Definition: And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me [to be there]: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the kingâs table.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 20:29. It's a really important moment in David’s life and it speaks about his relationship with King Saul. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: David was invited to the king’s table for a feast. He had been offered a sacrifice as a sign of respect and gratitude to the king. However, his brother, Jonathan, told him he was obligated to be there – essentially, he had to go with David. What David Said: David then said, “I pray you, let me go.” This is a plea for him to leave the situation. He’s feeling uncomfortable and wants to avoid being in the middle of this obligation. The Reason Behind It: Jonathan, his brother, had commanded him to be there. This suggests a strong relationship between David and Jonathan – perhaps they were close friends or even siblings. The Outcome: David then immediately retreated from the king’s table. He didn't want to be involved in this situation, so he politely declined to stay. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a crucial moment of negotiation and David’s desire for independence. It shows: David’s Growing Independence: He's starting to assert himself and not being easily controlled by others. A Desire for Respect: He wants to demonstrate his worthiness to the king, but he also values his own autonomy. A Strategic Move: David is using this as a way to test Saul’s favor – hoping to gain a position of power and influence if he approves of him. In short, it's a moment where David was trying to navigate a situation where his brother had placed him under obligation, and he chose to avoid it. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you another example of this verse from the Bible?