1 samuel 20:32 - Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 20:32

What does "1 samuel 20:32" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 20:32 shows Jonathan's courageous and loyal defense of David. Let's break it down:

Context: Saul, the king and Jonathan's father, is consumed by jealousy and fear of David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. Saul has repeatedly tried to kill David.
"Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him..." Jonathan is directly confronting his father, which is a sign of his moral conviction and the strength of his bond with David.
"Why should he be put to death?" Jonathan is questioning the very basis of Saul's murderous intent. He believes that there is no justification for Saul's actions.
"What has he done?" This is the heart of Jonathan's argument. He is asking Saul to explain David's supposed crime or transgression. David has been loyal, brave, and successful, so Jonathan is pointing out the illogic and injustice of wanting to kill him.

In essence, this verse highlights:

Jonathan's loyalty to David: Despite the danger, Jonathan remains steadfast in his friendship with David. He is willing to defend him even against his own father.
Jonathan's sense of justice: He believes in fairness and due process. He recognizes that David has done nothing to deserve death.
Saul's irrationality and paranoia: Saul's hatred of David is not based on any wrongdoing by David, but on Saul's own insecurities. Jonathan is challenging this irrationality.

The verse is significant because it demonstrates the conflict between:

Saul's increasingly unstable rule, driven by fear and jealousy.
Jonathan's moral integrity and loyalty to a righteous friend.

It sets the stage for the tragic consequences of Saul's actions and the eventual fulfillment of God's promise to David.