1 Samuel 19 2

1 Samuel 19:2 kjv

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:

1 Samuel 19:2 nkjv

So Jonathan told David, saying, "My father Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide.

1 Samuel 19:2 niv

and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.

1 Samuel 19:2 esv

And Jonathan told David, "Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.

1 Samuel 19:2 nlt

told him what his father was planning. "Tomorrow morning," he warned him, "you must find a hiding place out in the fields.

1 Samuel 19 verses

1 Samuel 19 2 Meaning

This verse recounts Jonathan's urgent disclosure to David that King Saul, Jonathan's own father, intends to murder him. Consequently, Jonathan advises David to take immediate and cautious action by remaining watchful, finding a hidden location, and concealing himself. It emphasizes Jonathan's deep loyalty to David and his critical role in protecting him from Saul's escalating malice.

1 Samuel 19 2 Context

This verse is pivotal within 1 Samuel chapter 19, marking Saul's explicit public command for David's death, escalating his long-standing animosity (1 Sam 18:7-9). Jonathan's immediate and courageous action directly countermands his father's decree. The chapter continues to depict David's life as a fugitive, repeatedly rescued by divine intervention, Jonathan's continued loyalty, and even prophetic activity providing refuge for David. Historically, Saul's rejection by God (1 Sam 15) and David's anointing (1 Sam 16) have set the stage, creating a dynamic where the existing, yet disobedient, king seeks to destroy God's chosen successor. Jonathan, as Saul's son and heir, makes a profound choice, prioritizing God's will and his covenant with David over familial loyalty and personal ambition, setting a precedent for selfless obedience to divine purpose.

1 Samuel 19 2 Word analysis

• and Jonathan (וִיהוֹנָתָן - wîhônātān): Literally, "and Yahweh has given." As Saul's son, his action is remarkable, demonstrating covenant loyalty above dynastic self-interest.
• told (וַיַּגֵּד - wayyaggēḏ): A Hifil verb form, signifying "caused to know" or "revealed clearly." It highlights the deliberate and decisive nature of Jonathan's communication.
• David (לְדָוִד - ləḏāwiḏ): "Beloved." The recipient of God's anointing and the object of Saul's escalating wrath.
• Saul (שָׁאוּל - šāʾûl): "Asked for." The king of Israel, chosen by the people but rejected by God, now driven by paranoia and a malevolent spirit.
• my father (אָבִי - ʾāḇî): Emphasizes Jonathan's direct relationship to the aggressor. His use of this term underscores the internal conflict he navigated—filial duty versus a higher loyalty to God's chosen and to the covenant of friendship.
• is seeking (מְבַקֵּשׁ - məḇaqqēš): A present participle, indicating continuous, active, and persistent effort. It's not a momentary thought, but a deliberate plot.
• to kill (לַהֲמִיתֶךָ - lahămîtēḵā): Infinitive Hifil of "to die," meaning "to cause to die" or "to execute." Jonathan reveals the specific, ultimate intent of Saul's pursuit.
• you (כָּה - -kāh): The direct object; David himself is the precise target.
• So now (וְעַתָּה - wəʿattāh): A temporal and consequential connector, demanding immediate action based on the revelation of danger. Implies urgency.
• be on your guard (הִשָּׁמֶר־נָא - hiššāmer-nāʾ): A Niphal imperative, "be guarded" or "beware," implying an internal vigilance and active watchfulness. The particle naʾ (נָא) adds an element of urgency or entreaty, "please," "now!"
• stay (וְיָשַׁבְתָּ - wəyāšaḇtā): A Qal imperfect with a consecutive Waw, a command for dwelling or remaining. Suggests a prolonged stay in the designated place.
• in a secret place (בַּסֵּתֶר - bassetär): Refers to a "hiding place" or "concealed spot." This denotes a strategic, hidden location, vital for David's immediate safety.
• and hide yourself (וְהִחְבֵּאתָ - wəhiḥbēʾṯā): A Hifil imperfect with a consecutive Waw, meaning "cause yourself to be hidden" or "hide yourself actively." This emphasizes David's responsibility to play an active role in his own concealment, complementing the instruction to "stay."

Words-group analysis:

• "Jonathan told David, 'Saul my father is seeking to kill you.'": This phrase succinctly presents the crisis and Jonathan's courage. The revelation from "my father" intensifies the dramatic tension and highlights Jonathan's choice to betray his father's murderous plot in favor of his covenant friendship and God's plan.
• "So now be on your guard; stay in a secret place and hide yourself.": This tripartite command demonstrates Jonathan's foresight and strategic thinking. It provides immediate, actionable steps for David's survival: internal vigilance, external positioning in a safe spot, and active personal concealment. The sequence builds from general caution to specific action, emphasizing thoroughness.

1 Samuel 19 2 Bonus section

• The verse contrasts Saul's escalating spiritual decay with Jonathan's unwavering fidelity, showcasing Jonathan as an example of loyalty to God's ultimate plan, even at great personal cost.
• Jonathan’s specific counsel—not just to flee, but to find a “secret place” and “hide himself”—suggests a more premeditated, tactical escape rather than a frantic dash, emphasizing Jonathan's clear understanding of Saul's intent and his practical wisdom.
• This specific instruction to "hide" introduces a recurrent theme in David's fugitive life: often finding refuge in "hidden" or "secret" places (e.g., caves, wilderness). This prepares the reader for the detailed accounts of his hiding in subsequent chapters.

1 Samuel 19 2 Commentary

1 Samuel 19:2 captures a moment of acute danger and profound loyalty. Jonathan's brave act of warning David underscores the purity and depth of their covenant friendship, transcending both political ambition and familial obligation. His communication is not merely an advisory, but a direct exposure of Saul’s deadly intentions, born out of envy and defiance of God’s anointing on David. Jonathan's instructions are pragmatic—"be on your guard," "stay in a secret place," "hide yourself"—reflecting a clear-headed assessment of the imminent threat. This divine providence, delivered through a human instrument, sets the stage for David's wilderness years, which served to refine his character and deepen his reliance on God. This narrative reminds us that God's protection for His chosen ones often comes through unexpected means and courageous human intervention, urging us to exercise discernment, wisdom, and active faith amidst trials.