Jonathan demands specific evidence of wrongdoing to justify the death sentence. By asking for concrete actions rather than abstract accusations, Jonathan forces his father to confront the groundlessness of his vendetta and the innocence of David.

Instead of answering with evidence, Saul threw his spear at Jonathan in an attempt to kill him (1 Samuel 20:33). This violent response proved that Saul had no legitimate answer and that his determination to kill David was driven by irrational jealousy rather than justice.

This second question intensifies Jonathan’s challenge by demanding specifics. The Hebrew construction מֶה־עָשָׂה (meh-asah) literally means ‘What, has he done?’ with the interrogative pronoun emphasizing the search for concrete actions. Jonathan shifts from questioning the legitimacy of the sentence to demanding evidence of actual crimes. The question assumes that execution requires demonstrable wrongdoing, not merely royal displeasure. Saul’s inability to answer reveals the emptiness of his case against David. The violence of Saul’s response, attempting to kill the questioner rather than answer the question, exposes how thoroughly jealousy has destroyed the king’s moral compass and legitimate authority.