This verse from 1 Samuel 19:5 is part of Jonathan's plea to his father, King Saul, on behalf of David. Let's break it down:
"For he put his life in his hand...": This is a Hebrew idiom meaning David risked his life. To "put one's life in one's hand" signifies a situation of extreme danger and willingness to face death. It refers specifically to the time David faced Goliath, a Philistine warrior.
"...and struck the Philistine...": This refers to David's defeat of Goliath. David, a young shepherd, volunteered to fight the giant who was terrorizing the Israelite army.
"...and Yahweh worked a great victory for all Israel.": The verse attributes David's victory not just to his skill, but to God's power. The victory over Goliath was seen as a divine intervention that saved Israel from the Philistines.
"You saw it, and rejoiced.": Saul and all of Israel were initially pleased with David's courage and victory. This highlights the initial good relationship between Saul and David, and how Saul benefited from David's bravery.
"Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?": This is the crux of Jonathan's argument. Given David's past service and the good he did for Israel, there is no justification for Saul wanting to kill him. Jonathan is accusing Saul of a grave sin - shedding innocent blood. The phrase "without a cause" emphasizes that Saul's hatred is unfounded and unjust.
In summary, the verse means:
Jonathan is reminding Saul of David's past heroism and how he saved Israel, with God's help. He is arguing that because David risked his life and achieved a great victory for Israel, and because Saul himself initially rejoiced in this victory, it would be a terrible sin for Saul to now unjustly kill David.
The verse is a powerful appeal to Saul's conscience and a call for him to act justly. It highlights the contrast between David's selfless actions and Saul's growing paranoia and hatred.
This verse from 1 Samuel 19:5 is part of Jonathan's plea to his father, King Saul, on behalf of David. Let's break it down:
"For he put his life in his hand...": This is a Hebrew idiom meaning David risked his life. To "put one's life in one's hand" signifies a situation of extreme danger and willingness to face death. It refers specifically to the time David faced Goliath, a Philistine warrior.
"...and struck the Philistine...": This refers to David's defeat of Goliath. David, a young shepherd, volunteered to fight the giant who was terrorizing the Israelite army.
"...and Yahweh worked a great victory for all Israel.": The verse attributes David's victory not just to his skill, but to God's power. The victory over Goliath was seen as a divine intervention that saved Israel from the Philistines.
"You saw it, and rejoiced.": Saul and all of Israel were initially pleased with David's courage and victory. This highlights the initial good relationship between Saul and David, and how Saul benefited from David's bravery.
"Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?": This is the crux of Jonathan's argument. Given David's past service and the good he did for Israel, there is no justification for Saul wanting to kill him. Jonathan is accusing Saul of a grave sin - shedding innocent blood. The phrase "without a cause" emphasizes that Saul's hatred is unfounded and unjust.
In summary, the verse means:
Jonathan is reminding Saul of David's past heroism and how he saved Israel, with God's help. He is arguing that because David risked his life and achieved a great victory for Israel, and because Saul himself initially rejoiced in this victory, it would be a terrible sin for Saul to now unjustly kill David.
The verse is a powerful appeal to Saul's conscience and a call for him to act justly. It highlights the contrast between David's selfless actions and Saul's growing paranoia and hatred.