1 samuel 20:13 - Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace. May Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 20:13

What does "1 samuel 20:13" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 20:13, is a powerful expression of Jonathan's loyalty and love for David, and his commitment to protecting him from his father, King Saul's, potential treachery. Let's break it down:

"Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also...": This is a strong oath. Jonathan is invoking God's judgment upon himself if he fails to fulfill his promise to David. "Do so to Jonathan" means that he is inviting a punishment, likely death or serious harm, to befall him. "And more also" intensifies the curse, meaning he wishes to be punished even more severely if he betrays David.
"...should it please my father to do you evil...": Jonathan recognizes the potential danger David is in. He knows that Saul is capable of harming David, and may even be plotting against him.
"...if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace.": This is the core of Jonathan's promise. He vows that if he discovers Saul intends to harm David, he will warn David and help him escape. He wants David to leave safely ("go in peace").
"May Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father.": This is a blessing and a statement of hope. Jonathan prays that God will protect and guide David, just as God has been with Saul in the past. The reference to his father is somewhat ambiguous. It could be interpreted as a genuine hope for David's success, or it could have a slightly ironic undertone, perhaps alluding to the fact that Saul's relationship with God has become strained.

In essence, the verse means:

Jonathan is making a solemn promise, backed by a self-imposed curse, that he will warn David if Saul intends to harm him and will help David escape safely. He prays for God's protection over David, similar to the protection God once offered Saul.

Key Takeaways:

Loyalty and Friendship: The verse highlights the depth of Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and affection for David, even above his duty to his own father, the king.
Sacrifice: Jonathan is willing to risk his own life and position to protect David.
Warning and Escape: Jonathan is committed to acting as a shield, ensuring David is warned of any danger and given the opportunity to escape Saul's potential wrath.
Divinity: Acknowledges and invokes the power of Yahweh.

The verse is a significant part of the David and Jonathan narrative, emphasizing their deep bond and Jonathan's willingness to put David's safety above his own self-preservation.

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