right are evident in the phrase “he did put his life in his hand.” David courageously risked his life to fight Goliath and defend Israel, showing great faith and trust in God’s power. This verse underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God even in the face of adversity.
- God’s salvation:The latter part of the verse acknowledges that it was the Lord who wrought a great salvation for all of Israel through David’s actions. This reminds us that God is the ultimate source of deliverance and salvation, and He often works through faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes.
- The sin of unjust violence:Jonathan rebukes Saul for his intention to kill David without a cause, pointing out that it would be a sin against innocent blood. This teaches us the importance of avoiding violence, especially when it is driven by envy, anger, or personal agendas. We are called to treat others justly and refrain from harming them without a legitimate reason.
- Loyalty and friendship:Jonathan’s actions in defending David, despite being his own father’s son, demonstrate the depth of their friendship and loyalty to one another. This highlights the significance of true friendship and the support we can offer to those who face unjust treatment or hardship.
In summary, Samuel 19:5 reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God, acknowledges His role in bringing about salvation, cautions against the sin of unjust violence, and highlights the value of loyalty and friendship. These lessons are applicable in our own lives as we navigate challenges, treat others justly, and seek to live in accordance with God’s will.
