If your father misses me at all, tell him, 'David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.' If your father misses me at all,Saul’s reaction to David’s absence would reveal whether his hostility had hardened into a settled purpose to kill him. David’s regular place at the king’s table made his absence conspicuous, especially during the New Moon feast when the royal court gathered before the Lord. Luk 2:44-46 Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day… tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission Jonathan agreed to present David’s absence as an approved request, preserving the respect due to Saul while testing his true disposition. Their plan rested on covenant loyalty: Jonathan would risk his father’s anger in order to protect the man whom God had chosen for Israel’s future. Rut 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go… to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, Bethlehem lay in Judah and was David’s ancestral home, where Jesse’s family lived. David’s connection to Bethlehem recalls his humble beginnings as a shepherd and anticipates the later promise that the Messiah would come from David’s line in Bethlehem. 1Sa 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite… because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’ Family sacrifices and gatherings formed part of Israel’s covenant life, joining worship with the responsibilities of kinship. The explanation gave Saul a credible reason for David’s departure, while Saul’s response would expose whether he still regarded David as a valued servant or as a rival to be removed. 1Sa 1:3 Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 4. Bethlehem David's hometown, where he claims to be going for a family sacrifice. It is significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. 5. Annual Sacrifice A religious event that David uses as a plausible reason for his absence from Saul's court, highlighting the importance of family and religious duties in Israelite culture. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly FriendshipsJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies loyalty, trust, and sacrificial love. Believers are encouraged to cultivate friendships that honor God and support one another in faith. Trusting God's Plan Despite the danger he faces, David trusts in God's plan for his life. This teaches us to rely on God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Wisdom in Difficult Situations David's strategic thinking in using the annual sacrifice as a reason for his absence shows the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating challenging situations. The Role of Family and Tradition The mention of the annual sacrifice underscores the value of family and religious traditions in maintaining faith and community. Courage to Stand for Righteousness Jonathan's willingness to defy his father for the sake of truth and justice challenges us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is difficult. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the friendship between David and Jonathan inspire you to build stronger, faith-based relationships in your own life?2. In what ways can you demonstrate trust in God's plan when facing uncertain or challenging circumstances? 3. How can you apply wisdom and discernment in your current life situations, as David did in his interactions with Saul? 4. What family or religious traditions help you stay grounded in your faith, and how can you prioritize them in your life? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to stand up for what is right. How did your faith influence your actions, and what can you learn from Jonathan's example? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter provides background on David's anointing by Samuel, setting the stage for his rise and Saul's jealousy. 1 Samuel 18 Details the covenant friendship between David and Jonathan, which is crucial for understanding Jonathan's willingness to help David. Psalm 23 Written by David, this psalm reflects his deep trust in God, which is evident in his actions and decisions throughout his life. Matthew 2 Bethlehem is also the birthplace of Jesus, connecting David's account to the broader account of salvation history.
People Abner, David, Jesse, Jonathan, SaulPlaces Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Naioth, RamahTopics Actually, Annual, Bethlehem, Beth-lehem, Clan, David, Earnestly, Fact, Family, Hast, Hometown, Hurry, Leave, Miss, Misses, Note, Offering, Permission, Request, Run, Sacrifice, Takes, Town, YearlyDictionary 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 20:6 NIV1 Samuel 20:6 NLT 1 Samuel 20:6 ESV 1 Samuel 20:6 NASB 1 Samuel 20:6 KJV 1 Samuel 20:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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