What does 1 Samuel 20:12 mean?
"And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;" - 1 Samuel 20:12

The verse 1 Samuel 20:12 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "And Jonathan said unto David, O Lord God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee."
This verse comes from the Old Testament and is part of the story of Jonathan and David, two figures who are renowned for their close friendship, loyalty, and faith in God. At this point in the story, David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel, is on the run from King Saul, Jonathan's father, who sees David as a threat to his own reign. Jonathan, being friends with David and loyal to him, is working to discern his father's true intentions towards David.
In this verse, Jonathan is expressing his commitment to David and his trust in God. He is essentially making a solemn oath to David that he will inform him of his father's attitude towards him, and that if there is good news, he will send for David. Jonathan invokes the name of the Lord God of Israel as a witness to his promise, emphasizing the gravity and sincerity of his words. This demonstrates the strong bond of friendship and loyalty between Jonathan and David, and their reliance on God to guide and protect them in the face of adversity.
One of the primary themes in this verse is loyalty and friendship. Jonathan's willingness to risk his own safety and well-being in order to support and protect David showcases the depth of their friendship. Despite the fact that David is a threat to Jonathan's own royal lineage, he remains steadfast in his support for David, even going against his own father. This exemplifies true loyalty and friendship, which is a theme that resonates throughout the entire Bible.
Another important theme in this verse is trust in God. Jonathan's invocation of the Lord God of Israel as a witness to his promise reflects his faith and reliance on God to guide and protect them. This theme of trust in God is a recurring motif in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and placing faith in His providence, especially in times of trouble and uncertainty. Jonathan's actions in this verse reflect his belief that God is ultimately in control of their destinies, and that they must trust in Him to see them through their trials.
Furthermore, there is a strong undercurrent of political and familial tension in this verse. Jonathan, as the son of King Saul, is torn between his loyalty to his father and his loyalty to his friend David. The political and familial dynamics at play in this verse add a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the difficult choices and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The name of the Lord God of Israel is invoked as a symbol of divine witness and authority. By calling upon the name of God, Jonathan is demonstrating the sacred and binding nature of his promise to David. This symbolizes the higher power to which both Jonathan and David are ultimately accountable, and underscores the moral and spiritual significance of their actions.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20:12 from the King James Version of the Bible is a rich and poignant verse that encapsulates themes of loyalty, friendship, trust in God, political and familial tension, and symbolism. The verse serves as a powerful testament to the enduring bond between Jonathan and David, and their unwavering faith in God amidst adversity. It is a reminder of the importance of maintaining loyalty to one's friends, trusting in God's guidance, and seeking to do what is right, even in the most trying circumstances.
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1 Samuel 20:12 - "And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;"
"And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;" - 1 Samuel 20:12
1 Samuel 12:20 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;"
1 Samuel 20:27-29
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 4:12
1 Samuel 28:15-20
1 Samuel 20:27-30
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 2:12
1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 12:18 - "So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
"¶ And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;" - 1 Samuel 12:20
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 1:20 - "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."
1 Samuel 12:6 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
1 Samuel 13:12 Saul's disobedience
1 Samuel 13:12 No face of persons
1 Samuel 1:12 - "And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth."
1 Samuel 19:20 - "And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied."
1 Corinthians 12:20 - "But now are they many members, yet but one body."
1 Samuel 12:1 - "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you."
1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."
1 Samuel 28:20 - "Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night."
1 Samuel 15:12 - "And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal."