King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:7 in the King James Version says “And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in h... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past . in times: Heb. yesterday, third day

1 Samuel 19:7 · KJV


Context

5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

6

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.

7

And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past . in times: Heb. yesterday, third day

8

And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him. him: Heb. his face

9

And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.


Commentary

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

Restoration appears complete: David returns to Saul's presence 'as in times past.' Jonathan's threefold action - called, showed, brought - demonstrates thorough mediation. He first summoned David from hiding, then provided full disclosure ('shewed him all those things'), then personally escorted him to the king. The phrase 'as in times past' suggests normalized relationship. Yet this reconciliation proved superficial. Without genuine heart change, Saul's repentance lasted only until David's next success triggered renewed jealousy. Apparent reconciliation without underlying transformation creates false security.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Formal restoration to royal presence after estrangement required intermediary negotiation. Jonathan's personal escort provided protection and legitimacy. Ancient courts carefully tracked who had access to the king, making David's restored presence significant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between genuine reconciliation and temporary truce?
  2. What does the failure of this reconciliation teach about the necessity of heart change?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּקְרָ֤א1 of 20

called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֤ן2 of 20

And Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

דָּוִד֙3 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּגֶּד4 of 20

shewed

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לוֹ֙5 of 20
H0
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֤ן6 of 20

And Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

אֵ֥ת7 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים9 of 20

him all those things

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֑לֶּה10 of 20
H428

these or those

וַיָּבֵ֨א11 of 20

brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֤ן12 of 20

And Jonathan

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

אֶת13 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִד֙14 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל15 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל16 of 20

to Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיְהִ֥י17 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְפָנָ֖יו18 of 20

and he was in his presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כְּאֶתְמ֥וֹל19 of 20

as in times past

H865

heretofore; definitely yesterday

שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃20 of 20
H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 19:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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