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 arranges a concealed signal that will not alert Saul’s servants or raise suspicion at court. The boy remains unaware of the danger surrounding David, while Jonathan uses the ordinary task of retrieving arrows to communicate secretly. 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 will reveal Saul’s intentions. If Jonathan directs the boy toward arrows nearby, David will know that Saul is not pursuing his life and may safely return. 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 confirms the signal with a solemn oath before the LORD. Though Saul seeks David’s death, Jonathan remains faithful to his covenant with David and acts to protect him from his father’s hostility. 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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