How does Jonathan's action in 1 Samuel 20:35 demonstrate loyalty and friendship?

Setting the Scene

1 Samuel 20:35 records, “In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a young boy was with him.”

• Saul has sworn to kill David (1 Samuel 20:31-33).

• Jonathan and David arranged a private signal in the field to reveal Saul’s intentions (1 Samuel 20:18-23, 28-34).

• Jonathan’s simple walk to the field becomes a decisive act of covenant faithfulness.

---

Jonathan’s Deliberate Action

• He rises “in the morning” —prompt obedience to the plan they set the previous evening.

• He goes “to the field” —choosing the very place David could safely wait, away from Saul’s watchful eye.

• He brings “a young boy” —an innocent cover, making the encounter appear like ordinary target practice so no one suspects secret communication.

• He honors the “appointment with David” —keeping his word even though it puts him at personal risk.

---

Marks of Genuine Friendship Displayed

1. Promise-Keeping

• Earlier Jonathan pledged, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). Verse 35 shows he follows through exactly.

2. Courage Under Pressure

• Defying a king—especially his own father—could cost him throne or life, yet he steps out anyway (cf. 1 Samuel 20:33).

3. Self-Sacrifice

• Protecting David likely means forfeiting his own claim to the monarchy (1 Samuel 23:17).

• Echoes the heart of Christlike friendship: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

4. Discretion

• The presence of the boy masks his intent, shielding David from discovery—wise, tactical love (Proverbs 17:17).

5. Covenant Loyalty

• Jonathan had bound himself to David “because he loved him as he loved himself” (1 Samuel 20:17). Verse 35 is the lived-out proof of that covenant.

---

Lessons for Today

• True friends keep inconvenient appointments and fulfill inconvenient promises.

• Loyalty acts quickly; delay often equals betrayal.

• God-honoring friendship risks reputation, position, even safety for the good of another.

• Quiet, behind-the-scenes faithfulness (a simple walk to a field) can accomplish heaven’s purposes just as surely as public heroics.

• Jonathan’s walk challenges believers to embody covenant love—faithful, sacrificial, and fearless—because Scripture calls such love both noble (1 Samuel 18:1-4) and indispensable (1 Colossians 13:7).