“If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.”
Context:Before diving into the specific verse, it’s important to understand the context of the passage. In 1 Samuel 20, we find the story of the friendship between David and Jonathan, son of King Saul. David had become a close companion of Jonathan, and Saul’s jealousy had grown to the point where he sought to kill David. In this chapter, Jonathan is trying to discern Saul’s true intentions toward David.
Analysis:
- If thy father at all miss me: Jonathan is speaking to David and suggesting a plan of action in case Saul notices David’s absence. This indicates that Jonathan was well aware of the danger David faced in Saul’s presence.
- David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: Jonathan advises David to use a cover story, suggesting that David asked for permission to visit his hometown, Bethlehem, in order to participate in the yearly sacrifice. This strategy would deflect any suspicion from Saul about David’s true intentions or whereabouts.
- For there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family: Jonathan gives David a specific reason for his absence, which aligns with the cultural and religious practices of the time. Going to Bethlehem for the yearly sacrifice would provide a plausible explanation for David’s absence from the royal court.
Key Lessons:
- Loyalty and friendship:This passage highlights the deep friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan. Jonathan was willing to go to great lengths to protect David, even if it meant deceiving his own father, Saul. True friendships involve sacrificial love and support for one another.
- Wisdom in difficult situations:Jonathan’s plan demonstrates his wisdom and discernment. He understood the precarious situation David was in and devised a strategy to keep him safe. It teaches us the importance of seeking godly wisdom when facing difficult circumstances.
- Honoring family and traditions:The reference to the yearly sacrifice in Bethlehem shows the importance of honoring family and religious practices. While the cover story was devised to protect David, it also respected the cultural and religious expectations of the time.
Application:
- Cultivate loyal and supportive friendships:Like David and Jonathan, we should seek to build friendships based on loyalty, trust, and sacrificial love. True friends are there for one another in times of trouble and provide support and encouragement.
- Seek wisdom and discernment:When faced with challenging situations, we should seek godly wisdom and discernment to make the right decisions. Prayer, seeking advice from wise mentors, and studying God’s Word can guide us in navigating difficult circumstances.
- Honor family and traditions:While we should prioritize our faithfulness to God above all else, we should also honor our families and respect cultural and religious practices that align with biblical principles.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a deeper understanding of the context and to explore the further development of the story.
