“And Jonathan said unto David, Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I shall go down to the house of my father: if he will be well pleased with me, I will bring thee a present; and if he will not be well pleased with me, I will not hide it from thee.”
This verse is part of a conversation between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who would later become a renowned king of Israel. At this point in the story, Saul was pursuing David with the intent to kill him out of jealousy and fear. Jonathan, however, was a loyal friend of David, and they devised a plan to test Saul’s intentions towards David.
Trust in God:Jonathan acknowledges God’s sovereignty by addressing Him as the “LORD God of Israel.” He recognizes that God is in control and seeks His guidance and intervention in the situation. This demonstrates Jonathan’s faith and reliance on God in making important decisions.
Testing Saul’s Intentions:Jonathan proposes a plan to “sound” or assess Saul’s attitude towards David. He plans to observe his father’s response towards David on the following day and the day after. If Saul reacts favorably towards David, Jonathan promises to inform him. This test is an attempt to discern Saul’s true intentions and determine whether it is safe for David to remain in Saul’s presence.
Loyalty and Friendship:Jonathan’s actions throughout this chapter highlight his deep loyalty and friendship towards David. Despite being Saul’s son and heir to the throne, Jonathan’s devotion to David is unwavering. He risks his own safety and reputation to protect his friend, and this verse reveals his commitment to keeping David informed about Saul’s attitude.
Communication with God:Jonathan intends to relay Saul’s response to David, indicating that he is in close communication with both God and David. By involving God in their plans, Jonathan recognizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance in their decisions.
This verse showcases the complex dynamics of trust, loyalty, and faith in challenging circumstances. Jonathan’s actions demonstrate the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on Him even in difficult situations.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:12 highlights the deep friendship between Jonathan and David, their trust in God’s providence, and their commitment to understanding Saul’s intentions. It serves as a reminder of the significance of cultivating godly relationships, seeking God’s guidance, and demonstrating loyalty and support to others, even in the face of adversity.
