1 Samuel 19:4-7

19:4 So Jonathan spoke on David’s behalf ¹  to his father Saul. He said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, for he has not sinned against you. On the contrary, his actions have been very beneficial ²  for you. 19:5 He risked his life ³  when he struck down the Philistine and the Lord gave all Israel a great victory. When you saw it, you were happy. So why would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?”

19:6 Saul accepted Jonathan’s advice ⁴  and took an oath, “As surely as the Lord lives, he will not be put to death.” 19:7 Then Jonathan called David and told him all these things. Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he served him as he had done formerly. ⁵ 

1 Samuel 20:32

20:32 Jonathan responded to his father Saul, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”

1 Samuel 22:14-15

22:14 Ahimelech replied to the king, “Who among all your servants is faithful like David? He is the king’s son-in-law, the leader of your bodyguard, and honored in your house! 22:15 Was it just today that I began to inquire of God on his behalf? Far be it from me! The king should not accuse ⁶  his servant or any of my father’s house. For your servant is not aware of all this – not in whole or in part!” ⁷ 

[19:4]  ¹ tn Heb “spoke good with respect to David.”

[19:4]  ² tn Heb “good.”

[19:5]  ³ tn Heb “and he put his life into his hand.”

[19:6]  ⁴ tn Heb “and Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan.”

[19:7]  ⁵ tn Heb “and he was before him as before.”

[22:15]  ⁶ tn Heb “set a matter against.”

[22:15]  ⁷ tn Heb “small or great.”