What does 1 Samuel 20:33 mean?
"And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David." - 1 Samuel 20:33
The Bible verse 1 Samuel 20:33 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."
This verse is part of the larger narrative in the Book of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of the rise of David as the chosen king of Israel and the downfall of King Saul. In this particular verse, we find Saul, the reigning king of Israel, attempting to kill David, who has been anointed by God as the future king. Jonathan, Saul's son and David's close friend, comes to the realization that his father is bent on killing David.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. The relationship between David and Saul is a complex one, filled with jealousy, fear, and betrayal. Saul once favored David, even letting him marry his daughter Michal. However, when David gained popularity and success in battle, Saul became threatened and paranoid, seeing David as a threat to his own throne. This verse captures the moment when Saul's jealousy and fear drive him to attempt to kill David, an act that ultimately seals his own fate as king.
The theme of loyalty and betrayal is prominent in this verse. Jonathan, as Saul's son, is caught in a difficult position, torn between his loyalty to his father and his love for his friend David. He ultimately chooses to remain loyal to David and warns him of his father's intentions. The verse presents the conflict between familial obligations and personal morality, as Jonathan is forced to make a difficult choice that ultimately leads to consequences for his family and his nation.
Another key theme in this verse is the providence of God. Despite Saul's attempts to kill David, God's plan for David's kingship remains unshaken. This verse highlights the divine protection and favor that surrounds David, even in the face of danger. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who ultimately orchestrates the events to fulfill his purpose and establish David as the chosen king.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The javelin that Saul casts at David represents the violent and desperate measures he is willing to take to maintain his power. It is a physical manifestation of his jealousy and fear, as well as a symbol of his failed leadership and moral downfall. Additionally, Jonathan's recognition of his father's intentions serves as a symbol of the moral clarity and spiritual discernment that is needed to navigate difficult and dangerous situations.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:33 is a pivotal verse in the larger narrative of David's rise to kingship and Saul's downfall. It highlights the themes of loyalty and betrayal, God's providence, and the symbolism of the javelin as a representation of Saul's corrupt leadership. This verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the ultimate sovereignty of God in fulfilling his plans and purposes.
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1 Samuel 20:33 - "And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."
"And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David." - 1 Samuel 20:33
1 Samuel 17:33
1 Samuel 15:33 - "And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal."
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 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 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
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 17:33 - "And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
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 Samuel 14:33 - "¶ Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day."
1 Samuel 25:33 - "And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand."
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 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
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 20:4 - "Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."
1 Samuel 20:35 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
1 Samuel 20:18 - "Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty."
1 Samuel 20:14 - "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:"
1 Samuel 20:23 - "And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever."
1 Samuel 20:10 - "Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?"
1 Samuel 16:20 - "And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul."
1 Samuel 15:20 - "And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites."