“But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house forever: no, not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.”
In this verse, Jonathan, the son of King Saul and a dear friend of David, is speaking to David. They are discussing the intense conflict between Saul, who was the current king of Israel, and David, who had been anointed by God as the future king. Jonathan was aware of God’s anointing on David and understood that David would eventually take the throne. Jonathan, out of his love and loyalty for David, entered into a covenant with him, pledging his friendship and protection.
Context:To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to grasp the context. David had just confided in Jonathan about his concerns regarding King Saul’s repeated attempts to kill him. David had been successful in battle and gained favor with the people, which made Saul envious and fearful. Jonathan, who was also aware of Saul’s intentions, devised a plan to test his father’s true intentions towards David.
Covenant of Kindness:In this verse, Jonathan assures David of his unwavering loyalty and commitment. He promises that even when David ascends to the throne, he will not cut off his kindness from David’s house. Jonathan is essentially stating that he will continue to show kindness, love, and support to David’s descendants. This covenant reflects the deep bond between Jonathan and David and highlights Jonathan’s selflessness and willingness to put David’s well‑being above his own.
Trust in God’s Deliverance:Jonathan expresses his trust in God’s faithfulness and His promise to protect David. He declares that the enemies of David will be cut off from the face of the earth by the Lord. Jonathan recognizes that God has chosen David as the future king and believes that God will ensure David’s safety and victory over his adversaries.
Application:This verse teaches us several valuable lessons. It emphasizes the importance of loyal and selfless friendships. Jonathan’s commitment to David serves as an example of sacrificial love and steadfast support. It also reminds us of the significance of trust in God’s providence. Just as Jonathan trusted in God’s deliverance for David, we can place our confidence in God’s faithfulness and protection in our own lives.
Additionally, this verse prompts us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations. Jonathan’s covenant of kindness extended beyond his lifetime and encompassed David’s descendants. It encourages us to cultivate a legacy of love, grace, and kindness that can bless and impact future generations.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:15 highlights the covenant of kindness and trust between Jonathan and David, reminding us of the importance of unwavering loyalty, trust in God’s providence, and the lasting impact of our actions.
