1 Samuel 19:5
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?"
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine,

David willingly faced Goliath when Israel’s army, including Saul, stood helpless before the Philistine challenge. Refusing Saul’s armor, David trusted the LORD who had delivered him from the lion and the bear. His victory showed that Israel’s security rested not in military strength but in the faithfulness of God..

1Sa 17:49-50 Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone,…
Jdg 12:3 When I saw that you would not save me, I risked my life…

and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel.

The defeat of Goliath broke the Philistines’ intimidation and led Israel into victory over its enemies. David was the instrument, but the deliverance belonged to the LORD. God often advances His purposes through those whom men overlook, preparing David for the kingship to which He had called him.

1Sa 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—…
1Sa 11:13 But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day,…

You saw it and rejoiced,

Jonathan reminds Saul that he had witnessed God’s work through David and had initially shared in Israel’s relief and celebration. Saul’s later hostility did not arise from any wrong in David, but from jealousy and fear as David’s reputation grew.

1Sa 18:6-7 As the troops were returning home after David had killed…
1Sa 17:52-53 Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward…

so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”

Saul’s plan to murder David would violate God’s command against shedding innocent blood and would oppose the servant through whom God had brought deliverance. Jonathan’s appeal exposes the injustice of Saul’s anger and calls him to recognize David’s innocence. David’s undeserved persecution also anticipates the rejection of the righteous King, Jesus Christ, who was condemned though no fault was found in Him.

Exo 23:7 Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill…
Deu 19:10 Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land…

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
A young shepherd who became a hero in Israel after defeating Goliath, the Philistine giant. He is anointed by God to be the future king of Israel.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous and fearful of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him.

3. Jonathan
Saul's son and David's close friend, who advocates for David and seeks to protect him from Saul's wrath.

4. Philistine
Refers to Goliath, the giant warrior whom David defeated, symbolizing God's power and deliverance through David.

5. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who witnessed God's deliverance through David's victory over Goliath.
Teaching Points
Courage and Faith
David's willingness to face Goliath demonstrates the courage that comes from faith in God. Believers are encouraged to trust God in their own battles.

God's Deliverance
The victory over Goliath is a reminder of God's power to deliver His people. We should remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness in our lives.

Advocacy for Justice
Jonathan's defense of David teaches us the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.

The Danger of Jealousy
Saul's jealousy leads him to contemplate murder. We must guard our hearts against jealousy and its destructive consequences.

Value of Innocent Life
The verse underscores the sanctity of life and the sin of shedding innocent blood, aligning with the broader biblical teaching on the value of human life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's faith in God during his battle with Goliath inspire you to face your own challenges?

2. In what ways can you celebrate and remember God's deliverance in your life, similar to how Israel rejoiced in David's victory?

3. How can Jonathan's example of advocating for David encourage you to stand up for justice and righteousness in your community?

4. What steps can you take to guard your heart against jealousy and its potential to lead to sin, as seen in Saul's actions?

5. How does the concept of "innocent blood" in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, and how can it influence your view on the sanctity of life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 17
This chapter details David's battle with Goliath, highlighting his faith in God and God's deliverance.

Psalm 18
David's song of deliverance, where he praises God for saving him from his enemies, reflecting the themes of divine protection and deliverance.

Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus' teaching on anger and murder, which can be connected to the idea of "innocent blood" and the sin of unjustly taking a life.
The Proof of True FriendshipB. Dale 1 Samuel 19:1-7
People
David, Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, Saul
Places
Jerusalem, Naioth, Ramah, Secu
Topics
Blood, Cause, Danger, David, Death, Deliverance, Desiring, Glad, Hast, Innocent, Kill, Killed, Killing, Nought, Overcame, Philistine, Putteth, Putting, Reason, Rejoice, Rejoiced, Salvation, Sawest, Sin, Sinning, Slay, Slaying, Slew, Smiteth, Smote, Struck, Victory, Wherefore, Wilt, Won, Worked, Worketh, Wrong, Wrought, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 19:5

     1060   God, greatness of
     5156   hand
     5564   suffering, of Christ
     5874   happiness

1 Samuel 19:1-7

     5086   David, rise of
     6682   mediation

1 Samuel 19:4-5

     8225   devotion

Library
The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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