Covenant of Friendship: Jonathan's Loyalty to David

1 Samuel 20 is a moving account of loyalty and love in the face of danger. It teaches the power of friendship, commitment, and the importance of keeping promises, even when it requires sacrifice. Jonathan and David stand as a timeless example of friendship that outlasts adversity.

Plot to Uncover Saul's Intentions (Verses 1-10)

David seeks answers from Jonathan, Saul's son and his closest friend, on why Saul seeks to kill him. Jonathan initially disbelieves David, but David insists on the truth of the danger. They devise a plan: David will be absent from the New Moon feast, and based on Saul's reaction, they will determine his intentions.

Covenant of Friendship (Verses 11-23)

Jonathan and David establish a covenant, asking God to be a witness between them and their descendants. Jonathan promises to disclose his father's intentions to David, while David promises to show kindness to Jonathan and his family even after his death.

Saul's Fury Unleashed (Verses 24-34)

At the feast, Saul notices David's absence but remains silent on the first day. On the second day, upon questioning Jonathan about David's absence, Saul’s anger erupts when he hears David has gone to Bethlehem. He throws a spear at Jonathan, confirming his lethal intent towards David.

Parting of Friends (Verses 35-42)

Jonathan reveals to David the news of Saul’s intent, and they part ways with a deep sense of sorrow. They reaffirm their covenant before saying goodbye, knowing they may never meet again.

1 Samuel 20 reveals a deep friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan, who both find themselves in a difficult situation due to King Saul's jealousy and rage towards David. The chapter vividly portrays the depth of their bond, the ploys to uncover Saul's intentions, and the raw emotions that surface as they face a grim reality.

1. Friendship
2. Loyalty
3. Faith
4. Betrayal
5. Covenant1. Jonathan and David’s friendship
2. Saul's jealousy and hatred for David
3. Jonathan's plan to save David
4. The Covenant between Jonathan and David
5. Saul’s fury and sorrow1. David
2. Jonathan
3. Saul
4. A servant boy
5. Ahimelech1. Gibeah
2. Field
3. Bethlehem

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?