for he put his life in his hand, and struck the Philistine, and Yahweh worked a great victory for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice; why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?
Jonathan’s appeal was successful, at least temporarily, and resulted in Saul solemnly vowing not to kill David (1 Samuel 19:6), which vow he broke shortly (1 Samuel 19:10). Later Jonathan was not as successful (1 Samuel 20:28-29). Nevertheless this time his appeal resulted in David’s restoration to the court and his continuing ministry to the king (1 Samuel 19:7).