Then I will send a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows!' Now, if I expressly say to him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,' then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger. Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’Jonathan arranged the meeting in the open country after testing Saul’s attitude toward David at the New Moon feast. A servant boy could retrieve arrows without drawing attention to Jonathan’s actions or David’s hidden presence. The boy’s innocence heightened the contrast between an ordinary task and the life-and-death message concealed within it. Arrows, familiar instruments of hunting and war, provided a natural and discreet signal in a setting where Saul’s servants might be watching. 2Ki 9:1-3 Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets… Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ The location of the arrows would tell David that Saul had not determined to kill him. Jonathan’s willingness to devise such a careful plan revealed both wisdom and courageous loyalty. Though Jonathan was Saul’s son and heir apparent, he recognized David as the Lord’s chosen servant and protected him at personal cost. 2Ki 13:17-19 “Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it.… then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger. Jonathan confirmed the message with an oath before the living God, making his assurance binding and trustworthy. His concern for David rested not merely on friendship but on the covenant they had made before the Lord. God used Jonathan’s faithfulness to preserve David during Saul’s violent opposition, demonstrating that the Lord’s purposes for His anointed king could not be overturned. 1Sa 19:6 Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath:… Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is the one devising the plan to communicate with David. 2. David The future king of Israel, currently in hiding due to King Saul's jealousy and intent to kill him. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, whose jealousy and fear of losing his throne to David drive him to seek David's life. 4. The Field The location where Jonathan and David meet secretly to discuss Saul's intentions. 5. The Boy A servant used by Jonathan to retrieve the arrows, unknowingly part of the signal to David. Teaching Points The Value of True FriendshipJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies loyalty, trust, and sacrificial love. In our lives, we should seek to build and maintain friendships that reflect these qualities. Discernment and Wisdom Jonathan uses wisdom and discernment in devising a plan to communicate with David without arousing suspicion. We should seek God's guidance in navigating complex situations in our lives. God's Sovereignty and Protection Despite Saul's intentions, God protects David through Jonathan's actions. This reminds us that God is in control and can use others to fulfill His purposes and protect us. Courage in the Face of Danger Jonathan's courage in standing up to his father and protecting David is a powerful example of doing what is right, even when it is risky. We are called to act with courage and integrity in our own lives. Communication and Clarity The plan involving the arrows highlights the importance of clear communication, especially in critical situations. We should strive for clarity and honesty in our interactions with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge us in our own friendships? Can you think of a time when you had to stand by a friend in difficult circumstances?2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom and discernment when faced with complex or dangerous situations, as Jonathan did? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection in your life. How can this account of Jonathan and David encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate courage and integrity in our daily lives, following Jonathan's example? 5. How can we improve our communication with others to ensure clarity and understanding, especially in critical situations? Can you relate this to any teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 18-19These chapters provide context for Saul's growing animosity towards David and the deep friendship between Jonathan and David. Proverbs 17:17 This verse speaks to the loyalty and love of a true friend, exemplified by Jonathan's actions. John 15:13 Jesus speaks of the greatest love being laying down one's life for friends, which parallels Jonathan's willingness to protect David at great personal risk.
People Abner, David, Jesse, Jonathan, SaulPlaces Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Naioth, RamahTopics Arrow, Arrows, Behold, Boy, Bring, Danger, Evil, Expressly, Harm, Hurt, Lad, Nothing, Peace, Safe, Safety, Saying, Specifically, Surely, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 20:1-42Library Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship'And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? 2. And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so. 3. And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Word for the Persecuted How to Make Use of Christ for Steadfastness, in a Time when Truth is Oppressed and Borne Down. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 20:21 NIV1 Samuel 20:21 NLT 1 Samuel 20:21 ESV 1 Samuel 20:21 NASB 1 Samuel 20:21 KJV 1 Samuel 20:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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