“And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table.”
This verse is a part of a larger narrative that involves Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and his close friend David.
To understand the context better, let’s briefly review the preceding events.
Samuel 20 recounts the story of David and Jonathan’s friendship, and their encounter with King Saul’s growing jealousy and desire to kill David.
In this chapter, Jonathan and David devise a plan to test Saul’s intentions toward David.
Jonathan was aware of his father’s animosity towards David and sought to protect him.
In verse 29, Jonathan approaches David and requests permission to leave, using the excuse that his family has a sacrifice in the city and that his brother has commanded him to be present.
He expresses his desire to be with his family during this important religious event.
Jonathan then asks for David’s understanding and favour, requesting to be excused so that he can see his brethren.
As a result, Jonathan would not be able to attend the king’s table, which was an occasion where the king and his close associates gathered for a meal.
This verse reveals Jonathan’s dilemma.
On the one hand, he is loyal to his father, King Saul, and would normally be expected to attend the king’s table.
However, his friendship and loyalty to David, as well as his desire to protect him, leads him to make excuses and seek David’s understanding.
Jonathan’s actions here indicate his commitment to maintaining the covenant and friendship he had made with David.
Loyalty and friendship:Jonathan’s actions demonstrate true friendship and loyalty to David. Despite the risks involved, he is willing to go against his father’s wishes and protect David. This highlights the importance of genuine friendship and standing by those we care about, even in challenging circumstances.
Sacrifice and commitment:Jonathan mentions his family’s sacrifice in the city as the reason he needs to be away. Sacrifices were important religious events in Israel, and Jonathan recognizes the significance of participating in these rituals. This verse reminds us of the importance of honouring our commitments and religious obligations.
Balancing loyalties:Jonathan finds himself torn between his loyalty to his father, the king, and his loyalty to his friend, David. He navigates this situation delicately, seeking David’s understanding and favour. While loyalty to family is important, Jonathan’s commitment to righteousness and justice takes precedence in this situation.
Integrity and discretion:Jonathan handles the situation with wisdom and discretion. Rather than openly defying his father or disclosing David’s true whereabouts, he tactfully asks to be excused from the king’s table. This demonstrates the importance of acting with integrity and discretion, especially in complex or sensitive situations.
In summary, Samuel 20:29 showcases the friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, as well as Jonathan’s commitment to both his family and his friendship. It teaches us the value of true friendship, the significance of honouring commitments, and the importance of acting with integrity and discretion in challenging circumstances.
