three arrows
The number three in biblical terms often signifies completeness or divine perfection. In this context, the "three arrows" serve as a complete and clear signal to David. The use of arrows, a common weapon in ancient Israel, underscores the urgency and danger of the situation. Jonathan's choice of three arrows as a signal reflects a well-thought-out plan to ensure David's safety, demonstrating Jonathan's commitment to his covenant with David and his understanding of the gravity of Saul's intentions.

to the side
The phrase "to the side" indicates a specific direction, suggesting that the arrows are not meant to hit a target directly but to serve as a sign. This directionality is crucial for David, who is hiding and awaiting Jonathan's signal. The strategic placement of the arrows "to the side" ensures that the message is clear and unmistakable, reflecting Jonathan's wisdom and the trust between him and David. It also symbolizes the indirect yet effective communication required in times of danger and persecution.

as if I were aiming
The phrase "as if I were aiming" implies a pretense or a ruse. Jonathan's actions are meant to appear as a normal practice of archery, disguising the true purpose of his actions from any onlookers. This highlights the need for discretion and caution in the face of King Saul's hostility. Jonathan's ability to maintain this facade while executing his plan demonstrates his courage and the depth of his loyalty to David, as he risks his own safety to protect his friend.

at a target
The "target" in this context is not a literal one but a metaphorical goal of communicating with David. The Hebrew word for "target" can also mean a mark or a sign, emphasizing the symbolic nature of Jonathan's actions. This reflects the broader theme of divine providence and guidance, as Jonathan and David rely on God's wisdom to navigate their perilous circumstances. The "target" represents the successful transmission of Jonathan's message, ensuring David's understanding and subsequent actions for his safety.

The prince agreed that after the feast he would leave the city, as though about to practise shooting at a mark, and that he would bring with him a servant--probably-one of his young armour-bearers--when, at the spot agreed upon in the neighbourhood of David's place of concealment near Ezel, he would post his servant in his place as marker, and then would shoot. After shooting, he would call out to his attendant, "the arrows are on this side of thee" (that is, between the mark and Jonathan himself), then David would know all was well; but if he cried "the arrows are beyond thee," that is, on the further side of the mark, David would understand that all was over, and that he must fly. Jonathan evidently took these precautions not knowing whether or no he would be accompanied by friends of his father from the city, in which case the "sign" agreed upon would be sufficient to tell David what had happened at the feast. As it turned out, Jonathan was able to escape observation, and to go alone with his servant to the place of meeting. He used the sign to attract his friend's attention, and then followed the last sorrowful parting, told in 1Samuel 20:41-42.

Parallel Commentaries ...