1 Samuel 20:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 20:2
2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 20 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, discipleship, grace. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 20:2
2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.
Analysis
And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.
Jonathan's confident denial - 'God forbid; thou shalt not die' (chalilah) - expressed loving assurance combined with incomplete information. His assumption that Saul would confide everything to him reveals underestimation of his father's duplicity. The phrase 'nothing either great or small' (gadol o qaton) covers the entire spectrum of decisions. Jonathan's confidence in his father's transparency would soon prove mistaken. Sometimes those closest to a situation have blind spots that outsiders perceive more clearly. Love for family can obscure recognition of that family member's capacity for evil.
Historical Context
Sons typically served as their fathers' confidants in ancient royal courts, participating in state decisions from youth. Jonathan's assumption of complete transparency reflected normal father-son relationships in royalty. His subsequent discovery of Saul's concealment would be doubly painful.
Reflection
- When has family loyalty blinded you to a family member's harmful intentions?
- How do you balance trust in loved ones with realistic assessment of their actions?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Samuel 14:45, 20:12, Genesis 44:7, Joshua 22:29
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 9:15, John 17:8