What does 1 Samuel 20:9 mean?
"And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?" - 1 Samuel 20:9
The Bible verse 1 Samuel 20:9 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?" This verse is from a conversation between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and his close friend David, who is being targeted by King Saul.
In this verse, Jonathan is expressing his loyalty and love for David. He is reassuring David that he would never betray him, even if it meant going against his own father, King Saul. This verse is part of a larger context in which David and Jonathan are discussing the threat to David's life posed by King Saul. Jonathan is torn between his loyalty to his father and his loyalty to his friend, and in this verse, he is making it clear that his allegiance to David still stands, even in the face of his father's intentions.
The theme of loyalty is central to this verse. Jonathan's unwavering support for David demonstrates a deep and sacrificial loyalty that transcends even the bonds of family. This theme of loyalty is one that is prevalent throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is often seen as a virtue and a sign of righteousness, as individuals consistently demonstrate their faithfulness to God and to each other. Jonathan's loyalty to David serves as an example of this virtue in action.
Another theme present in this verse is the tension between personal relationships and obligations to authority. Jonathan is caught between his friendship with David and his duty to his father, the king. This tension is a common theme in the Bible, as individuals are often faced with difficult choices between following their own conscience and adhering to the demands of those in power. Jonathan's struggle in this verse reflects the broader theme of navigating conflicting loyalties and responsibilities.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. Jonathan's willingness to defy his father's wishes in order to protect David can be seen as a symbol of the greater loyalty and faithfulness that God desires from his people. Jonathan's actions exemplify the kind of sacrificial love and commitment that are pleasing to God. His willingness to put his friendship with David above his allegiance to his own father serves as a model for the kind of devotion and loyalty that the Bible encourages believers to have towards God and towards one another.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:9 is a powerful expression of loyalty, friendship, and the tension between personal relationships and obligations to authority. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unwavering faithfulness and sacrifice in our relationships with others, as well as in our relationship with God. Through the example of Jonathan and David, this verse provides valuable insights into the nature of loyalty and the demands of righteousness, and it continues to resonate with readers as a timeless and meaningful expression of these enduring themes.
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1 Samuel 20:9 - "And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?"
"And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?" - 1 Samuel 20:9
1 Samuel 9:20 - "And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?"
2 Samuel 20:9 - "And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him."
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 9:1-2
1 Samuel 9:15 - "¶ Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,"
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Acts 9:1-20
Acts 9:1-20
1 Samuel 9:25 - "¶ And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house."
1 Samuel 9:18 - "Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is."
1 Samuel 18:9 - "And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."
1 Samuel 7:9 - "¶ And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him."
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 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 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 9:17 - "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
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 9:14 - "And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place."
1 Samuel 9:23 - "And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee."