1 Samuel 19:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 19:5
5 For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 19 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, fellowship, covenant. 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 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 19:5
5 For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
Analysis
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
Jonathan's reminder of David's victory over Goliath - 'thou sawest it, and didst rejoice' - recalled Saul's own past approval. The phrase 'the LORD wrought a great salvation' attributes the victory to divine agency. Jonathan exposed the irrationality of now hating one previously celebrated. 'Slay David without a cause' (chinnam, freely/without reason) indicts Saul's injustice.
Historical Context
Ancient legal advocacy often referenced precedent and previous testimony. Jonathan's reminder functioned like introducing evidence of prior approval. The appeal to shared history (thou sawest...didst rejoice) made Saul's reversal difficult to justify.
Reflection
- How do shared positive memories sometimes restore broken relationships?
- What does 'without a cause' teach about the fundamental injustice of persecuting the innocent?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Salvation: 1 Samuel 11:13, 1 Chronicles 11:14
- References Lord: Acts 20:24
- Sin: Matthew 27:4
- Blood: Jeremiah 26:15
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 20:32, 28:21, Judges 9:17, Psalms 69:4, 119:109