“For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative involving David, who was anointed by God to be the future king of Israel, and King Saul, who became increasingly jealous of David’s successes and popularity. The context of this verse is an interaction between David and his close friend Jonathan, who was also Saul’s son.
Saul’s jealousy:Saul, the first king of Israel, initially welcomed David into his service and even admired him. However, as David gained military victories and the people’s favour, Saul’s jealousy grew. He saw David as a threat to his own kingship and began to seek opportunities to eliminate him.
David and Jonathan’s friendship:David and Jonathan shared a deep friendship and made a covenant with each other. Jonathan recognised David’s anointing and knew that he was destined for greatness. Despite being Saul’s son, Jonathan’s loyalty and love for David led him to protect and support his friend.
The feast of the new moon:In the preceding verses, David was absent from Saul’s royal feast, which raised suspicion. Jonathan, knowing his father’s intentions, devised a plan to test Saul’s true intentions towards David.
Saul’s threat against David:In 1 Samuel 20:31, Saul expresses his anger and jealousy towards David. He accuses Jonathan of siding with David and suggests that as long as David is alive, Jonathan’s position and the establishment of his own kingdom would be threatened. Saul demands that David be brought to him to face certain death.
This verse reveals the extent of Saul’s animosity towards David. His obsession with eliminating David led him to make a harsh declaration that was in direct opposition to God’s anointing on David’s life.
From a spiritual perspective, this verse illustrates the challenges that can arise when God’s chosen one faces opposition and persecution. David’s story serves as a reminder that God’s plans and purposes will ultimately prevail, even in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, this verse highlights the importance of loyalty and true friendship. Jonathan’s commitment to David, despite his father’s opposition, showcases the power of selflessness, trust, and sacrificial love.
