What does 1 Samuel 20:14 mean?
"And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:" - 1 Samuel 20:14
1 Samuel 20:14 - "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:"
The verse 1 Samuel 20:14 in the King James Version reads: "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:"
This verse is part of the larger passage in which Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is speaking to his close friend, David. The context of this verse is important to understand its full meaning and significance. To provide a brief background, David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel, which was a direct threat to the current king, Saul. This led to a strained relationship between Saul and David, and Jonathan found himself torn between his loyalty to his father and his friendship with David.
In this verse, Jonathan is expressing his concern for David's safety and well-being. He is essentially telling David that even after Jonathan's own death, David should continue to show kindness and loyalty to Jonathan's family, the house of Saul. By doing so, David would demonstrate the kindness of the Lord, which would ultimately ensure his own safety and well-being.
There are several themes and symbols that can be drawn from this verse. One prominent theme is the concept of loyalty and kindness. Jonathan is urging David to remain loyal to his family, despite the conflict that exists between the house of Saul and David. This speaks to the importance of remaining faithful and showing kindness, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
The mention of the "kindness of the Lord" is also significant. It reinforces the idea that demonstrating kindness and loyalty is not just a matter of personal relationships, but also a reflection of one's reverence for God. By showing kindness, David would be aligning himself with the will of the Lord and seeking divine favor and protection.
The verse also touches on the theme of legacy and continuity. Jonathan is essentially asking David to continue his legacy of kindness and loyalty beyond his own lifetime. This reflects the belief in the importance of upholding family honor and carrying on the values and traditions of one's ancestors.
The context of this verse also holds symbolic significance. Jonathan, as the son of King Saul, represents the old order and the established authority. David, on the other hand, represents the new and future king, anointed by God. The tension between these two figures symbolizes the larger transition and conflict between the current ruling house and the one that is destined to take its place.
In this verse, the concept of kindness is also symbolic. It represents not only a personal virtue, but also a broader principle of mercy and grace. By embodying this virtue, David would be demonstrating his readiness to lead with compassion and justice, qualities that are essential for a just and righteous king.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20:14 holds deep meaning and significance within the larger narrative of the biblical story. It conveys important themes of loyalty, kindness, and continuity, while also containing symbolic representations of the struggle for power and the qualities of a righteous leader. As part of the broader biblical context, this verse offers valuable insights into the moral and spiritual principles that guide human relationships and divine favor.
1 Samuel 20:14 Artwork
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 14:20 - "And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture."
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
2 Samuel 20:14 - "¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him."
1 Samuel 11:14 - "Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there."
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 17:14 - "And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul."
1 Samuel 14:25 - "And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground."
1 Samuel 15:14 - "And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"
1 Samuel 14:51 - "And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel."
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 18:14 - "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him."
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 Corinthians 14:20 - "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."
2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."
1 Samuel 19:14 - "And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick."
1 Samuel 14:46 - "Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place."
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 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
1 Samuel 20:10 - "Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?"
1 Samuel 14:35 - "And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD."
2 Samuel 14:20 - "To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth."
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 14:31 - "And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint."
1 Samuel 20:4 - "Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."
1 Samuel 16:14 - "¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him."
1 Samuel 14:42 - "And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken."