1 Samuel 20:28 – “Jonathan answered, ‘David earnestly asked me for permission to go to Bethlehem.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jonathan responds to his father Saul’s question about David’s absence from the New Moon feast. Jonathan provides a reason, saying that David had asked for permission to go to Bethlehem. This explanation is part of a plan that Jonathan and David had devised to test Saul’s reaction to David’s absence. Jonathan’s answer isn’t entirely false—David did indeed have family in Bethlehem—but it was part of their strategic effort to determine whether Saul still harbored murderous intentions toward David. This verse shows Jonathan acting wisely and loyally, helping his friend David while attempting to manage his father’s growing hostility.

Historical Context

At this point, Saul’s jealousy and animosity toward David had reached dangerous levels. Saul had already attempted to kill David on several occasions. Despite this, David continued to serve Saul faithfully, though he was now in hiding, fearing for his life. Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s closest friend, found himself caught between loyalty to his father and his covenant with David. The New Moon feast was a significant religious and social event, and David’s absence was meant to test Saul’s reaction. Jonathan’s explanation about David going to Bethlehem was a calculated response to buy time and gauge Saul’s feelings.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the importance of loyalty, wisdom, and the tension between truth and strategy in difficult situations. Jonathan’s response demonstrates his loyalty to David while also navigating the difficult relationship with his father. Theologically, this verse can remind us that faithfulness to friends and to God sometimes requires careful decision-making and wisdom in dealing with complex human relationships. It also reflects the principle of using wisdom to navigate dangerous or tense situations without compromising our core values. God often provides guidance and discernment in these moments, helping us to act in ways that honor our commitments while managing the difficulties we face.

Literary Analysis

This verse advances the plot by introducing Jonathan’s role as a mediator between David and Saul. Jonathan’s explanation to his father is brief but strategic, leaving just enough room for Saul to accept the explanation while concealing the full truth about David’s situation. The simplicity of the sentence reflects Jonathan’s careful balancing act—he is both protecting David and managing his father’s rising suspicion. The choice to mention Bethlehem also evokes a sense of David’s roots, as this was his family’s hometown, which would make the excuse seem plausible to Saul.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 16:1 – This passage introduces Bethlehem as David’s hometown, where Samuel anointed him to be the future king of Israel.
• Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” While Jonathan’s statement is not entirely false, it reflects the tension between truth and strategy in difficult situations.
• John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jonathan’s words, while intended to protect David, also raise questions about the role of truth in navigating tense and dangerous relationships.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse illustrates the importance of loyalty and wisdom in difficult situations. Jonathan’s response to Saul shows how, at times, we may need to navigate challenging relationships with care and discernment. Loyalty to friends and family can create tensions, especially when trust is at stake, but this passage encourages believers to seek God’s guidance in managing these complex dynamics. It also reminds us that being faithful to those we care about sometimes requires wisdom and strategy in order to protect them and ourselves from harm.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Jonathan’s willingness to protect David reflects God’s loving care for His people. Just as Jonathan acted to protect his friend, God is always working to protect and guide His children, even in difficult and dangerous circumstances. The loyalty and love that Jonathan shows to David mirror the kind of covenant love God has for His people, always looking out for their well-being. This verse reminds us that God provides protection and wisdom in moments of danger, guiding us through relationships and situations that might otherwise be harmful.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jonathan’s act of protecting David can be seen as a reflection of the way Jesus intercedes for us. Just as Jonathan stood between David and Saul, Jesus stands between us and the judgment we deserve. In Romans 8:34, it says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Jonathan’s loyalty to David foreshadows the greater loyalty and love that Jesus shows to His followers, interceding on our behalf and protecting us from spiritual harm.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever been in a situation where loyalty to a friend or family member required you to navigate complex relationships? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Jonathan’s example?
2. How does this verse challenge you to act with wisdom and discernment in situations where truth and strategy may be in tension?
3. In what ways can you trust that God is guiding and protecting you, even in difficult or tense situations, much like Jonathan trusted in his plan to protect David?