Covenantal Friendship
Jonathan and David's relationship is marked by a covenant, highlighting the biblical principle of steadfast love and loyalty. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself (1 Samuel 20:17).

Divine Providence
Despite Saul's intent to kill David, God's providence is evident as He uses Jonathan to protect David. This underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and protection over His anointed.

Moral Courage
Jonathan displays moral courage by standing up to his father, King Saul, to protect David. This act of bravery is a testament to his integrity and commitment to righteousness.

Communication and Trust
The secretive communication between Jonathan and David through the use of arrows (1 Samuel 20:20-22) illustrates the importance of trust and clear communication in relationships.Evaluate Your Friendships
Reflect on your own friendships. Are they characterized by loyalty and selflessness as seen in Jonathan and David's relationship?

Stand for Righteousness
Be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or when it involves confronting those in authority.

Trust in God's Plan
In times of uncertainty or danger, trust in God's providence and His ability to protect and guide you.

Communicate Effectively
Ensure that your communication with others is clear and trustworthy, especially in critical situations.1. David
David is the central figure in 1 Samuel 20, a young shepherd who has been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel. He is a close friend of Jonathan, King Saul's son, and is fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him. David's name in Hebrew is דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved."

2. Jonathan
Jonathan is the son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is depicted as loyal and protective of David, even at the risk of his own relationship with his father. His name in Hebrew is יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan), meaning "Yahweh has given."

3. Saul
King Saul is the first king of Israel and the father of Jonathan. He is increasingly hostile towards David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne. Saul's name in Hebrew is שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul), meaning "asked for" or "prayed for."

4. Ahimelech
Although not directly mentioned in 1 Samuel 20, Ahimelech is the priest who later provides David with bread and Goliath's sword in the subsequent chapter. His name in Hebrew is אֲחִימֶלֶךְ (Achimelech), meaning "my brother is king."

5. The boy (unnamed servant)
In 1 Samuel 20:35-40, Jonathan uses a young boy to retrieve arrows as part of a prearranged signal to communicate with David. The boy is not named, but he plays a crucial role in the secretive communication between Jonathan and David.1. Naioth in Ramah
In 1 Samuel 20, Naioth in Ramah is mentioned as a place where David had previously sought refuge with Samuel. Although it is not directly referenced in the events of this chapter, its significance lies in the preceding narrative where David fled to Naioth to escape Saul's pursuit. The Hebrew root for Naioth (נָוִית) suggests a dwelling or habitation, indicating a place of residence or community within Ramah.

2. Gibeah
Gibeah is the location where King Saul resides and holds his court. In 1 Samuel 20:1, David comes from Naioth in Ramah to Gibeah to speak with Jonathan. Gibeah, meaning "hill" in Hebrew (גִּבְעָה), is significant as the royal city of Saul, highlighting the tension and danger David faces in approaching Saul's territory.

3. The Field
The field is the location where Jonathan and David meet to discuss Saul's intentions and devise a plan to communicate safely. In 1 Samuel 20:11, Jonathan suggests going out into the field to ensure privacy for their conversation. The Hebrew term for field (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) indicates an open area, which in this context provides a secluded setting away from potential eavesdroppers.1. David Flees from Naioth
David escapes from Naioth in Ramah and goes to Jonathan, seeking to understand why Saul is trying to kill him. He asks, “What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” (1 Samuel 20:1).

2. Jonathan's Assurance
Jonathan reassures David that he will not die, stating, “Far from it! You will not die. Behold, my father does nothing great or small without disclosing it to me. So why would my father hide this matter from me? It is not so!” (1 Samuel 20:2).

3. David's Oath
David insists that Saul is aware of Jonathan’s favor towards him and has hidden his intentions from Jonathan. David swears, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3).

4. Jonathan's Proposal
Jonathan offers to help David, saying, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4).

5. The New Moon Feast Plan
David proposes a plan to test Saul’s intentions during the New Moon feast. He asks Jonathan to observe Saul’s reaction when David is absent, explaining, “If your father misses me at all, then say, ‘David earnestly asked my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan’” (1 Samuel 20:6).

6. Jonathan's Covenant with David
Jonathan makes a covenant with David, affirming his loyalty and love, “May the LORD be with you as He was with my father. And if I remain alive, may you show me the loving devotion of the LORD, that I may not die” (1 Samuel 20:13-14).

7. The Signal Plan
Jonathan devises a signal involving shooting arrows to communicate Saul’s intentions to David. He instructs David to hide in the field and says, “I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were aiming at a target” (1 Samuel 20:20).

8. Saul's Anger at the Feast
On the second day of the feast, Saul notices David’s absence and becomes angry with Jonathan, accusing him of siding with David. Saul says, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother who bore you?” (1 Samuel 20:30).

9. Jonathan Defends David
Jonathan defends David, questioning Saul’s intent to kill him. Saul’s anger escalates, and he throws a spear at Jonathan, confirming his intent to harm David (1 Samuel 20:32-33).

10. The Arrow Signal
Jonathan goes to the field and uses the prearranged signal with the arrows to inform David that it is not safe. He calls out to the boy retrieving the arrows, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” (1 Samuel 20:37).

11. The Farewell
After the boy leaves, David and Jonathan meet, weep together, and say their goodbyes. Jonathan tells David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever’” (1 Samuel 20:42).Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This verse echoes the loyalty and support seen in Jonathan and David's friendship.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jonathan's willingness to risk his life for David foreshadows the ultimate act of love demonstrated by Jesus.

Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' This psalm reflects the trust in God's protection that David experienced.Pray for the strength to be a loyal and faithful friend, reflecting the love of Christ in your relationships.
Ask God for courage to stand up for righteousness, even when it is challenging.
Seek God's guidance and protection in times of uncertainty, trusting in His divine plan for your life.
Pray for wisdom in communication, that it may be clear, honest, and edifying.

1. How does David communicate his fear and concern to Jonathan at the beginning of the chapter? How can this apply to our communication within friendships today?

2. In what ways does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge societal expectations? What can we learn from his loyalty to a friend over his loyalty to his family?

3. How do Jonathan and David use the New Moon feast to understand Saul's intentions? What does this suggest about their strategic thinking and faith in God?

4. How does the covenant between Jonathan and David reflect their faith and commitment to each other? How can we apply this in modern relationships?

5. Discuss the role of trust in David and Jonathan's relationship. How did it influence their actions?

6. Explore the impact of Saul's anger on his relationships, particularly with his son Jonathan.

7. How does Saul’s reaction to David’s absence confirm his ill intentions towards him? What does this teach us about interpreting actions of others?

8. How does the parting of Jonathan and David reflect the sorrow and pain of their situation? How can we handle such emotional moments in our lives?

9. How is the concept of covenant significant in this chapter? How does it tie into the broader theme of covenants in the Bible?

10. Explore the theme of sacrifice in this chapter. What sacrifices are made and why?

11. Why does David trust Jonathan, despite knowing that he is Saul's son? What does this teach us about trust?

12. How does 1 Samuel 20 challenge the traditional expectations of loyalty to one's family versus friends?

13. Discuss the theme of betrayal in this chapter. How does it manifest and what are the consequences?

14. What can we learn from David's resilience and faith during this difficult period in his life?

15. How does Jonathan balance his loyalty towards his father and his friendship with David? How can we apply this in situations where we have conflicting loyalties?

16. How do David and Jonathan's actions demonstrate their faith in God during this trial?

17. Discuss the symbolic meaning of Saul's thrown spear. What does it represent?

18. How can David and Jonathan's friendship serve as an example for us in present day living?

19. What does the chapter teach about dealing with people who have ill intentions against us?

20. How can the narrative of David, Jonathan, and Saul in 1 Samuel 20 be used as a guide for dealing with conflicts and challenges in our own relationships?