Definition: And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 1 Samuel 20:9. It’s a really powerful and thoughtful statement about David’s understanding of his father’s plans. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: David is saying, “If my father certainly decided that something bad would happen to me, I wouldn’t want to know.” He’s essentially acknowledging a very serious and frightening possibility. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “And Jonathan said…” : This tells us this is happening between David and his brother Jonathan. “…Far be it from thee…” : This is a forceful command, like a warning. It means "Don’t do that!" or “Don’t even think about it!” “…for if I knew… ” : This sets up the basis for David’s statement. He's admitting he could know what was coming – something terrible. “then would not I tell thee?” : This is the crucial part. David is making a promise to not reveal this information. It’s a commitment to protect himself from the potential pain and suffering that might result from his father's plan. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several important themes: David’s Wisdom & Foresight: It shows David was incredibly perceptive, able to see into the future. He wasn’t just reacting to events; he was anticipating potential problems. His Fear & Protection: He recognizes that his father's plan could be devastating and chooses to shield himself from it. It demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility and concern for his own well-being. A Test of Character: This verse is often seen as a test of David’s character – his ability to remain steadfast, even when facing immense fear. In short, this passage highlights David's wisdom, his courage in the face of impending danger, and his commitment to protecting himself. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of 1 Samuel 20?