1 Samuel 20:10

Then said Dauid to Ionathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answere thee roughly? 1 Samuel 20:10 (KJV)

The verse is part of a conversation between David and his close friend Jonathan, and it occurs in the broader narrative of 1 Samuel 20. That chapter records the events surrounding David’s relationship with Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Saul was the first king of Israel, and David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king. However, Saul had become jealous of David’s popularity and perceived threat to his throne. As a result, Saul sought to kill David, which led to David becoming a fugitive.

In this particular chapter David and Jonathan devised a plan to assess Saul’s true intentions toward David. They agreed to a secret signal during a feast, involving arrows and a young goat, which would indicate whether Saul wished harm upon David. Verse 10 captures David’s response after Jonathan suggests informing David of Saul’s true intentions. The text records David’s question, “Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?” reflecting his concern about discovering Saul’s intentions and his own safety. David wonders who will provide him with the information he seeks, and what might happen if Saul responds harshly to Jonathan’s inquiries.

The exchange highlights the deep trust and friendship between David and Jonathan. Despite being Saul’s son, Jonathan remained loyal to his friend David, risking his own life to protect him and providing a channel of communication to keep him informed. The verse reveals the value of true friendship and loyalty, showing that their relationship was characterized by trust, support, and sacrifice.

As we reflect on this passage, we can consider the importance of seeking wise counsel and discernment in our own lives. David’s question shows his reliance on Jonathan’s insight into Saul’s character and intentions. Similarly, it is beneficial to seek guidance from trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders when facing difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances. Overall, 1 Samuel 20:10 portrays the relationship between David and Jonathan and invites us to reflect on the significance of friendship, loyalty, and seeking wise counsel in our own lives.