What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:11? “Come,” • Jonathan’s invitation signals urgency and intimacy. He is summoning David without hesitation, much like Jesus’ immediate call to His first disciples in Matthew 4:19. • The word places Jonathan in the role of initiator, showing his active commitment to protect his friend, echoing Proverbs 17:17 where a friend loves at all times. • It reminds us that divine opportunities often start with a simple, personal summons—compare Genesis 12:1 where God calls Abram to step out in faith. “he replied,” • Jonathan’s quick response to David’s need highlights faithfulness under pressure, paralleling Ruth’s reply to Naomi in Ruth 1:16–17. • His reply contrasts Saul’s hostility (1 Samuel 19:10), underscoring the difference between covenant loyalty and fleshly jealousy. • The dialogue models the principle in James 1:19 of being “quick to listen,” showing mutual respect between believers. “let us go out to the field.” • Moving to the open field provides privacy from Saul’s spies, similar to Jesus withdrawing to a solitary place to pray in Mark 1:35. • The field offers a safe environment to form a covenant (1 Samuel 20:12–17), recalling how God met Moses outside the camp in Exodus 33:7. • Fields in Scripture often symbolize openness and revelation—consider Genesis 37:15 where Joseph’s dreams unfold in the fields—so Jonathan seeks clarity away from palace intrigue. • The plural “let us” underscores partnership, much like Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 where two are better than one because they can help each other up. “So the two of them went out into the field.” • Their united action demonstrates obedience to wise counsel (Proverbs 13:20) and mutual trust. • “The two of them” emphasizes covenant unity reminiscent of Amos 3:3: “Can two walk together without having agreed?” • Physically distancing themselves foreshadows the arrow-signal plan (1 Samuel 20:19–22), showing sensible stewardship of information (Proverbs 22:3). • Together they model brotherly fellowship—Psalm 133:1 celebrates how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. summary Jonathan’s simple invitation, his immediate reply, the choice of an open field, and their joint action all spotlight loyal friendship, wise discretion, and covenant faithfulness. 1 Samuel 20:11 captures the moment David and Jonathan step away from danger to seek God-honoring clarity and protection, showing that true friends pursue truth together, even when the cost is high. |
    |