What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:38? Then Jonathan cried out “Then Jonathan cried out” (1 Samuel 20:38) shows Jonathan actively putting into motion the secret signal he and David had arranged earlier (v. 20–22). His cry is more than casual speech; it is an intentional code. Like Samuel’s youthful cry that directed Eli’s attention to God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:4), Jonathan’s shout directs David’s attention to the outcome of Saul’s anger. It confirms that Jonathan’s loyalty is anchored in covenant faithfulness rather than personal safety (cf. Proverbs 17:17; John 15:13). “Hurry!” “Hurry!” underscores urgency. The same word conveys swift obedience in Israel’s exodus preparations (Exodus 12:11) and Elijah’s flight from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:3). By using it here, Jonathan signals to David that lingering is dangerous; Saul’s murderous intent is real (1 Samuel 20:31). Urgency guards life and honors the divine mandate to preserve it (Proverbs 27:12). “Make haste!” “Make haste!” doubles the warning. Repetition in Scripture heightens seriousness, as with Jesus’ “Truly, truly” (John 3:3). Jonathan’s double command stresses that David must leave immediately—mirroring the haste with which Lot was led out of Sodom (Genesis 19:15–17). Faith often demands prompt action when God-given discernment reveals peril. “Do not delay!” “Do not delay!” seals the message. Delay would equal disobedience to life-saving counsel, much like Israel was told not to tarry when marching around Jericho (Joshua 6:10). Jonathan’s triple call (Hurry—Make haste—Do not delay) forms an emphatic crescendo, paralleling Psalm 119:60: “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” Swift compliance aligns with trust in God’s providence. So the boy picked up the arrow “So the boy picked up the arrow” shows the servant unaware of the drama yet faithfully completing his assigned task. His simple obedience mirrors the unnamed servant in Genesis 24 who performs duties that advance God’s covenant purposes. The arrow, having served its covert role, becomes an object lesson: God can use ordinary tools to convey extraordinary truth (cf. Moses’ staff, Exodus 4:2–4). and returned to his master “and returned to his master” closes the scene with quiet faithfulness. The boy’s return frees Jonathan to meet David privately (vv. 41–42). It also illustrates proper submission to authority (Ephesians 6:5–8) and fulfills Jesus’ principle that “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). The unseen obedience of a servant contributes to God’s larger redemptive storyline. summary 1 Samuel 20:38 captures Jonathan’s urgent signal that Saul’s hostility makes David’s immediate flight essential. Each shouted command escalates the seriousness, urging swift obedience. Meanwhile, the unnamed boy’s simple faithfulness facilitates covenant loyalty between friends and preserves the future king of Israel. Together, the verse reveals how God orchestrates deliverance through urgent warnings, prompt action, and humble obedience—all woven into His unfailing plan. |
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