1 Samuel 19:7
And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּגֶּד
shewed
H5046
וַיַּגֶּד
shewed
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
him all those things
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
him all those things
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
17 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְפָנָ֖יו
and he was in his presence
H6440
לְפָנָ֖יו
and he was in his presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
18 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.1 Samuel 18:13Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.1 Samuel 18:2And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.1 Samuel 18:10And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.
Historical Context
Formal restoration to royal presence after estrangement required intermediary negotiation. Jonathan's personal escort provided protection and legitimacy. Ancient courts carefully tracked who had access to the king, making David's restored presence significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between genuine reconciliation and temporary truce?
- What does the failure of this reconciliation teach about the necessity of heart change?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
Restoration appears complete: David returns to Saul's presence 'as in times past.' Jonathan's threefold action - called, showed, brought - demonstrates thorough mediation. He first summoned David from hiding, then provided full disclosure ('shewed him all those things'), then personally escorted him to the king. The phrase 'as in times past' suggests normalized relationship. Yet this reconciliation proved superficial. Without genuine heart change, Saul's repentance lasted only until David's next success triggered renewed jealousy. Apparent reconciliation without underlying transformation creates false security.