I Samuel 20: A Covenant of Loyalty and a Test of Intent
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?
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.
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 Beth–lehem 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Beth–lehem:
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.
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.
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.
I Samuel 20 recounts a pivotal moment in the lives of David and Jonathan, solidifying their covenant of friendship amidst the growing threat from Saul. This chapter reveals the depth of their loyalty, the intensity of Saul's jealousy, and the unfolding of God's plan for David's future. This passage offers profound insights into friendship, loyalty, and the difficult choices we face when those we love are in conflict.
David's Despair and Jonathan's Unawareness (20:1-4)
Fleeing from Saul's relentless pursuit, David seeks refuge with Jonathan, overwhelmed by despair and frustration (I Samuel 20:1). Jonathan, seemingly unaware of his father's deadly intentions, is shocked by David's claims. He still clings to the hope that Saul would not harm David, remembering the oath Saul made previously (I Samuel 20:2; see I Samuel 19:6). David, however, suggests a more unsettling truth: Saul may be deliberately concealing his plans from Jonathan, knowing his son would be grieved by them (I Samuel 20:3). This revelation shakes Jonathan, forcing him to confront the grim reality of his father's animosity toward David. He immediately pledges his unwavering support to his cherished friend (I Samuel 20:4).
A Plan to Uncover Saul's Intent (20:5-9)
To ascertain Saul's true feelings, David and Jonathan devise a clever plan centered around the upcoming New Moon festival, a significant occasion marked by special meals and expected attendance at Saul's table for members of the king's court. David proposes to hide for two nights (I Samuel 20:5). Jonathan will then explain David's absence by claiming he had gone to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice (I Samuel 20:6). The reaction of Saul to this explanation would be the key to discerning whether David could ever safely return to Saul's service (I Samuel 20:7). Demonstrating his deep trust in Jonathan, David even suggests that if he is truly guilty of any wrongdoing, Jonathan should simply kill him, a suggestion Jonathan vehemently rejects (I Samuel 20:8-9).
Jonathan's Assurance and Covenant Renewal (20:10-23)
Jonathan devises a plan to communicate Saul's reaction to David, detailing a simple yet effective strategy (I Samuel 20:11-23). Central to this exchange are Jonathan's words of assurance, revealing his understanding that David is destined for greatness and will one day inherit the kingdom (I Samuel 20:14-16). There's a hint of melancholy in Jonathan's request: should he die before David's rise to power, he asks that David never withdraw his kindness from Jonathan's family (I Samuel 20:14-15). By this point, Jonathan is acutely aware that his father has fallen out of favor with God. Despite being the king's son, Jonathan understands that he will not be king. Rather than succumbing to jealousy and rage like his father, he loves David as himself (I Samuel 20:17). He submits to God's will and pledges his loyalty to the future king. This highlights Jonathan's extraordinary character – selfless, loyal, and deeply spiritual.
Saul's Rage and Jonathan's Disillusionment (20:24-34)
Jonathan attends the first night of the celebration, but David's absence initially goes unnoticed, with Saul assuming a ceremonial reason for it (I Samuel 20:25-26). However, on the second night, Jonathan's explanation triggers an uncontrollable rage in Saul, leading him to curse his own son (I Samuel 20:27-30). Saul's fury stems from his belief that Jonathan is blind to the obvious: David poses a significant threat to Jonathan's succession to the throne (I Samuel 20:31). Unbeknownst to Saul, Jonathan and David have already resolved this issue. Despite Saul's position as king, Jonathan demonstrates a far superior understanding of God's kingdom and its values.
A Tearful Farewell and a Renewed Covenant (20:35-42)
Jonathan is now fully convinced of Saul's evil intentions toward David. With no other option, the prearranged plan is put into action, delivering the devastating news that David must become a fugitive. The two friends share a tearful farewell (I Samuel 20:41). Jonathan blesses David, reminding him of the covenant they made before God: "The LORD will be a witness between you and me, and between my offspring and your offspring forever" (I Samuel 20:42; see I Samuel 18:3). This poignant moment underscores the enduring nature of their bond, a testament to true friendship and unwavering loyalty in the face of adversity.
I Samuel 20 is more than just a historical account; it's a powerful reminder of the importance of loyalty, selflessness, and faith in the face of adversity. Jonathan's willingness to support David, even at personal cost, serves as an inspiring example of true friendship. The chapter also highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of submitting to God's will, even when it conflicts with our own desires. This chapter sets the stage for David's long years as a fugitive (I Samuel 21:1–28:2), a period of testing and preparation for his future role as king.
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?
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.
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 Beth–lehem 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Beth–lehem:
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.
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.
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.
I Samuel 20 recounts a pivotal moment in the lives of David and Jonathan, solidifying their covenant of friendship amidst the growing threat from Saul. This chapter reveals the depth of their loyalty, the intensity of Saul's jealousy, and the unfolding of God's plan for David's future. This passage offers profound insights into friendship, loyalty, and the difficult choices we face when those we love are in conflict.
David's Despair and Jonathan's Unawareness (20:1-4)
Fleeing from Saul's relentless pursuit, David seeks refuge with Jonathan, overwhelmed by despair and frustration (I Samuel 20:1). Jonathan, seemingly unaware of his father's deadly intentions, is shocked by David's claims. He still clings to the hope that Saul would not harm David, remembering the oath Saul made previously (I Samuel 20:2; see I Samuel 19:6). David, however, suggests a more unsettling truth: Saul may be deliberately concealing his plans from Jonathan, knowing his son would be grieved by them (I Samuel 20:3). This revelation shakes Jonathan, forcing him to confront the grim reality of his father's animosity toward David. He immediately pledges his unwavering support to his cherished friend (I Samuel 20:4).
A Plan to Uncover Saul's Intent (20:5-9)
To ascertain Saul's true feelings, David and Jonathan devise a clever plan centered around the upcoming New Moon festival, a significant occasion marked by special meals and expected attendance at Saul's table for members of the king's court. David proposes to hide for two nights (I Samuel 20:5). Jonathan will then explain David's absence by claiming he had gone to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice (I Samuel 20:6). The reaction of Saul to this explanation would be the key to discerning whether David could ever safely return to Saul's service (I Samuel 20:7). Demonstrating his deep trust in Jonathan, David even suggests that if he is truly guilty of any wrongdoing, Jonathan should simply kill him, a suggestion Jonathan vehemently rejects (I Samuel 20:8-9).
Jonathan's Assurance and Covenant Renewal (20:10-23)
Jonathan devises a plan to communicate Saul's reaction to David, detailing a simple yet effective strategy (I Samuel 20:11-23). Central to this exchange are Jonathan's words of assurance, revealing his understanding that David is destined for greatness and will one day inherit the kingdom (I Samuel 20:14-16). There's a hint of melancholy in Jonathan's request: should he die before David's rise to power, he asks that David never withdraw his kindness from Jonathan's family (I Samuel 20:14-15). By this point, Jonathan is acutely aware that his father has fallen out of favor with God. Despite being the king's son, Jonathan understands that he will not be king. Rather than succumbing to jealousy and rage like his father, he loves David as himself (I Samuel 20:17). He submits to God's will and pledges his loyalty to the future king. This highlights Jonathan's extraordinary character – selfless, loyal, and deeply spiritual.
Saul's Rage and Jonathan's Disillusionment (20:24-34)
Jonathan attends the first night of the celebration, but David's absence initially goes unnoticed, with Saul assuming a ceremonial reason for it (I Samuel 20:25-26). However, on the second night, Jonathan's explanation triggers an uncontrollable rage in Saul, leading him to curse his own son (I Samuel 20:27-30). Saul's fury stems from his belief that Jonathan is blind to the obvious: David poses a significant threat to Jonathan's succession to the throne (I Samuel 20:31). Unbeknownst to Saul, Jonathan and David have already resolved this issue. Despite Saul's position as king, Jonathan demonstrates a far superior understanding of God's kingdom and its values.
A Tearful Farewell and a Renewed Covenant (20:35-42)
Jonathan is now fully convinced of Saul's evil intentions toward David. With no other option, the prearranged plan is put into action, delivering the devastating news that David must become a fugitive. The two friends share a tearful farewell (I Samuel 20:41). Jonathan blesses David, reminding him of the covenant they made before God: "The LORD will be a witness between you and me, and between my offspring and your offspring forever" (I Samuel 20:42; see I Samuel 18:3). This poignant moment underscores the enduring nature of their bond, a testament to true friendship and unwavering loyalty in the face of adversity.
I Samuel 20 is more than just a historical account; it's a powerful reminder of the importance of loyalty, selflessness, and faith in the face of adversity. Jonathan's willingness to support David, even at personal cost, serves as an inspiring example of true friendship. The chapter also highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of submitting to God's will, even when it conflicts with our own desires. This chapter sets the stage for David's long years as a fugitive (I Samuel 21:1–28:2), a period of testing and preparation for his future role as king.