1 samuel 20:15 - but you shall also not cut off your kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the surface of the earth.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 samuel 20:15" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 20:15, is a crucial part of the covenant made between Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, who was destined to replace Saul as king. Let's break down its meaning:
"but you shall also not cut off your kindness from my house forever;" This is the core of the request. Jonathan is asking David to show lasting chesed (kindness, loyalty, steadfast love, covenantal faithfulness) to his descendants, even after Jonathan himself is gone. He's not just asking for a favor, but a binding commitment. He is making an everlasting covenant with David.
"no, not when Yahweh has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the surface of the earth.” This is where it gets particularly poignant and significant. Jonathan acknowledges that David will eventually become king and be secure in his reign. He knows David will likely have to eliminate his enemies to secure his throne. Jonathan is specifically pleading with David not to include Jonathan's own family (his "house") among those enemies. He is asking David to spare his descendants, even when David is completely victorious and secure.
In summary, Jonathan is making a desperate plea to David for lasting loyalty and mercy towards his family. He understands the political realities of David's rise to power and fears that his own descendants might be seen as potential threats and therefore targeted. He is asking David to rise above political expediency and honor their friendship with a covenant of perpetual kindness.
Key Considerations:
The Nature of Covenants: In the ancient Near East, covenants were incredibly important and considered binding. Breaking a covenant was a serious offense, often seen as having dire consequences.
Political Realities: Kings often eliminated the families of their predecessors to prevent future claims to the throne. Jonathan is acutely aware of this practice.
Jonathan's Love for David: This verse highlights the depth of Jonathan's love and loyalty to David. He's willing to prioritize David's future, even at the potential cost of his own family's well-being.
Foreshadowing: This verse foreshadows David's eventual kingship and the challenges he will face. It also sets the stage for how David will (or will not) honor this commitment.
This verse is a powerful example of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of power and succession in the Old Testament. It is also a testament to the values of kindness and faithfulness that were highly prized in Israelite society.
1 samuel 20:15 - but you shall also not cut off your kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the surface of the earth.”
What does "1 samuel 20:15" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 20:15, is a crucial part of the covenant made between Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, who was destined to replace Saul as king. Let's break down its meaning:
"but you shall also not cut off your kindness from my house forever;" This is the core of the request. Jonathan is asking David to show lasting chesed (kindness, loyalty, steadfast love, covenantal faithfulness) to his descendants, even after Jonathan himself is gone. He's not just asking for a favor, but a binding commitment. He is making an everlasting covenant with David.
"no, not when Yahweh has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the surface of the earth.” This is where it gets particularly poignant and significant. Jonathan acknowledges that David will eventually become king and be secure in his reign. He knows David will likely have to eliminate his enemies to secure his throne. Jonathan is specifically pleading with David not to include Jonathan's own family (his "house") among those enemies. He is asking David to spare his descendants, even when David is completely victorious and secure.
In summary, Jonathan is making a desperate plea to David for lasting loyalty and mercy towards his family. He understands the political realities of David's rise to power and fears that his own descendants might be seen as potential threats and therefore targeted. He is asking David to rise above political expediency and honor their friendship with a covenant of perpetual kindness.
Key Considerations:
The Nature of Covenants: In the ancient Near East, covenants were incredibly important and considered binding. Breaking a covenant was a serious offense, often seen as having dire consequences.
Political Realities: Kings often eliminated the families of their predecessors to prevent future claims to the throne. Jonathan is acutely aware of this practice.
Jonathan's Love for David: This verse highlights the depth of Jonathan's love and loyalty to David. He's willing to prioritize David's future, even at the potential cost of his own family's well-being.
Foreshadowing: This verse foreshadows David's eventual kingship and the challenges he will face. It also sets the stage for how David will (or will not) honor this commitment.
This verse is a powerful example of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of power and succession in the Old Testament. It is also a testament to the values of kindness and faithfulness that were highly prized in Israelite society.