# Overview 1 Samuel Chapter 20 presents a poignant narrative centered around the deep friendship between #David and #Jonathan amidst the growing tension with #KingSaul, Jonathan's father. The chapter begins with David fleeing from Saul’s court and confiding in Jonathan about his fears for his life. Jonathan, loyal to David, assures him of his support and they devise a plan to test Saul’s intentions by observing his reaction to David's absence from the New Moon feast. A covenant is made between them, rooted in mutual loyalty and love, acknowledging the LORD as the witness and protector of their bond. This covenant underscores the sacredness of their friendship and foreshadows the enduring legacy of their relationship in #Israel's history. As the narrative unfolds, Saul’s anger becomes evident when he questions David’s absence and lashes out at Jonathan, confirming his intent to kill David. Jonathan, grieved and angered by his father’s hostility, warns David by shooting arrows as a prearranged signal. This act of loyalty and sacrifice highlights the depth of Jonathan’s love for David, even at the risk of his own safety. At their final meeting, David and Jonathan reaffirm their covenant before the LORD, expressing their deep emotional bond and commitment to protect each other's families. This chapter poignantly captures themes of loyalty, divine protection, and the complexities of human relationships, setting the stage for David’s future as the anointed king of #Israel. ## Theological Insights 1 Samuel 20 is a chapter rich in themes of #covenant, #loyalty, and #divineprovidence. The relationship between #David and #Jonathan serves as a profound example of covenantal friendship that goes beyond familial ties, reflecting the depth of commitment and love that God desires in relationships among His people. Their covenant (1 Samuel 20:16) is reminiscent of God’s covenants with #Israel, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and mutual support. The chapter highlights the tension between human authority and divine purpose. #Saul's relentless pursuit of David, despite David's innocence, demonstrates the conflict between Saul's kingship and God's anointed future for David. This is a vivid reminder that human opposition cannot thwart God's sovereign plans, as seen throughout the biblical narrative, such as in the story of [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14|Pharaoh’s pursuit of the Israelites]]. Moreover, the chapter brings to light the theme of divine protection and guidance. Despite Saul's attempts to kill David, God’s providence is evident as He uses Jonathan to protect David, ensuring the survival of the one chosen by God to lead Israel. This reflects the broader biblical assurance that God is a refuge and protector for those who trust in Him, akin to the protection promised in [[Psalm/Psalm 91]]. Jonathan’s loyalty to David, even against his father Saul, also showcases the idea of choosing God's anointed over personal or familial ambition. This echoes the broader scriptural call to prioritize God's will over personal gain, similar to the choice made by [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 1|Ruth in her loyalty to Naomi and to the God of Israel]]. Finally, 1 Samuel 20 portrays a poignant picture of sorrow and separation in the farewell between David and Jonathan. This emotional scene (1 Samuel 20:41-42) symbolizes the cost of following God's call, often requiring personal sacrifice and difficult choices, a theme that resonates with the New Testament call to discipleship as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 16|Matthew 16:24-25]]. ## Thematic Connections ### Covenant Loyalty and Friendship In 1 Samuel 20, the theme of covenant loyalty is highlighted through the relationship between #David and #Jonathan. Jonathan's unwavering support for David, despite his father #Saul's hostility, echoes the biblical theme of faithfulness in relationships grounded in covenant. This can be compared with the covenants made between God and figures like [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Abraham]], who trusted God’s promises, and [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|David]], who received God’s covenant of an everlasting dynasty. Jonathan’s loyalty exemplifies the ideal of steadfast love and faithfulness that covenant relationships demand. ### Divine Providence and Protection The chapter illustrates the theme of divine providence and protection over David’s life. Despite Saul’s attempts to kill him, God’s providential care is evident in the way Jonathan aids David’s escape. This theme is prevalent throughout the Bible, as seen in God’s protection of #Israel during their exodus from Egypt [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]] and the preservation of #Joseph in Egypt [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 50]]. David’s survival underscores the belief that God protects those who are part of His divine plan. ### The Cost of Loyalty and Sacrifice Jonathan's actions demonstrate the personal cost and sacrifice involved in true loyalty. He risks his own safety and his position as heir to Saul’s throne to protect David. This theme of sacrificial loyalty can be related to other biblical narratives, such as #Ruth’s dedication to Naomi in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 1]], where she forsakes her homeland for the sake of loyalty to her mother-in-law. Jonathan’s willingness to sacrifice for David points to the greater love expressed through selfless actions. ### The Testing of Faith and Trust David’s faith is tested as he navigates the dangerous political landscape. His reliance on Jonathan’s loyalty and his trust in God’s protection are essential for his survival. This theme of testing faith is mirrored in stories like [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 22|Abraham’s test]] with Isaac and [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 3|Daniel’s friends]] in the fiery furnace. These narratives illustrate that faith is often refined and proven in times of trial and uncertainty. ### The Role of Communication and Deception Communication plays a crucial role in this chapter, as Jonathan and David devise a plan to communicate Saul’s intentions. The theme of strategic communication and deception recalls instances such as [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 2|Rahab’s protection of the spies]] and the [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 27|deception of Isaac]] by Jacob. These stories emphasize the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating complex situations where truth and safety are at risk. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Covenant between #David and #Jonathan The covenant between #David and #Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20 foreshadows the everlasting covenant that God establishes through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The depth of #Jonathan's love for #David, as seen in his willingness to protect him from #Saul, mirrors the love and loyalty that Jesus exemplifies. This covenant is reminiscent of the new covenant mentioned in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]], where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people and be their God. The covenant between #David and #Jonathan, grounded in love and faithfulness, points towards the ultimate covenant of love that God offers through Jesus. ### #David as a Type of #Christ In this chapter, the experiences of #David as he faces persecution from #Saul prefigure the sufferings of #Christ. #David, the anointed king, yet not recognized by #Saul, reflects the rejection and suffering of Jesus, the true King, during His earthly ministry. Just as #David was innocent yet pursued by #Saul, Jesus was sinless yet faced persecution and rejection, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53:3-7]], where the suffering servant is described. #David's perseverance and eventual triumph foreshadow the resurrection and ultimate victory of Jesus. ### The Lord’s Anointed and Divine Protection The chapter highlights the divine protection over #David, the Lord’s anointed, which anticipates the protection and provision over [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as God's chosen Messiah. Despite #Saul's attempts to kill #David, God's providence ensures #David's survival and eventual kingship. This theme of divine protection resonates with the prophetic assurances given in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 2|Psalm 2]], where the Lord defends His anointed against earthly rulers. The preservation of #David’s life amid threats prefigures the way God safeguarded Jesus throughout His mission until the appointed time of His sacrifice and victory over death. ### The Promise of #David’s Future Kingship The chapter foreshadows #David’s future kingship, which finds ultimate fulfillment in the eternal kingship of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. #Jonathan’s acknowledgment of #David’s future role is a prophetic indication of #David’s destiny as king, which is fully realized in the establishment of Jesus’ eternal throne. This is in alignment with the promise that a descendant of #David will rule forever, as seen in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]], highlighting Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic line and the eternal king in the kingdom of God. ## Verses - **1 Samuel 20:1** - "David now fled from Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan. 'What have I done?' he exclaimed. 'What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?'" - #David #Jonathan #Naioth #Ramah - See also [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 19]], where David's flight begins. - **1 Samuel 20:2** - "'That’s not true!' Jonathan protested. 'You’re not going to die! He always tells me everything he’s going to do, even the little things. I know my father wouldn’t hide something like this from me. It just isn’t so!'" - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:3** - "Then David took an oath before Jonathan and said, 'Your father knows perfectly well about our friendship, so he has said to himself, ‘I won’t tell Jonathan—why should I hurt him?’ But I swear to you that I am only a step away from death! I swear it by the LORD and by your own soul!'" - #David #Jonathan #friendship #oath - **1 Samuel 20:4** - "'Tell me what I can do to help you,' Jonathan exclaimed." - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:5** - "David replied, 'Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival. I’ve always eaten with the king on this occasion, but tomorrow I’ll hide in the field and stay there until the evening of the third day.'" - #David #newmoonfestival - **1 Samuel 20:6** - "If your father asks where I am, tell him I asked permission to go home to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice." - #David #Bethlehem - **1 Samuel 20:7** - "If he says, ‘Fine!’ you will know all is well. But if he is angry and loses his temper, you will know he is determined to kill me." - #David - **1 Samuel 20:8** - "Show me this loyalty as my sworn friend—for we made a solemn pact before the LORD—or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don’t betray me to him!'" - #David #Jonathan #pact #loyalty - **1 Samuel 20:9** - "'Never!' Jonathan exclaimed. 'You know that if I had the slightest notion my father was planning to kill you, I would tell you at once.'" - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:10** - "Then David asked, 'How will I know whether or not your father is angry?'" - #David - **1 Samuel 20:11** - "‘Come out to the field with me,’ Jonathan replied. And they went out there together." - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:12** - "Then Jonathan told David, 'I promise by the LORD, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know.'" - #Jonathan #promise #GodofIsrael - **1 Samuel 20:13** - "But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the LORD strike me and even kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live. May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father." - #Jonathan #David #LORD - **1 Samuel 20:14** - "And may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die," - #Jonathan #faithful #love - **1 Samuel 20:15** - "treat my family with this faithful love, even when the LORD destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth." - #Jonathan #faithful #love #LORD - **1 Samuel 20:16** - "So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, 'May the LORD destroy all your enemies!'" - #Jonathan #David #pact - **1 Samuel 20:17** - "And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself." - #Jonathan #David #friendship #love - **1 Samuel 20:18** - "Then Jonathan said, 'Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival. You will be missed when your place at the table is empty.'" - #Jonathan #newmoonfestival - **1 Samuel 20:19** - "The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid before, and wait there by the stone pile." - #David #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:20** - "I will come out and shoot three arrows to the side of the stone pile as though I were shooting at a target." - #Jonathan #arrows - **1 Samuel 20:21** - "Then I will send a boy to bring the arrows back. If you hear me tell him, ‘They’re on this side,’ then you will know, as surely as the LORD lives, that all is well, and there is no trouble." - #Jonathan #LORD - **1 Samuel 20:22** - "But if I tell him, ‘Go farther—the arrows are still ahead of you,’ then it will mean that you must leave immediately, for the LORD is sending you away." - #Jonathan #LORD - **1 Samuel 20:23** - "And may the LORD make us keep our promises to each other, for he has witnessed them." - #Jonathan #David #promises #LORD - **1 Samuel 20:24** - "So David hid himself in the field, and when the new moon festival began, the king sat down to eat." - #David #newmoonfestival #king - **1 Samuel 20:25** - "He sat at his usual place against the wall, with Jonathan sitting opposite him and Abner beside him. But David’s place was empty." - #Jonathan #Abner #David - **1 Samuel 20:26** - "Saul didn’t say anything about it that day, for he said to himself, 'Something must have made David ceremonially unclean.'" - #Saul #David - **1 Samuel 20:27** - "But when David’s place was empty again the next day, Saul asked Jonathan, 'Why hasn’t the son of Jesse been here for the meal either yesterday or today?'" - #Saul #Jonathan #David - **1 Samuel 20:28** - "Jonathan replied, 'David earnestly asked me if he could go to Bethlehem.'" - #Jonathan #David #Bethlehem - **1 Samuel 20:29** - "He said, ‘Please let me go, for we are having a family sacrifice. My brother demanded that I be there. So please let me get away to see my brothers.’ That’s why he isn’t here at the king’s table.'" - #David #Bethlehem #family - **1 Samuel 20:30** - "Saul boiled with rage at Jonathan. 'You stupid son of a whore!' he swore at him. ‘Do you think I don’t know that you want him to be king in your place, shaming yourself and your mother?'" - #Saul #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:31** - "As long as that son of Jesse is alive, you’ll never be king. Now go and get him so I can kill him!'" - #Saul #David - **1 Samuel 20:32** - "'But why should he be put to death?' Jonathan asked his father. 'What has he done?'" - #Jonathan #Saul #David - **1 Samuel 20:33** - "Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him. So at last Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David." - #Saul #Jonathan #David - **1 Samuel 20:34** - "Jonathan left the table in fierce anger and refused to eat on that second day of the festival, for he was crushed by his father’s shameful behavior toward David." - #Jonathan #David - **1 Samuel 20:35** - "The next morning, as agreed, Jonathan went out into the field and took a young boy with him to gather his arrows." - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:36** - "'Start running,' he told the boy, 'so you can find the arrows as I shoot them.' So the boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him." - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:37** - "When the boy had almost reached the arrow, Jonathan shouted, 'The arrow is still ahead of you.'" - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:38** - "Hurry, hurry, don’t wait!' So the boy quickly gathered up the arrows and ran back to his master." - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:39** - "He, of course, suspected nothing; only Jonathan and David understood the signal." - #Jonathan #David - **1 Samuel 20:40** - "Then Jonathan gave his bow and arrows to the boy and told him to take them back to town." - #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:41** - "As soon as the boy was gone, David came out from where he had been hiding near the stone pile. Then David bowed three times to Jonathan with his face to the ground. Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David." - #David #Jonathan - **1 Samuel 20:42** - "At last Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the LORD’s name. The LORD is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.' Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town." - #Jonathan #David #peace #loyalty #LORD