Jonathan Helps David 1Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” 2“Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” 3But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” 4Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.” 5So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon,a and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. 6If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’ 7If he says, ‘Good,’ then your servant is safe, but if he is enraged, you will know he has evil intentions. 8Therefore show kindness to your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” 9“Never!” Jonathan replied. “If I ever found out that my father had evil intentions against you, would I not tell you?” Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant 10Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?” 11“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field, 12and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? 13But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father. 14And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion,b that I may not die, 15and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” 16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” 17And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 18Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 19When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.c 20I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target. 21Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. 22But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away. 23And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.” 24So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat. 25He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner,d but David’s place was empty. 26Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.” 27But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” 28Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem, 29saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.” Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan 30Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? 31For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” 32“Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” 33Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. 34Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the month, for he was grieved by his father’s shameful treatment of David. 35In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him. 36He said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. 37When the boy reached the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called to him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” 38Then Jonathan cried out, “Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!” So the boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement. 40Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.” 41When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone,e fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. 42And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. Footnotes: 5 a That is, the New Moon feast; also in verses 18, 24, and 27 14 b Forms of the Hebrew chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion; the range of meaning includes love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and mercy, as well as loyalty to a covenant. 19 c Ezel means departure. 25 d LXX; Hebrew by the wall. Jonathan arose and Abner sat down by Saul’s side, 41 e Hebrew from the south side; LXX from beside the stone Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Samuel 20 Summary Jonathan and David Renew Their CovenantVerses 1–8 – David Flees to Jonathan Verses 9–17 – The Covenant Renewed Verses 18–23 – The Secret Signal Verses 24–34 – Saul’s Rage at the Feast Verses 35–42 – Farewell in the Field 1 Samuel 20 reveals a deep friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan, who both find themselves in a difficult situation due to King Saul's jealousy and rage towards David. The chapter vividly portrays the depth of their bond, the ploys to uncover Saul's intentions, and the raw emotions that surface as they face a grim reality. Historical Setting • Timeframe: toward the end of Saul’s reign, c. 1010 B.C. • Location: Gibeah (Saul’s capital) and an adjacent field. Archaeological digs at Tell el-Ful (often identified with Gibeah) reveal Iron-Age fortifications matching a small royal compound, fitting the chapter’s setting of a compact court. • Political tension: Saul has shifted from victorious warrior-king (1 Samuel 11) to insecure monarch fearing David’s growing acclaim (18:7-12). New Moon Feast • Numbers 28:11-15 commands extra offerings on the first day of each lunar month. Royal courts also used the occasion for banquets (cf. 2 Kings 4:23). • David’s absence violated etiquette (v. 25) but was allowed under the Mosaic provision for ceremonial uncleanness (1 Samuel 20:26 and Leviticus 7:20-21). Saul interprets it differently on day two, confirming David’s peril. Covenant and Oath • Ancient covenants often named witnesses and carried blessings/penalties. Here the LORD is the witness (vv. 12-13). • This covenant stands out for its generational scope: Jonathan asks mercy for his “house forever” (v. 15). David later honors the pledge with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9). • Cross-references: Genesis 21:27 (Abraham and Abimelech), Joshua 9:15 (Israel and Gibeon), Proverbs 17:17 (“a friend loves at all times”). Friendship Under Pressure Jonathan models self-denial, risking throne and life. His stance echoes later teaching: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). David’s grief shows the legitimacy of deep, godly friendship without crossing moral lines. Arrows as Signal • Bow warfare appears frequently in Samuel (2 Samuel 1:22). The ruse here protects both men by keeping servants ignorant. • Practical note: arrows traveling “beyond” (v. 37) gave David a safe buffer to retrieve them unnoticed. Saul’s Character Spiral Progression: jealousy (18:8-9) → fear (18:12) → attempted murder (19:1) → rage against family loyalty (20:30-33). James 1:15 pictures sin’s similar growth: “after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Messianic Foreshadowing • David, the anointed yet rejected king, endures exile before enthronement—anticipating Christ’s rejection prior to His reign (Luke 24:26). • Jonathan’s intercession resembles Christ’s mediating role (Hebrews 7:25), though on a human scale. Archaeological Notes • Arrowheads from the Late Iron Age, unearthed in hill-country sites like Khirbet Qeiyafa, match weaponry of the period. • Lunar calendar evidence (Gezer Calendar, 10th century B.C.) aligns with the New Moon scheduling described. Practical Lessons 1. True loyalty honors God above personal gain. Jonathan forfeits his claim to the throne. 2. Keeping one’s word matters; David maintains the covenant decades later. 3. Rage unchecked destroys relationships. Saul wounds his own son with words and almost with a spear. 4. God provides faithful allies in crises. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Connections to Later Scripture • Psalm 59, labeled “when Saul sent men to watch David’s house,” captures David’s mindset in this season. • Ezekiel 34:23 foretells one Shepherd like David—pointing to the ultimate faithful ruler. • Acts 13:22 cites David as “a man after My own heart,” reminding believers that flight and hardship do not cancel God’s call. God’s Preserving Hand Throughout the chapter God’s name is invoked nine times, yet He never speaks audibly. His protection works through friendship, timing, and even Saul’s temporary restraint (v. 26). Psalm 121:4 fits: “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Takeaway 1 Samuel 20 paints a vivid scene of covenant love in a hostile court. Amid arrows, feasts, and secret signals, the LORD quietly secures His chosen king and shapes a friendship that models faith, courage, and steadfast promise-keeping for every generation. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This verse echoes the loyalty and support seen in Jonathan and David's friendship. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jonathan's willingness to risk his life for David foreshadows the ultimate act of love demonstrated by Jesus. Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' This psalm reflects the trust in God's protection that David experienced. Teaching Points Covenantal FriendshipJonathan and David's relationship is marked by a covenant, highlighting the biblical principle of steadfast love and loyalty. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself (1 Samuel 20:17). Divine Providence Despite Saul's intent to kill David, God's providence is evident as He uses Jonathan to protect David. This underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and protection over His anointed. Moral Courage Jonathan displays moral courage by standing up to his father, King Saul, to protect David. This act of bravery is a testament to his integrity and commitment to righteousness. Communication and Trust The secretive communication between Jonathan and David through the use of arrows (1 Samuel 20:20-22) illustrates the importance of trust and clear communication in relationships. Practical Applications Evaluate Your FriendshipsReflect on your own friendships. Are they characterized by loyalty and selflessness as seen in Jonathan and David's relationship? Stand for Righteousness Be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or when it involves confronting those in authority. Trust in God's Plan In times of uncertainty or danger, trust in God's providence and His ability to protect and guide you. Communicate Effectively Ensure that your communication with others is clear and trustworthy, especially in critical situations. People 1. DavidDavid is the central figure in 1 Samuel 20, a young shepherd who has been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel. He is a close friend of Jonathan, King Saul's son, and is fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him. David's name in Hebrew is דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved." 2. Jonathan Jonathan is the son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is depicted as loyal and protective of David, even at the risk of his own relationship with his father. His name in Hebrew is יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan), meaning "Yahweh has given." 3. Saul King Saul is the first king of Israel and the father of Jonathan. He is increasingly hostile towards David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne. Saul's name in Hebrew is שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul), meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." 4. Ahimelech Although not directly mentioned in 1 Samuel 20, Ahimelech is the priest who later provides David with bread and Goliath's sword in the subsequent chapter. His name in Hebrew is אֲחִימֶלֶךְ (Achimelech), meaning "my brother is king." 5. The boy (unnamed servant) In 1 Samuel 20:35-40, Jonathan uses a young boy to retrieve arrows as part of a prearranged signal to communicate with David. The boy is not named, but he plays a crucial role in the secretive communication between Jonathan and David. Places 1. Naioth in RamahIn 1 Samuel 20, Naioth in Ramah is mentioned as a place where David had previously sought refuge with Samuel. Although it is not directly referenced in the events of this chapter, its significance lies in the preceding narrative where David fled to Naioth to escape Saul's pursuit. The Hebrew root for Naioth (נָוִית) suggests a dwelling or habitation, indicating a place of residence or community within Ramah. 2. Gibeah Gibeah is the location where King Saul resides and holds his court. In 1 Samuel 20:1, David comes from Naioth in Ramah to Gibeah to speak with Jonathan. Gibeah, meaning "hill" in Hebrew (גִּבְעָה), is significant as the royal city of Saul, highlighting the tension and danger David faces in approaching Saul's territory. 3. The Field The field is the location where Jonathan and David meet to discuss Saul's intentions and devise a plan to communicate safely. In 1 Samuel 20:11, Jonathan suggests going out into the field to ensure privacy for their conversation. The Hebrew term for field (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) indicates an open area, which in this context provides a secluded setting away from potential eavesdroppers. Events 1. David Flees from NaiothDavid escapes from Naioth in Ramah and goes to Jonathan, seeking to understand why Saul is trying to kill him. He asks, “What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” (1 Samuel 20:1). 2. Jonathan's Assurance Jonathan reassures David that he will not die, stating, “Far from it! You will not die. Behold, my father does nothing great or small without disclosing it to me. So why would my father hide this matter from me? It is not so!” (1 Samuel 20:2). 3. David's Oath David insists that Saul is aware of Jonathan’s favor towards him and has hidden his intentions from Jonathan. David swears, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). 4. Jonathan's Proposal Jonathan offers to help David, saying, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). 5. The New Moon Feast Plan David proposes a plan to test Saul’s intentions during the New Moon feast. He asks Jonathan to observe Saul’s reaction when David is absent, explaining, “If your father misses me at all, then say, ‘David earnestly asked my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan’” (1 Samuel 20:6). 6. Jonathan's Covenant with David Jonathan makes a covenant with David, affirming his loyalty and love, “May the LORD be with you as He was with my father. And if I remain alive, may you show me the loving devotion of the LORD, that I may not die” (1 Samuel 20:13-14). 7. The Signal Plan Jonathan devises a signal involving shooting arrows to communicate Saul’s intentions to David. He instructs David to hide in the field and says, “I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were aiming at a target” (1 Samuel 20:20). 8. Saul's Anger at the Feast On the second day of the feast, Saul notices David’s absence and becomes angry with Jonathan, accusing him of siding with David. Saul says, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother who bore you?” (1 Samuel 20:30). 9. Jonathan Defends David Jonathan defends David, questioning Saul’s intent to kill him. Saul’s anger escalates, and he throws a spear at Jonathan, confirming his intent to harm David (1 Samuel 20:32-33). 10. The Arrow Signal Jonathan goes to the field and uses the prearranged signal with the arrows to inform David that it is not safe. He calls out to the boy retrieving the arrows, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” (1 Samuel 20:37). 11. The Farewell After the boy leaves, David and Jonathan meet, weep together, and say their goodbyes. Jonathan tells David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever’” (1 Samuel 20:42). Topics 1. David and Jonathan's CovenantIn 1 Samuel 20, David seeks refuge with Jonathan, expressing his fear that Saul intends to kill him. Jonathan reassures David of his loyalty, and they renew their covenant of friendship. The Hebrew word for covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), signifies a solemn and binding agreement, highlighting the deep commitment between David and Jonathan. 2. Jonathan's Loyalty Tested Jonathan devises a plan to discern Saul's intentions towards David. He promises to inform David of his father's disposition, demonstrating his loyalty to David over his own father, King Saul. This loyalty is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as "loving-kindness" or "faithful love." 3. The New Moon Feast The chapter describes the New Moon feast, a significant event in the Hebrew calendar. David's absence from the feast is a critical part of Jonathan's plan to gauge Saul's reaction. The New Moon, or "חֹדֶשׁ" (chodesh), was a time of religious observance and communal gathering. 4. Saul's Anger and Hostility Saul's anger is kindled when David is absent from the feast, and he lashes out at Jonathan, revealing his intent to kill David. Saul's hostility underscores the Hebrew concept of "רָעָה" (ra'ah), meaning evil or harm, which contrasts with the righteousness of David and Jonathan's actions. 5. The Secret Signal Jonathan uses a prearranged signal involving arrows to communicate Saul's intentions to David. This covert method reflects the danger and tension of the situation, as well as the ingenuity and trust between the two friends. 6. The Emotional Farewell After confirming Saul's intent, Jonathan and David meet for an emotional farewell. They reaffirm their covenant, with Jonathan asking David to show kindness to his family in the future. The Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace or completeness, encapsulates their hope for future reconciliation and safety. 7. The Perpetual Covenant The chapter concludes with Jonathan and David parting ways, but not before they reiterate their covenant, which extends to their descendants. This enduring promise is a testament to their faithfulness and the divine oversight of their relationship, as seen in the Hebrew understanding of "עוֹלָם" (olam), meaning everlasting or perpetual. Themes 1. Covenant FriendshipThe chapter highlights the deep bond and covenant between David and Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 20:16-17, Jonathan makes a covenant with the house of David, emphasizing loyalty and love. The Hebrew word for covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), signifies a solemn agreement, underscoring the sacredness of their friendship. 2. Loyalty and Betrayal Jonathan's loyalty to David contrasts with Saul's betrayal. Despite his father's intentions, Jonathan remains faithful to David, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:9, where he assures David that he will inform him of any harm planned by Saul. This theme explores the tension between familial loyalty and moral integrity. 3. Divine Providence The narrative demonstrates God's providence in protecting David through Jonathan's actions. In 1 Samuel 20:23, Jonathan refers to the LORD as a witness between them, indicating trust in God's oversight. The Hebrew term "יְהוָה" (YHWH) reflects the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His role in guiding events. 4. Fear and Anxiety David's fear of Saul's wrath is palpable throughout the chapter. In 1 Samuel 20:3, David expresses his fear, saying, "There is but a step between me and death." The Hebrew word "מָוֶת" (mavet) for death highlights the imminent danger David perceives, illustrating the theme of human vulnerability. 5. Communication and Misunderstanding The chapter underscores the importance of clear communication and the potential for misunderstanding. Jonathan and David devise a plan to communicate Saul's intentions in 1 Samuel 20:18-22, using a coded message involving arrows. This theme reflects the need for wisdom and discernment in relationships. 6. Sacrificial Love Jonathan's willingness to risk his life for David exemplifies sacrificial love. In 1 Samuel 20:34, Jonathan leaves the table in fierce anger, grieving his father's shameful treatment of David. The Hebrew word "חָרָה" (charah) for anger conveys a deep emotional response, highlighting Jonathan's commitment to David over his own safety. 7. Divine Justice The chapter hints at the theme of divine justice, as Jonathan acknowledges that the LORD will hold them accountable for their covenant. In 1 Samuel 20:42, Jonathan says, "The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever." This reflects the belief in God's ultimate justice and faithfulness. Answering Tough Questions 1. How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David communicate his fear and concern to Jonathan at the beginning of the chapter? How can this apply to our communication within friendships today? 2. In what ways does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge societal expectations? What can we learn from his loyalty to a friend over his loyalty to his family? 3. How do Jonathan and David use the New Moon feast to understand Saul's intentions? What does this suggest about their strategic thinking and faith in God? 4. How does the covenant between Jonathan and David reflect their faith and commitment to each other? How can we apply this in modern relationships? 5. Discuss the role of trust in David and Jonathan's relationship. How did it influence their actions? 6. Explore the impact of Saul's anger on his relationships, particularly with his son Jonathan. 7. How does Saul’s reaction to David’s absence confirm his ill intentions towards him? What does this teach us about interpreting actions of others? 8. How does the parting of Jonathan and David reflect the sorrow and pain of their situation? How can we handle such emotional moments in our lives? 9. How is the concept of covenant significant in this chapter? How does it tie into the broader theme of covenants in the Bible? 10. Explore the theme of sacrifice in this chapter. What sacrifices are made and why? 11. Why does David trust Jonathan, despite knowing that he is Saul's son? What does this teach us about trust? 12. How does 1 Samuel 20 challenge the traditional expectations of loyalty to one's family versus friends? 13. Discuss the theme of betrayal in this chapter. How does it manifest and what are the consequences? 14. What can we learn from David's resilience and faith during this difficult period in his life? 15. How does Jonathan balance his loyalty towards his father and his friendship with David? How can we apply this in situations where we have conflicting loyalties? 16. How do David and Jonathan's actions demonstrate their faith in God during this trial? 17. Discuss the symbolic meaning of Saul's thrown spear. What does it represent? 18. How can David and Jonathan's friendship serve as an example for us in present day living? 19. What does the chapter teach about dealing with people who have ill intentions against us? 20. How can the narrative of David, Jonathan, and Saul in 1 Samuel 20 be used as a guide for dealing with conflicts and challenges in our own relationships? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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