What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:22?

But if I say to the young man

Jonathan is outlining a pre-arranged signal.

• The “young man” is Jonathan’s attendant (1 Samuel 20:35), an unwitting participant who will keep Saul from suspecting anything.

• Jonathan’s words highlight responsible foresight, much like the advance planning Moses used with Joshua in Exodus 17:9–10.

• By speaking to the servant rather than directly to David, Jonathan shields both of them—“the prudent sees danger and hides” (Proverbs 22:3).

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‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’

This phrase is the code that danger is real and immediate.

• Jonathan had first proposed this plan in 1 Samuel 20:21, giving David a way to judge Saul’s intentions without exposing himself.

• Arrows launched “beyond” the servant would be common enough not to arouse suspicion, yet clear to David hiding nearby.

• Similar covert signals appear when Rahab ties a scarlet cord to protect the spies (Joshua 2:18–21).

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then you must go,

The command is urgent and absolute.

• David is not to wait for further discussion; obedience equals survival (1 Samuel 19:11–12).

• Faith often requires swift action—Joseph fled with Mary and Jesus “by night” to Egypt (Matthew 2:14).

• Leaving does not equal defeat; it is strategic retreat until God opens another door (1 Samuel 23:14; Acts 9:25).

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for the LORD has sent you away.

Jonathan interprets events theologically, not merely politically.

• God’s sovereign hand directs David’s steps (Psalm 37:23) even when Saul plots harm.

• This departure is not random exile; it is divine positioning that will eventually place David on the throne (1 Samuel 16:1, 13).

• Like Elijah leaving for the brook Cherith at God’s word (1 Kings 17:3–4), David’s going is protective and preparatory.

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summary

Each phrase of 1 Samuel 20:22 fits into a loving covenant between Jonathan and David, yet above their friendship stands God’s guiding purpose. Jonathan’s signal protects David, David’s obedience preserves his life, and the Lord’s sovereignty moves the future king toward his ordained destiny.