1 Samuel Chapter 20

Jonathan’s Final Attempt to Reconcile His Father and David
A. David, coming from Naioth, meets Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20:1–4 (KJV)
Then 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? 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. And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.

David had just fled from Naioth in Ramah, where the Spirit of God had intervened to protect him from Saul’s murderous pursuit. Instead of remaining in the place of divine protection, David sought Jonathan, his covenant friend, to discern whether reconciliation with Saul was possible. This reveals David’s heart for peace and his unwillingness to assume Saul’s hostility was irreversible without seeking confirmation.

a. “Then David fled from Naioth”: God’s Spirit had powerfully shielded David at Naioth when Saul’s messengers, and even Saul himself, fell under prophetic influence. However, David’s flight shows that though God’s protection was evident, he did not presume upon miraculous intervention indefinitely. He desired to understand whether Saul’s rage might have subsided. David’s move from Naioth to Gibeah represented not fear but wisdom—he sought truth and clarity about Saul’s intentions.

b. “What have I done?” David’s first words to Jonathan reveal a conscience clear before both man and God. He earnestly sought to understand if he had given Saul any reason for hostility. His plea—“What is mine iniquity? and what is my sin?”—echoes the cry of an innocent man bewildered by injustice. It also demonstrates humility, for David did not assume himself faultless but was open to correction if wrong had been done.

c. “By no means! You shall not die”: Jonathan’s immediate response confirmed his loyalty and disbelief that his father would conceal such a murderous intent from him. He trusted the integrity of Saul’s communication toward him, saying, “My father will do nothing either great or small but that he will show it me.” Yet Jonathan’s faith in Saul’s transparency proved misplaced, for Saul had grown deceitful and cunning in his hatred toward David. Jonathan’s statement also revealed his innocence and filial trust, not realizing the depth of Saul’s spiritual corruption.

d. “Why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so”: Jonathan’s incredulity demonstrates that he had not yet perceived the full scope of Saul’s decline. His words express honest confusion, as if to say, “My father would not plan your death and keep it from me.” David’s reply corrects this, revealing Saul’s manipulation—Saul deliberately concealed his intentions to spare Jonathan grief and to keep him uninvolved.

e. “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death”: This solemn declaration exposes David’s deep discouragement. Though he trusted God, his human emotions were strained. He had escaped repeated assassination attempts, yet he knew Saul’s hatred persisted. The imagery of “a step between me and death” vividly portrays the precariousness of his situation—life hanging by a thread. It reflects the experience of many believers who live under constant trial, walking daily by faith amid danger.

f. “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you”: Jonathan’s covenant loyalty shines through these words. He offered himself entirely to David’s cause, not as a passive friend but as an active ally. His attitude was that of a true brother in faith, willing to risk his own standing and relationship with his father for righteousness’ sake. Rather than offering rebuke for David’s fear, Jonathan offered support, showing the compassion of a godly friend. True encouragement often meets discouragement not with correction but with steadfast companionship and help.

Jonathan’s heart reflects the command later expressed in Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” His faithfulness during David’s trial mirrors Christ’s faithfulness toward His own—unmoved by personal cost, devoted to the covenant of love.

2. (1 Samuel 20:5–11) David proposes to test Saul’s attitude.

1 Samuel 20:5–11 (KJV)
And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him. Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father? And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee? Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly? And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

David, though still a young man, handled this crisis with wisdom and discernment. Instead of confronting Saul directly, he sought confirmation of Saul’s disposition through Jonathan. His approach was careful, testing Saul’s heart without exposing himself to unnecessary danger. It reveals both David’s humility and strategic mind—he wanted to verify Saul’s intentions before acting further.

a. “If your father misses me”: The New Moon feast was a sacred observance and an official gathering for the king and his court. As a member of Saul’s household and military leadership, David was expected to attend. By intentionally being absent, David created a test. Saul’s reaction would reveal his true heart. If Saul was indifferent or at peace, reconciliation might be possible; but if he responded with anger, it would prove his murderous resolve.

i. “Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat”: The New Moon festival was instituted in the Law of Moses. Numbers 28:11–15 records, “And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the Lord; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot… This is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.” The day was marked by sacrifices, blowing of trumpets, and feasting. David’s absence from such an expected occasion would not go unnoticed, giving Jonathan a clear opportunity to observe Saul’s demeanor.

b. “If there is iniquity in me”: David’s words again show a sensitive conscience and a heart of humility. Even while fleeing for his life, he did not presume total innocence. He invited Jonathan to judge honestly—if any guilt lay in him, he would rather Jonathan take his life than be betrayed into Saul’s hands. This shows David’s character as a man of honor and integrity, refusing to defend himself in pride or vengeance.

i. “We have to see all of this from David’s perspective”: David was uncertain of where Jonathan truly stood. The political and emotional tension was immense—Jonathan was Saul’s son, the rightful heir to the throne, yet he had sworn covenant loyalty to David. David knew that such a relationship could easily crumble under pressure. He tested Jonathan’s allegiance not because of distrust, but because he was humanly cautious in the face of mortal danger.

ii. “Jonathan’s response is the same as in verse 2”: Jonathan assured David that he knew nothing of his father’s schemes. Saul’s deceit was so deep that even his son, once his confidant, was left in the dark. Jonathan’s words—“Far be it from thee”—carry both indignation and affection; he was appalled that David would think him complicit in Saul’s treachery.

c. “Far be it from thee”: Jonathan’s steadfast faithfulness once again shines through. His words are an emphatic rejection of any accusation that he might betray David. Jonathan’s loyalty transcended bloodline, ambition, and royal privilege. His statement reaffirmed his role as David’s covenant brother. Proverbs 18:24 declares, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Jonathan embodied that truth—his love for David was sacrificial and spiritual, rooted in the covenant of the Lord.

d. “Who will tell me?” Here, David raised a practical concern—if Saul’s anger became apparent, how would Jonathan communicate the danger? This concern sets the stage for the secret signal they would devise later in the chapter. David’s question reflects the seriousness of their situation; they could not meet openly without risking death.

e. “Come, and let us go out into the field”: Jonathan wisely suggested privacy, away from potential spies or listening servants. The open field symbolized both safety and secrecy—a place where two men of God could speak freely. It also marks the setting for one of the most moving demonstrations of covenant loyalty recorded in Scripture.

Their alliance under threat reveals the contrast between Saul’s corruption and the righteousness of these two men. Saul’s heart was driven by jealousy and fear, but Jonathan and David’s bond was forged in godly love and mutual faith. In an age of betrayal, their friendship stands as a timeless example of covenant faithfulness.

B. Jonathan’s Agreement

1 Samuel 20:12–13 (KJV)
And Jonathan said unto David, O Lord God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

Here Jonathan solemnly entered into a sacred pledge with David before the Lord. His words were not mere friendship or sentiment—they were a covenantal vow invoking God’s witness. This moment defines the strength of Jonathan’s loyalty, his spiritual integrity, and his submission to God’s will, even when it conflicted with his own earthly interests as Saul’s heir.

a. “When I have sounded out my father”: Jonathan promised to discreetly test Saul’s heart regarding David. The Hebrew term for “sounded out” conveys the idea of carefully probing or examining. Jonathan’s role was not merely as an informant but as a mediator seeking truth. His motive was to bring light, not to conspire in deceit. He took upon himself the dangerous duty of investigating Saul’s true intentions, knowing that his father’s temper was unpredictable and his jealousy fierce.

Jonathan’s wording reveals caution and respect; he did not plan to accuse his father but to discern his heart. It demonstrates wisdom—a blend of filial honor and righteous discernment. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Jonathan exemplified that honor by seeking truth with integrity, not gossip or presumption.

b. “And send you away, that you may go in safety”: Jonathan’s commitment extended beyond mere warning; he vowed to secure David’s safety. He was willing to act decisively to preserve David’s life, even if that meant facilitating his exile. Jonathan’s loyalty was not political—it was covenantal. By pledging to send David away “in peace,” Jonathan invoked the covenant blessing of shalom, meaning wholeness, protection, and divine favor.

He knew that if Saul’s intent was evil, David could no longer safely dwell in Israel’s royal court or among his own household. Jonathan’s actions thus represent a complete surrender of personal ambition. Rather than holding onto his rightful claim to the throne, he ensured that the man chosen by God would live to fulfill his calling.

c. “And the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father”: This statement stands as one of the most remarkable displays of spiritual maturity in Scripture. Jonathan, though aware of Saul’s failures, still acknowledged the Lord’s past presence and blessing upon his father’s reign. He recognized that God had once been with Saul, granting him victory, favor, and opportunity. This was not flattery, but theological clarity—Jonathan understood that God’s blessing had once rested upon Saul, and he desired that same divine favor to rest upon David.

Jonathan’s blessing echoes the priestly benediction of Numbers 6:24–26, “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” His words show that he viewed David’s rise not as a personal loss, but as part of God’s sovereign plan.

i. “As He has been with my father”: Jonathan’s insight here is profound. Many would have said that God was against Saul, given his rebellion and disobedience. Yet Jonathan recognized that God had not abandoned Saul without mercy. The Lord’s correction and chastisement were acts of love, offering Saul repeated chances for repentance. By saying “as He has been with my father,” Jonathan acknowledged God’s faithfulness even amid discipline. It shows that Jonathan’s theology was sound—he saw that God’s dealings, whether in blessing or in rebuke, always serve His righteous purposes.

Jonathan’s attitude models the spirit of humility taught later in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” He humbled himself before God’s sovereign will, blessing David rather than envying him, and thus displayed the heart of a true servant of the Lord.

2. (1 Samuel 20:14–17) In response, Jonathan asks David to commit himself in a covenant.

1 Samuel 20:14–17 (KJV)
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not: But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David’s enemies. And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

Jonathan, understanding the political realities of kingship, looked forward in faith to a time when David would be established as ruler over Israel. He knew David’s destiny was ordained by God and that Saul’s line would not continue. Yet, instead of resisting this reality or seeking to preserve his own lineage through ambition, Jonathan humbly sought mercy and covenant kindness for his descendants.

a. “You shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever”: In ancient monarchies, when a new dynasty replaced an old one, it was customary for the incoming king to annihilate all remnants of the previous royal family to prevent rebellion or claims to the throne. Jonathan, fully aware of this common practice, sought assurance that David’s mercy would extend beyond himself to his descendants. The “kindness of the Lord” Jonathan referenced is the Hebrew word chesed, meaning covenant loyalty or steadfast love. It denotes faithful, enduring kindness based on divine covenant relationship, not mere human sentiment.

Jonathan’s faith in David’s coming reign reflects remarkable discernment. He accepted that David, not himself, was God’s chosen king and sought to align his household under David’s future rule. His request was not rooted in fear, but in faith and covenant trust. He asked David to act according to the kindness of the Lord—a higher standard of mercy, not political expediency.

b. “So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David”: This was not merely a personal agreement between two friends but a generational covenant binding their households before God. Jonathan’s request and David’s response created a sacred pledge of perpetual kindness. David later honored this covenant long after Jonathan’s death.

In 2 Samuel 9:1–8, David sought out Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet, and restored to him all the land of Saul, saying, “Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” David not only spared Jonathan’s descendant but made him eat continually at the king’s table as one of his own sons. This fulfilled the promise Jonathan had sought—enduring mercy extended to his house.

Similarly, in 2 Samuel 21:7, David refused to hand over Mephibosheth to the Gibeonites for execution, explicitly remembering the covenant made with Jonathan. Thus, David’s actions proved that he regarded covenant loyalty as sacred, even at personal and political cost.

c. “Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him”: This repetition of the vow emphasizes the depth of Jonathan’s love and the seriousness of the covenant. The love between David and Jonathan was a brotherly, covenantal love—rooted in shared faith and mutual submission to God’s will. It was not emotional dependency but divine allegiance. Jonathan’s love was pure, sacrificial, and selfless, showing the heart of one who truly delighted in God’s choice rather than his own ambition.

Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Jonathan was that rare faithful man, whose loyalty did not waver under pressure, whose friendship remained steadfast even as the crown slipped from his father’s house to another.

3. (1 Samuel 20:18–23) Jonathan proposes a signal to inform David of Saul’s reaction.

1 Samuel 20:18–23 (KJV)
Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the Lord liveth. But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the Lord hath sent thee away. And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the Lord be between thee and me for ever.

Jonathan’s plan was both simple and ingenious. It preserved secrecy, avoided suspicion, and ensured David’s safety regardless of Saul’s response. It also illustrates Jonathan’s courage—he placed himself in the midst of potential wrath to bring truth to light and faithfully relay it to David.

a. “I will shoot three arrows”: Jonathan would attend the New Moon feast, observe his father’s behavior, and afterward go out into the field with a young servant under the pretext of archery practice. The direction of the arrows would communicate Saul’s attitude toward David. If the arrows fell short of the servant, David would know Saul’s anger had subsided and reconciliation was possible. If the arrows went beyond, it meant Saul still intended harm and David must flee immediately.

b. “Three arrows”: The number three may symbolize completeness or certainty in Scripture. Here, it reflects the thoroughness of Jonathan’s signal. There would be no misunderstanding between the two men—David’s fate would be clearly indicated by the placement of the arrows. The entire exchange demonstrates remarkable faith under tension. They entrusted their communication to a simple sign, believing that the Lord Himself would govern the outcome.

i. The gravity of the moment: This was a turning point in David’s life. The outcome of Saul’s response would determine whether David could safely return to the palace or live as a hunted fugitive. A few arrows, seemingly insignificant, would decide whether peace or peril awaited him. It is a vivid reminder that sometimes the smallest signs, when directed by God, carry immense significance.

c. “And as for the matter which thou and I have spoken of, indeed the Lord be between you and me forever”: Jonathan’s final words in this section reaffirmed the sacred nature of their covenant. He invoked the Lord’s eternal witness to their friendship, recognizing that even if separated by circumstance, death, or exile, their bond under God could never be broken.

Jonathan’s faith and courage stand as a lasting testament to covenant loyalty. Though surrounded by deceit and jealousy in Saul’s court, Jonathan remained a beacon of integrity and godliness. He points forward to the greater covenant faithfulness of Christ, who stands between God and man as the eternal Mediator, ensuring peace for all who belong to Him.

C. Saul’s Settled Hatred Toward David

1 Samuel 20:24–34 (KJV)
So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, and David’s place was empty. Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean. And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David’s place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day? And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table. Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

This passage vividly exposes the full descent of Saul’s heart into hatred and rage. The New Moon feast, meant to be a sacred celebration of renewal and worship, became instead a stage for Saul’s wrath and the breaking of covenant bonds. The moment David’s absence is noticed, Saul’s suspicion erupts into fury, showing that his mind was no longer governed by reason or righteousness, but by jealousy and demonic obsession.

a. “But David’s place was empty”: David’s absence from the royal table was intentional and significant. As one of Saul’s most prominent officers, his absence during the New Moon feast would have immediately drawn attention. At first, Saul restrained himself, reasoning that David might be ceremonially unclean. According to Leviticus 22:3–7, one who became unclean through contact with death, disease, or impurity was forbidden from partaking in holy meals until purification. Thus, Saul rationalized David’s absence the first day: “Something hath befallen him, he is not clean.”

However, when David’s seat remained vacant the next day, Saul’s restraint gave way to unbridled fury. This shift from calculated suspicion to violent rage demonstrates a heart hardened beyond repentance. His outward composure had masked a deep-seated hatred that now burst forth uncontrollably.

i. “Speaking of him derisively as ‘the son of Jesse’”: As F. B. Meyer noted, Saul refused even to utter David’s name, instead referring to him with disdain as “the son of Jesse.” This phrase was meant to highlight David’s humble origins and dismiss his royal calling. It was the language of pride and contempt, as though Saul sought to shame David for his lowly birth while ignoring God’s sovereign choice. The proud heart always despises God’s anointed when that anointed one comes from humble beginnings.

b. “Jonathan answered Saul, ‘David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem’”: Jonathan faithfully fulfilled his part of the plan, offering Saul a truthful and respectful explanation. His response was neither deceitful nor defiant. According to the narrative and commentaries such as Matthew Poole’s, David may indeed have gone briefly to Bethlehem before hiding again in the field, making Jonathan’s words completely plausible. Jonathan sought to diffuse Saul’s anger with calm reasoning, appealing to familial duty and the religious legitimacy of David’s absence.

Yet Saul’s reaction shows that his rage was not rooted in David’s actions but in spiritual rebellion. His hatred was irrational—driven by jealousy against God’s will rather than by any actual wrongdoing on David’s part.

c. “Saul’s anger was aroused... ‘You son of a perverse, rebellious woman!’”: Saul’s verbal explosion against his own son revealed the depth of his corruption. His words were not only crude and dishonorable but also blasphemous, as he invoked shame upon his own household. His insult was a vile mixture of rage and pride, expressing utter loss of moral control.

Saul accused Jonathan of disloyalty, saying, “Do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion?” In truth, Saul was enraged that his own son had chosen righteousness over political ambition. Jonathan’s loyalty to David represented moral conviction, not rebellion. Saul’s attack shows that when sin dominates a man’s heart, even virtue appears as treachery.

d. “He shall surely die”: Saul’s declaration was final and absolute. Despite having earlier sworn, “As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain” (1 Samuel 19:6), Saul’s oaths meant nothing before his passion. His word had become worthless, consumed by the spirit of murder. Yet even here, the hand of Providence restrained him. David would not die at Saul’s command, for God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. As Proverbs 19:21 declares, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

This truth echoes throughout Scripture: man’s rebellion never overthrows divine election. Saul’s spear and hatred could not undo what God had anointed.

e. “Why should he be killed? What has he done?” Jonathan’s defense of David was not emotional but righteous. He appealed to justice, not favoritism. He demanded that Saul give a reason for condemning an innocent man. Yet Saul’s madness had reached a point where reason could no longer penetrate. Enraged at being questioned, Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan—his own son and heir—to kill him.

This shocking moment revealed that Saul’s hatred for David was so deep that it consumed his natural affection and paternal instincts. He had become like Cain, who in jealous anger lifted his hand against his own brother (Genesis 4:8). Saul’s hatred had transformed him into a man driven by the spirit of murder.

i. “Jonathan made one vain attempt to reason with the furious monarch”: As Meyer observed, Jonathan’s attempt to appeal to his father’s reason was futile. Saul was no longer governed by conscience or wisdom. His obsession with destroying David had devoured all that was left of his integrity. Like the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

f. “Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger”: Jonathan’s anger was righteous and sorrowful, not selfish. He left the feast without eating, grieved both for David and for his father’s moral collapse. The Hebrew phrase indicates deep emotional turmoil—Jonathan was “pierced with grief.” He mourned because Saul had not only dishonored David, but also himself, his family, and the throne of Israel.

This scene marks the final rupture between Saul and Jonathan. The moral line had been drawn: Jonathan sided with righteousness and covenant loyalty, while Saul hardened himself in rebellion against God.

2. (1 Samuel 20:35–40) Jonathan Reports to David Through the Signal of the Arrows

1 Samuel 20:35–40 (KJV)
And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him. And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee? And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan’s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

Jonathan faithfully carried out the secret plan they had agreed upon. Despite the danger and heartbreak of the situation, his actions demonstrated courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. Saul’s hostility was now fully confirmed, and Jonathan must deliver the devastating message to his beloved friend—that David’s place in Saul’s court, and in his father’s heart, was gone forever.

a. “Is not the arrow beyond you”: This simple phrase carried a weight of finality. It was the predetermined signal that Saul’s hatred was set and that David must flee for his life. By shooting the arrow beyond the lad, Jonathan effectively told David that there was no longer safety for him in Israel’s royal court.

It took remarkable courage for Jonathan to send this signal. He knew full well that if Saul discovered his actions, his father’s rage could easily turn deadly against him, as it had the day before. Yet Jonathan’s loyalty to David and to the truth outweighed his fear of Saul. True friendship is never tested in comfort, but in adversity. Jonathan was willing to risk everything to uphold righteousness and to protect God’s chosen man.

i. “But there is something still nobler — when one dares in any company to avow his loyalty to the Lord Jesus.” (Meyer)
F. B. Meyer’s observation reminds us that Jonathan’s courage foreshadows the believer’s call to stand openly with Christ. Just as Jonathan stood with David, God’s anointed but rejected king, Christians are called to stand with the rejected King Jesus. Though His name is often despised in the world, loyalty to Him is the highest honor. As the Lord Jesus Himself said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

b. “Jonathan and David knew of the matter”: The boy who fetched the arrows was unaware of the meaning behind the signal, but David knew its significance instantly. With the flight of that arrow, everything changed. One small act—a single phrase—marked the end of David’s former life and the beginning of his long exile.

This moment shows how quickly life can turn upon what seems a small thing. David went from a hero of Israel to a fugitive with one message. God often uses small moments to direct great destinies. A single decision, a single word, or a single act of obedience can alter the course of a life. James 4:14 reminds us, “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

i. Lessons from the “small moment”: Just as David’s destiny turned on the signal of a single arrow, so too can our lives hinge on moments of moral choice or divine calling. A single compromise can lead to ruin, while a single act of obedience can lead to great blessing. God often tests the heart through seemingly insignificant moments.

c. “Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his lad, and said to him, Go, carry them to the city”: Jonathan’s quiet act of sending the boy away cleared the field for his private farewell with David. It was an act of prudence and discretion, showing both wisdom and courage. Even in crisis, Jonathan’s actions were deliberate and careful.

Jonathan’s fidelity under pressure mirrors the steadfastness God calls His people to exhibit even when their obedience costs them dearly. It also marks the closing of a chapter—Jonathan laying down his “weapons” symbolizes the surrender of his royal claim and the acknowledgment of David’s divine anointing.

3. (1 Samuel 20:41–42) The Tearful Farewell of David and Jonathan

1 Samuel 20:41–42 (KJV)
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

With the field finally empty, David emerged from hiding to say farewell to Jonathan. The meeting between these two godly men is one of the most moving scenes in Scripture—a friendship bound by faith, tested by trial, and sanctified by covenant loyalty.

a. “They wept together”: Their tears were not merely sentimental; they were born of deep spiritual and emotional pain. Both men knew that their paths were now divided by forces beyond their control. Jonathan and David had shared the dream of serving God together in righteousness and truth. They had likely envisioned ruling Israel side by side—Jonathan as a faithful prince and David as the anointed king. Now that dream was shattered by Saul’s hatred.

Their embrace and tears reflect the humanity of even the strongest saints. God’s people are not immune to sorrow. Jesus Himself wept (John 11:35), and so did Paul when parting from his brethren at Miletus (Acts 20:37–38). Their tears sanctify human grief when it flows from love and loyalty to the Lord.

b. “But David more so”: David’s grief was deeper, for he had lost not only a friend but his place, his position, and his peace. Jonathan still had a home and a father; David had nothing but the wilderness ahead. Behind him were friendship, honor, and safety; before him were caves, loneliness, and pursuit. As Meyer wrote, “Behind you is the sunny morning, before you a lowering sky.”

This was the beginning of David’s school of suffering—the long, hard years of exile through which God would shape his heart into that of a king.

c. “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD”: Jonathan’s final blessing shows serene faith. He and David could part in peace, not because their circumstances were peaceful, but because their covenant stood secure in the Lord. The words, “The LORD be between me and thee, and between thy seed and my seed for ever,” show that their bond was rooted in God’s eternal faithfulness. Their friendship transcended time, death, and separation.

Indeed, David later proved the reality of this covenant when he showed mercy to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, restoring him to honor and fellowship (2 Samuel 9:6–7). The peace Jonathan pronounced that day extended beyond his life into future generations, illustrating that godly covenants never die.

d. “So he arose and departed”: David now walked the lonely road of exile. He would not return to the palace until Saul was dead and God’s appointed time arrived. Though bleak and uncertain, this path was divinely ordained. It was along this road that God would forge David’s faith, humility, and dependence upon Him alone.

i. “Was David in God’s will?” Yes. The road was dark, but it was God’s road. The Lord often leads His servants into seasons of trial to prepare them for greater service. Joseph went to prison before he ruled Egypt. Moses fled to Midian before leading Israel. Paul endured shipwreck and imprisonment before finishing his course. And Christ Himself went to the cross before the crown.

ii. The purpose of the bleak road: God was teaching David to trust Him alone. Stripped of every human support—Saul’s favor, Jonathan’s companionship, his home, and his freedom—David would learn that God was his refuge, his fortress, and his defense.

Psalm 57:1, written during his years of flight, expresses this lesson: “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

iii. “Let God empty you out…” (Redpath): Alan Redpath’s words capture the essence of David’s refining: “Let God empty you out that He may save you from becoming spiritually stale, and lead you ever onward. A throne is God’s purpose for you; a cross is God’s path for you; faith is God’s plan for you.” David was learning the same truth every believer must learn—that before exaltation comes humiliation, and before the crown comes the cross.