How does 1 Samuel 20:31 reveal Saul's intentions towards David's kingship? Saul’s words expose his heart • “For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must die!” (1 Samuel 20:31) • Saul openly admits he considers David the single obstacle to his dynasty. • The statement is addressed to Jonathan, confirming Saul sees his own son’s future on the throne threatened by David’s continued life. A desperate grasp for the throne • Saul’s concern is not national security but personal power; the phrase “neither you nor your kingdom” centers on lineage, not the people. • Earlier jealousy: “Saul was furious… ‘They have ascribed tens of thousands to David, but to me they have ascribed only thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:8–9). • Saul recognizes that divine favor has shifted: “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to a neighbor who is better than you” (1 Samuel 15:28). • Therefore, his order to kill David is an intentional move to resist God’s declared judgment and preserve his own line. Recognizing the divine choice of David • God had already anointed David: “Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). • Saul’s words indirectly acknowledge this anointing; he senses David’s destined kingship and tries to thwart it by force. • Even Saul later concedes, “Now I know for sure you will be king” (1 Samuel 24:20), showing 20:31 was a moment of fearful clarity. Foreshadowing of David’s inevitable reign • Saul’s plot underscores the certainty of God’s promise: human opposition cannot overturn divine decree. • Jonathan’s loyalty to David (1 Samuel 20:17) demonstrates faith aligning with God’s plan, in contrast to Saul’s rebellion. • Fulfillment comes when “David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel” (2 Samuel 5:12). Takeaways for the believer • God’s purposes stand despite human resistance; trusting His Word brings peace, while fighting it breeds fear and violence. • Jealousy and self-preservation blind Saul to God’s will; humility and submission, modeled by Jonathan, keep believers in step with divine plans. |
    |