1 Samuel 20:12

And Ionathan said vnto Dauid, O Lord God of Israel, when I haue sounded my father, about to morrow any time, or the third day, and behold, if there be good toward Dauid, and I then send not vnto thee, and shew it thee; 1 Samuel 20:12 (KJV)

And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. This passage is part of a conversation between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who would later become king of Israel. At this point in the story, Saul was pursuing David out of jealousy and fear, even intending to kill him. Jonathan, however, was a loyal friend of David, and they devised a plan to test Saul’s intentions toward David.

Jonathan proposes a plan to “sound” or assess Saul’s attitude toward David. He plans to observe his father’s response on the following day and the third day (or the day after). If Saul reacts favorably toward David, Jonathan promises to inform him. This test aims to discern Saul’s true intentions and determine whether it is safe for David to remain in Saul’s presence.

Jonathan acknowledges God’s sovereignty by addressing Him as the “LORD God of Israel” in 1 Samuel 20:12. He recognizes that God is in control and seeks divine guidance, demonstrating his faith and reliance on God. By intending to relay Saul’s response to David, Jonathan shows close communication with both God and his friend, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom.

The chapter highlights Jonathan’s deep loyalty and friendship toward David. Despite being Saul’s son and heir to the throne, Jonathan’s devotion is unwavering. He risks his own safety and reputation to protect his friend, revealing his commitment to keeping David informed about Saul’s attitude.

This verse showcases the complex dynamics of trust, loyalty, and faith in challenging circumstances. Jonathan’s actions demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel, relying on trusted relationships, and depending on God’s guidance even in difficult situations. Overall, 1 Samuel 20:12 reminds believers of the significance of cultivating godly relationships, seeking God’s guidance, and demonstrating loyalty and support to others, even in the face of adversity.