This verse, 1 Samuel 20:28, is part of a larger conversation between Jonathan and his father, King Saul, about why David is absent from a royal feast. It reveals a key element of the deception Jonathan is trying to maintain to protect David. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its significance:
"Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem."
Jonathan answered Saul: This sets the scene. Saul is inquiring about David's absence, and Jonathan is providing an explanation.
David earnestly asked permission of me: This is the core of the verse. Jonathan is telling Saul that David requested his leave to go to Bethlehem.
To go to Bethlehem: This specifies the reason for David's absence.
Meaning and Context
1. The Lie: Jonathan is covering for David. In reality, David is hiding from Saul because Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan knows this and is trying to protect David by misleading his father. The "permission" Jonathan granted was likely just a pretense agreed upon by him and David.
2. Plausible Explanation: Bethlehem was David's hometown. The explanation that David wanted to visit Bethlehem was plausible to Saul. Family gatherings and annual sacrifices were common reasons for such trips.
3. Maintaining the Deception: This verse is a crucial part of Jonathan's attempt to keep Saul from realizing his murderous intent toward David. Jonathan is trying to convince Saul that David is loyal and has no reason to rebel.
4. Jonathan's Loyalty to David: It demonstrates Jonathan's deep loyalty and friendship with David. He is willing to lie to his own father, the king, to protect David's life.
In the broader narrative:
Saul's suspicion of David is growing, fueled by jealousy and fear that David will usurp his throne.
Jonathan is caught between his loyalty to his father and his unwavering love for David.
This deception is a temporary measure. The situation between Saul and David will eventually come to a head, and Jonathan will face difficult choices.
In summary, 1 Samuel 20:28 is a verse that highlights Jonathan's deception, his loyalty to David, and the tense atmosphere between Saul and David due to Saul's growing paranoia. It's a small but important piece of the larger story of David's rise and Saul's downfall.
This verse, 1 Samuel 20:28, is part of a larger conversation between Jonathan and his father, King Saul, about why David is absent from a royal feast. It reveals a key element of the deception Jonathan is trying to maintain to protect David. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its significance:
"Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem."
Jonathan answered Saul: This sets the scene. Saul is inquiring about David's absence, and Jonathan is providing an explanation.
David earnestly asked permission of me: This is the core of the verse. Jonathan is telling Saul that David requested his leave to go to Bethlehem.
To go to Bethlehem: This specifies the reason for David's absence.
Meaning and Context
1. The Lie: Jonathan is covering for David. In reality, David is hiding from Saul because Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan knows this and is trying to protect David by misleading his father. The "permission" Jonathan granted was likely just a pretense agreed upon by him and David.
2. Plausible Explanation: Bethlehem was David's hometown. The explanation that David wanted to visit Bethlehem was plausible to Saul. Family gatherings and annual sacrifices were common reasons for such trips.
3. Maintaining the Deception: This verse is a crucial part of Jonathan's attempt to keep Saul from realizing his murderous intent toward David. Jonathan is trying to convince Saul that David is loyal and has no reason to rebel.
4. Jonathan's Loyalty to David: It demonstrates Jonathan's deep loyalty and friendship with David. He is willing to lie to his own father, the king, to protect David's life.
In the broader narrative:
Saul's suspicion of David is growing, fueled by jealousy and fear that David will usurp his throne.
Jonathan is caught between his loyalty to his father and his unwavering love for David.
This deception is a temporary measure. The situation between Saul and David will eventually come to a head, and Jonathan will face difficult choices.
In summary, 1 Samuel 20:28 is a verse that highlights Jonathan's deception, his loyalty to David, and the tense atmosphere between Saul and David due to Saul's growing paranoia. It's a small but important piece of the larger story of David's rise and Saul's downfall.