What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:36?

He said to the boy

• Jonathan addresses a young servant, a common helper for royal sons (cf. 1 Samuel 14:1–3).

• The boy’s presence offers Jonathan plausible cover; no one suspects hidden motives, protecting both Jonathan and David (cf. Proverbs 27:12).

• Speaking aloud keeps the plan transparent to onlookers while keeping its real intent concealed, echoing the wisdom of Jesus’ later words, “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

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“Run and find the arrows I shoot.”

• This direct command matches the earlier secret arrangement with David: “If I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then go, for the LORD has sent you away” (1 Samuel 20:22).

• Jonathan turns an ordinary pastime—target practice—into a coded message. Similar use of everyday actions for divine purposes appears when Gideon overhears Midianite dreams (Judges 7:13–15).

• The urgency in the verb “Run” underscores the danger David faces and Jonathan’s determination to warn him swiftly (Psalm 141:9–10).

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And as the boy ran

• Immediate obedience shows the servant’s trust, a trait praised throughout Scripture (cf. 2 Kings 5:14; Matthew 8:9).

• The running creates distance, ensuring the lad cannot overhear the conversation Jonathan soon intends for David alone—an example of prudent secrecy (Proverbs 11:13).

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Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.

• By sending the arrow past the servant, Jonathan fulfills the prearranged sign of peril: David must flee (1 Samuel 20:37–38).

• The arrow’s flight symbolizes truth cutting through danger, much like the “arrow” of God’s word exposing hidden intents (Psalm 45:5; Hebrews 4:12).

• Jonathan’s action costs him personally—loyalty to David risks Saul’s wrath—yet he values covenant faithfulness over self-interest (1 Samuel 18:3; John 15:13).

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summary

Jonathan turns a simple archery outing into a lifeline for David. Addressing his servant openly, he commands him to retrieve arrows, ensuring both a credible cover story and a vehicle for a covert signal. The servant’s swift compliance provides the space Jonathan needs; the arrow shot “beyond” the boy confirms to David that Saul’s hostility is real and immediate. Through this verse we witness loyal friendship, wise strategy, and God’s providence working through everyday actions to protect His chosen servant.