This verse is part of a conversation between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 20 where they are trying to determine if King Saul, Jonathan's father, still intends to kill David. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Jonathan said to David, 'By Yahweh, the God of Israel...": Jonathan is invoking a solemn oath, calling upon God as his witness. This highlights the seriousness of his commitment to David.
"...when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day...": Jonathan promises to assess his father Saul's mood and intentions towards David over the next few days (either tomorrow or the day after). "Sounded my father" means he will try to get a sense of Saul's feelings and plans.
"...behold, if there is good toward David...": If Jonathan discovers that Saul is no longer planning to harm David (i.e., "there is good toward David"), it means that Saul's anger has subsided and he has positive feelings about David.
"...won't I then send to you, and disclose it to you?": Jonathan vows that if he finds out Saul is favorably inclined toward David, he will immediately send a message to David to let him know. "Disclose it to you" means he will reveal this good news to David.
In essence, Jonathan is promising David that he will investigate Saul's feelings toward him over the next few days, and if Saul is no longer seeking to harm David, Jonathan will immediately inform David.
This verse demonstrates Jonathan's deep loyalty and love for David. He is willing to risk his relationship with his father to help David, and he is using a combination of practical investigation and a sacred oath to ensure David knows the truth. This is a testament to the strong covenant relationship between Jonathan and David.
This verse is part of a conversation between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 20 where they are trying to determine if King Saul, Jonathan's father, still intends to kill David. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Jonathan said to David, 'By Yahweh, the God of Israel...": Jonathan is invoking a solemn oath, calling upon God as his witness. This highlights the seriousness of his commitment to David.
"...when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day...": Jonathan promises to assess his father Saul's mood and intentions towards David over the next few days (either tomorrow or the day after). "Sounded my father" means he will try to get a sense of Saul's feelings and plans.
"...behold, if there is good toward David...": If Jonathan discovers that Saul is no longer planning to harm David (i.e., "there is good toward David"), it means that Saul's anger has subsided and he has positive feelings about David.
"...won't I then send to you, and disclose it to you?": Jonathan vows that if he finds out Saul is favorably inclined toward David, he will immediately send a message to David to let him know. "Disclose it to you" means he will reveal this good news to David.
In essence, Jonathan is promising David that he will investigate Saul's feelings toward him over the next few days, and if Saul is no longer seeking to harm David, Jonathan will immediately inform David.
This verse demonstrates Jonathan's deep loyalty and love for David. He is willing to risk his relationship with his father to help David, and he is using a combination of practical investigation and a sacred oath to ensure David knows the truth. This is a testament to the strong covenant relationship between Jonathan and David.