English Standard Version

1 Samuel 20:28-33 English Standard Version (ESV)

28. Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem.

29. He said, ‘Let me go, for our clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.”

30. Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness?

31. For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.”

32. Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”

33. But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.