1 samuel 20:34 - So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.
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What does "1 samuel 20:34" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:34 is a powerful snapshot of Jonathan's loyalty to David and his dismay at his father, King Saul's, actions. Let's break it down:
"So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger...": Jonathan had been at a feast with his father, King Saul. The feast was part of a monthly celebration (the "second day of the month"). The mention of his "fierce anger" indicates a strong emotional reaction. He wasn't just mildly annoyed; he was deeply upset. This anger is directed at his father's behavior toward David.
"...and ate no food the second day of the month...": This emphasizes the depth of Jonathan's distress. He was so upset that he couldn't eat. Fasting was often a sign of mourning, repentance, or deep grief in ancient Israel. In this case, Jonathan is fasting out of grief and perhaps as a silent protest.
"...for he was grieved for David...": This clearly states the reason for Jonathan's anger and fasting. He was deeply saddened and worried about David. He loved David as he loved himself and had made a covenant with him.
"...because his father had treated him shamefully.": This explains why Jonathan was grieved for David. Saul, in a fit of paranoia and jealousy, had verbally attacked and humiliated David at the feast. This shameful treatment confirmed Saul's intent to harm David, which Jonathan had been trying to deny or downplay to himself.
In summary, the verse depicts:
Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David: Even though Saul is his father and King, Jonathan puts his friendship and covenant with David first.
Jonathan's distress at Saul's behavior: Jonathan is horrified by his father's increasingly irrational and vengeful treatment of David. He recognizes the injustice and cruelty in Saul's actions.
Jonathan's helplessness: He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his love for David. He can't control Saul's actions, and this frustrates him.
The depth of Jonathan's emotions: His anger and grief are so intense that he loses his appetite and refuses to eat, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation.
The verse highlights the tragic conflict within the narrative: Saul's descent into paranoia and jealousy, which threatens David's life and strains the relationship between Jonathan and his father. It also showcases Jonathan's remarkable character: his integrity, his loyalty, and his ability to prioritize what is right over familial duty.
1 samuel 20:34 - So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month; for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.
What does "1 samuel 20:34" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:34 is a powerful snapshot of Jonathan's loyalty to David and his dismay at his father, King Saul's, actions. Let's break it down:
"So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger...": Jonathan had been at a feast with his father, King Saul. The feast was part of a monthly celebration (the "second day of the month"). The mention of his "fierce anger" indicates a strong emotional reaction. He wasn't just mildly annoyed; he was deeply upset. This anger is directed at his father's behavior toward David.
"...and ate no food the second day of the month...": This emphasizes the depth of Jonathan's distress. He was so upset that he couldn't eat. Fasting was often a sign of mourning, repentance, or deep grief in ancient Israel. In this case, Jonathan is fasting out of grief and perhaps as a silent protest.
"...for he was grieved for David...": This clearly states the reason for Jonathan's anger and fasting. He was deeply saddened and worried about David. He loved David as he loved himself and had made a covenant with him.
"...because his father had treated him shamefully.": This explains why Jonathan was grieved for David. Saul, in a fit of paranoia and jealousy, had verbally attacked and humiliated David at the feast. This shameful treatment confirmed Saul's intent to harm David, which Jonathan had been trying to deny or downplay to himself.
In summary, the verse depicts:
Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David: Even though Saul is his father and King, Jonathan puts his friendship and covenant with David first.
Jonathan's distress at Saul's behavior: Jonathan is horrified by his father's increasingly irrational and vengeful treatment of David. He recognizes the injustice and cruelty in Saul's actions.
Jonathan's helplessness: He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his love for David. He can't control Saul's actions, and this frustrates him.
The depth of Jonathan's emotions: His anger and grief are so intense that he loses his appetite and refuses to eat, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation.
The verse highlights the tragic conflict within the narrative: Saul's descent into paranoia and jealousy, which threatens David's life and strains the relationship between Jonathan and his father. It also showcases Jonathan's remarkable character: his integrity, his loyalty, and his ability to prioritize what is right over familial duty.