1 Samuel 19:2
But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד
told
H5046
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד
told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מְבַקֵּ֛שׁ
seeketh
H1245
מְבַקֵּ֛שׁ
seeketh
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
5 of 15
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
אָבִ֖י
my father
H1
אָבִ֖י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לַֽהֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ
to kill
H4191
לַֽהֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ
to kill
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 15
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
הִשָּֽׁמֶר
thee now therefore I pray thee take heed
H8104
הִשָּֽׁמֶר
thee now therefore I pray thee take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
11 of 15
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
to thyself until the morning
H1242
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
to thyself until the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֥
and abide
H3427
וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֥
and abide
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern sons typically identified with paternal interests, especially regarding succession. Jonathan's loyalty to David was extraordinary given the threat David represented to his inheritance. His willingness to intervene risked severe consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- What relationships require you to advocate for someone against opposing interests?
- How does Jonathan's mediation between Saul and David illustrate the need for intercessors?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
Jonathan's delight (chaphets) in David and his warning intervention placed covenant loyalty above filial obedience. The practical wisdom of hiding 'until the morning' and 'abide in a secret place' provided immediate safety while Jonathan worked to change his father's mind. Jonathan's role as intercessor between king and fugitive foreshadows Christ's mediatorial work.