1 Samuel 20:13

The Lord doe so and much more to Ionathan: but if it please my father to doe thee euill, then I wil shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest goe in peace, and the Lord be with thee, as hee hath beene with my father. 1 Samuel 20:13 (KJV)

In 1 Samuel 20:13, Jonathan speaks to David: ‘The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.’ In this passage, David and Jonathan are speaking privately, discussing the intentions of King Saul toward David. David is aware of Saul’s animosity toward him and seeks assurance from Jonathan about Saul’s plans. Jonathan, deeply loyal to David despite being Saul’s son and heir to the throne, pledges to inform David if Saul seeks to harm him. Despite being Saul’s son and heir to the throne, Jonathan is willing to risk his relationship with his father for the sake of his friendship with David. His words demonstrate his commitment to David’s safety and his trust in God’s protection. He expresses his desire for God to bless David and promises to inform him if Saul intends harm. Both men acknowledge God’s presence in their lives, with Jonathan invoking divine blessing upon David as He had been with Saul. Jonathan asks for God’s presence to be with David, just as it had been with Saul, his father. This recognition highlights their faith and dependence on God’s guidance and protection amid uncertain circumstances. Jonathan assures David that if Saul’s intentions are indeed malicious, he will inform David and provide a means for him to escape harm. The desire for David to go in peace emphasizes Jonathan’s commitment to ensuring David’s safety and well‑being. This exchange highlights the profound friendship, mutual trust, and shared faith between them, illustrating the importance of loyalty, honesty, and placing God at the center of relationships during difficult times. This verse illustrates the depth of the friendship between David and Jonathan and their mutual trust and support. It also highlights the importance of loyalty, honesty, and seeking God’s presence and guidance in relationships and challenging situations. As we study this passage, we can reflect on the qualities of friendship, loyalty, and the significance of having God at the centre of our relationships.