1 Samuel 19:1
And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בֶּן
his son
H1121
בֶּן
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לְהָמִ֖ית
that they should kill
H4191
לְהָמִ֖ית
that they should kill
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 17
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
his son
H1121
בֶּן
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
חָפֵ֥ץ
H2654
חָפֵ֥ץ
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
Historical Context
Royal commands to execute individuals carried legal authority in ancient monarchies. Involving multiple parties created complicity and reduced likelihood of intervention. Saul's inclusion of Jonathan assumed the heir would share royal interests over personal bonds.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate when authority figures command what conscience forbids?
- What does Saul's inclusion of Jonathan teach about how sin seeks to involve others in guilt?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
Saul's command to Jonathan 'that they should kill David' elevated private attempts to official policy. The Hebrew muth (death/murder) indicates lethal intent now shared with servants and heir. By including Jonathan, Saul tested his son's loyalty and implicated others in his sin. The conspiracy made David's position critical while forcing Jonathan to choose between father and friend.