What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 19:5? He took his life in his hands Jonathan reminds Saul that David knowingly embraced mortal danger on Israel’s behalf. Risking everything for God’s people echoes Jephthah’s words in Judges 12:3 and foreshadows Esther 4:16. Courage like this is never reckless self-display; it is faith-driven obedience that trusts God more than personal safety (cf. Acts 15:26). When he struck down the Philistine The single Philistine is Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49-51). David’s victory was not a lucky swing but the climax of confident reliance on the LORD (1 Samuel 17:45-47). Saul cannot deny the historic reality he once celebrated—David stood where the king himself would not. The LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel Jonathan anchors David’s success in divine action, echoing 1 Samuel 14:23 when “the LORD saved Israel” through Jonathan. Salvation belongs to the LORD (Psalm 3:8), and He used David as His chosen instrument. Recognizing God’s hand leaves no room for jealousy; it calls for worship (Psalm 118:23). You saw it and rejoiced Saul personally witnessed the triumph and initially shared the nation’s joyful acclaim (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Jonathan appeals to that truthful memory, urging his father to return to earlier clarity before envy clouded his judgment (cf. Galatians 4:15). Why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason? To shed innocent blood violates God’s explicit commands (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 19:10). David has committed no crime; executing him would be murder. Jonathan’s question exposes Saul’s intent as lawless and warns that persisting would make Saul fight not David but God Himself (2 Chronicles 19:2). summary Jonathan’s plea strings together five undeniable facts: David risked his life, defeated Goliath, was God’s chosen means of national deliverance, brought Saul joy, and remains innocent. Any move to kill David would reject God’s salvation, break God’s law, and stain Saul with the guilt of innocent blood. |
    |