1 Samuel 19 7

1 Samuel 19:7 kjv

And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.

1 Samuel 19:7 nkjv

Then Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these things. So Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as in times past.

1 Samuel 19:7 niv

So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.

1 Samuel 19:7 esv

And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.

1 Samuel 19:7 nlt

Afterward Jonathan called David and told him what had happened. Then he brought David to Saul, and David served in the court as before.

1 Samuel 19 verses

1 Samuel 19 7 Meaning

1 Samuel 19:7 describes Jonathan's faithful action in revealing Saul's murderous intentions to David and then successfully mediating a reconciliation between them. It signifies David's temporary restoration to his former favored position and presence before King Saul, due to Jonathan's sincere intervention and unwavering loyalty.

1 Samuel 19 7 Context

This verse is situated amidst intense drama in the book of 1 Samuel, specifically concerning the deepening conflict between King Saul and David. In chapter 19, Saul's jealousy reaches a peak where he directly commands Jonathan and his servants to kill David (v. 1). This is a stark escalation from his previous attempts (e.g., throwing a spear, 1 Sam 18:10-11). Jonathan, known for his deep covenant loyalty and love for David, boldly intervenes, pleading with his father by reminding him of David's immense service and blameless conduct (v. 4-5). This direct address, delivered with persuasive reasoning, results in Saul momentarily repenting and swearing an oath not to kill David (v. 6). Verse 7, then, details Jonathan's immediate action of relaying these developments to David and restoring him to Saul's court. Historically, such swift changes in a king's disposition, especially after an evil spirit had afflicted Saul (1 Sam 16:14, 18:10), demonstrate the unstable nature of Saul's rule and highlight Jonathan's significant influence in the royal court, at least for this brief period.

1 Samuel 19 7 Word analysis

• So Jonathan called David: (וַיִּקְרָא יְהוֹנָתָן לְדָוִד - vayyiqra Yehonatan leDavid)

  • וַיִּקְרָא (vayyiqra): A waw-conversive imperfect verb, emphasizing a direct, immediate, and consecutive action by Jonathan. It shows his decisive move after successfully appealing to Saul.
  • יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan): Means "Yahweh has given" or "Gift of Yahweh." His name hints at divine favor, and his actions reflect a man guided by principle and loyalty to God's chosen, David, rather than by filial obligation to his erratic father. He acts as an agent of God's will in protecting David.
  • This phrase emphasizes Jonathan's active role as the instigator and brings attention to his crucial mediatory function.

• and Jonathan reported to him all these words: (וַיַּגֵּד לוֹ יְהוֹנָתָן אֵת כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה - vayyagged lo Yehonatan et kol haddevarim ha'elleh)

  • וַיַּגֵּד (vayyagged): "And he told/declared." From the root נָגַד (nagad), which means to be conspicuous, or to announce, make known. It implies a full disclosure of facts, not just a vague report. Jonathan shared the entirety of the perilous situation (Saul's decree to kill) and his intervention.
  • אֵת כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה (et kol haddevarim ha'elleh): "All these words." Refers specifically to the counsel and arguments Jonathan had just presented to Saul (v. 4-6) and Saul's subsequent oath (v. 6). This demonstrates transparency and deep trust between Jonathan and David, vital for their friendship. David was not kept in the dark about the grave danger or the specific means of his deliverance.

• And Jonathan brought David to Saul: (וַיָּבֵא יְהוֹנָתָן אֶת דָּוִד אֶל שָׁאוּל - vayyave Yehonatan et David el Sha'ul)

  • וַיָּבֵא (vayyave): "And he brought." From בּוֹא (bo'), to come, or to bring. It underscores Jonathan's direct role in physically facilitating David's return to the court, reinforcing his active mediation. David did not return on his own; Jonathan's personal escort validated the king's temporary change of heart.
  • This shows the success of Jonathan's plea and David's reliance on Jonathan's word and security. It also represents David stepping back into a dangerous position, albeit under the protective wing of Jonathan.

• and he was in his presence as before: (וַיְהִי לְפָנָיו כְּאֶתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם - vayhi lefanayv ke'etmol shilshom)

  • וַיְהִי לְפָנָיו (vayhi lefanayv): "And he was before him/in his presence." "Before him" in this context signifies standing in a position of royal favor and access, not merely physical proximity. It indicates a reinstatement to his role and duties in Saul's court, whether as an officer, musician, or son-in-law.
  • כְּאֶתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם (ke'etmol shilshom): This is a Hebrew idiom literally meaning "as yesterday (and) the day before yesterday." It implies "as in former times," "as always," or "as before." This phrase emphasizes a complete, albeit temporary, restoration to David's previous trusted status and daily interaction with Saul. It highlights the volatile swings of Saul's moods, as this 'before' was only briefly interrupted by murderous attempts.

Words-group analysis:

• Jonathan's Mediation: The repetition of Jonathan's name as the subject of multiple verbs ("called," "reported," "brought") highlights his singularly crucial role in this entire reconciliation. He is the active agent safeguarding David, risking his own standing with his father to do so. This underscores his deep integrity and commitment to his friend and God's chosen.
• Restoration of Status: The phrase "he was in his presence as before" emphasizes a return to normal, favored court life. This temporary peace demonstrates Saul's fluctuating disposition and the superficiality of his repentance, foreshadowing future renewed attempts on David's life (as seen later in the same chapter).

1 Samuel 19 7 Bonus section

• The volatile nature of Saul's kingship underscores the need for a truly stable and righteous king, a role ultimately fulfilled by David and perfectly by Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Saul's oath (1 Sam 19:6) was given "by the life of the Lord," but he broke it swiftly, illustrating a pattern of disobedience and instability characteristic of his rule.
• This specific instance of Jonathan's intercession serves as a mini-type or foreshadowing of Christ's role as the Great Mediator, who brings humanity into God's presence by speaking on our behalf and enduring the wrath of judgment (1 Tim 2:5, Heb 7:25). Jonathan puts his own relationship with Saul at risk to save David, much like Christ sacrifices His own life to save His people.

1 Samuel 19 7 Commentary

1 Samuel 19:7 offers a momentary calm in the turbulent narrative of Saul and David. It paints a vivid picture of Jonathan's character: courageous, selfless, loyal, and committed to truth and righteousness above all else. His action of informing David and bringing him back to Saul demonstrates deep personal conviction and a powerful commitment to the covenant of friendship they shared. For David, this verse illustrates God's protective hand, using even the son of his adversary to preserve him. Saul's temporary reversal reflects his unstable nature, easily swaying between repentance and homicidal rage, indicative of his lost fellowship with God. This verse also serves as a poignant contrast, setting the stage for Saul's subsequent and immediate return to malice, proving the fleeting nature of peace not rooted in genuine repentance. Jonathan acts as a Christ-like figure, interceding for another and restoring relationship, albeit temporarily.