1 Samuel 20:33

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

1 Samuel 20:33 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits at the climax of a tense meeting between Saul and his son Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 20:30-32, Saul has just rebuked Jonathan harshly, accusing him of siding with David. Jonathan answers with a simple question: “Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?” Saul’s response is not words but a thrown javelin. The king’s spear was not only a weapon; in ancient Near Eastern custom, it also served as a symbol of royal authority, much like a scepter. Saul’s use of it against his own son shows how deeply his rage has corrupted his rule.

Meaning

The verse says Saul cast a javelin at Jonathan “to smite him.” This was not a warning or a threat; it was an attempt to kill. The word “smite” carries the sense of striking with deadly force. Jonathan understood this immediately. The text says “whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.” Saul’s violent act against his son made his settled intention clear. He was no longer merely suspicious or angry; he was determined to murder David. Jonathan’s knowledge is not a guess. It is a firm conclusion drawn from his father’s murderous action. This moment is a turning point in the story. From now on, Jonathan knows beyond doubt that his father intends to kill David, and this knowledge shapes his next steps.

Biblical connections

Saul’s jealousy had already driven him to throw a javelin at David earlier, as recorded in 1 Samuel 18:11 and 1 Samuel 19:10. Now he turns the same weapon against his own son. This pattern shows how unchecked envy grows into violence. Jonathan, however, stands apart. He risks his own life by defending David, whom he recognizes as God’s anointed. His loyalty is not to his father’s throne but to God’s plan. This moment prepares the reader for Jonathan’s later actions, when he warns David and confirms Saul’s murderous intent. The tragedy of Saul’s kingship is clear: the very symbol of his authority becomes a tool of destruction against his own family.

Application

Saul’s example warns us about the destructive power of jealousy. It blinded him, distorted his judgment, and led him to attack his own family. Jealousy can do the same in our lives, turning small resentments into harmful actions. Jonathan’s example teaches us the cost of faithfulness. He chose to stand with David even when that meant opposing his father, the king. True loyalty sometimes requires courage and personal risk. We are called to support those whom God has placed in our lives, even when it is difficult. Standing for righteousness may bring opposition, even from those in authority, but that does not change our calling.

Reflection

Jonathan’s faith in God’s plan remained steady. He did not let his father’s rage shake his conviction that David would be king. This encourages us to trust God’s purposes even when human authority turns against us. Saul’s anger could not stop what God had ordained. The verse reminds us that human rage, however fierce, cannot thwart God’s will. We can take comfort in knowing that God’s plans stand firm, and He calls us to remain faithful in the face of opposition. Even when we suffer for doing right, we can rest in the certainty that God’s purposes will prevail.