“Thou shalt therefore deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?”
This verse is part of a conversation between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and his close friend David. In this passage, David and Jonathan are discussing David’s safety and Jonathan’s loyalty to him, amidst the hostility that David is facing from Jonathan’s father, King Saul.
Here are some key points to consider in this verse:
Covenant relationship: Jonathan acknowledges that David and he are in a covenant of the Lord together. This covenant is a binding agreement, perhaps reflecting the deep friendship and loyalty between them. It is worth noting that this covenant is not explicitly mentioned in the biblical narrative prior to this verse, but it signifies their commitment to one another.
Kindness and loyalty: Jonathan expresses his commitment to deal kindly with David, recognizing their covenant relationship. This kindness extends to protecting David and ensuring his safety, even in the face of potential danger from Jonathan’s father.
Self‑sacrifice: Jonathan goes a step further by offering to take personal responsibility for David’s safety. He tells David that if there is any wrongdoing or iniquity on David’s part, he would rather be the one to execute judgment on David, sparing him from harm at the hands of King Saul. This demonstrates Jonathan’s willingness to put his own life at risk for the sake of his friend.
David’s concern: David, aware of the strained relationship between Jonathan and his father, questions why Jonathan would want to bring him to his father if there is a chance of harm. This shows David’s apprehension about the situation and his understanding of the potential danger he faces from Saul.
Overall, this verse highlights the loyalty and devotion that Jonathan has for David, despite the conflict between David and King Saul. It also reveals David’s concern for his own safety and his trust in Jonathan’s commitment to their covenant relationship. The story of David and Jonathan serves as a powerful example of friendship, loyalty, and self‑sacrifice. It teaches us the value of standing by our friends, even in difficult circumstances, and the importance of honouring our commitments to one another.
