Saturday, March 29, 2025

1 Samuel 20: A Detailed Explanation

 


1 Samuel 20: A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

1 Samuel 20 is a crucial chapter in the relationship between David and Jonathan. This chapter captures the deep friendship and loyalty between them, even as Jonathan's father, King Saul, seeks to kill David. The narrative illustrates themes of loyalty, covenant, divine providence, and the cost of righteousness.

This chapter is part of a broader biblical story where Saul's jealousy of David intensifies after David's success against Goliath and his growing popularity. Saul sees David as a threat to his throne, despite David's loyalty.

Summary of 1 Samuel 20

David, fearing for his life, seeks Jonathan’s help to determine if Saul is truly intent on killing him. Jonathan devises a test during the New Moon festival to gauge his father’s reaction to David’s absence. When Saul reacts with rage, Jonathan confirms David's fears. They establish a secret way to communicate the danger: using arrows as a sign. After confirming Saul’s intentions, Jonathan and David share an emotional farewell, reaffirming their covenant of friendship.


Verse-by-Verse Commentary

1 Samuel 20:1-3 – David Seeks Jonathan’s Help

“Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said to Jonathan, ‘What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?’” (1 Samuel 20:1)

  • David has just escaped from Ramah, where Saul tried to capture him but was restrained by the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 19). Now, he seeks Jonathan’s help.

  • David is confused: why does Saul want to kill him? He has been loyal, yet Saul is treating him as an enemy.

  • Jonathan refuses to believe that Saul would kill David, as he thinks his father tells him everything.

“Yet David vowed again, saying, ‘Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he has said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved’; but truly as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death.’” (1 Samuel 20:3)

  • David corrects Jonathan, saying Saul is hiding his true intentions from him.

  • The phrase “hardly a step between me and death” reveals David’s deep fear. His life is hanging by a thread.

1 Samuel 20:4-11 – Jonathan’s Loyalty and Their Plan

“Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you say, I will do for you.’” (1 Samuel 20:4)

  • Jonathan proves his loyalty by promising to help David.

David devises a plan:

  • David will miss the New Moon festival, where he is expected to dine with the king.

  • If Saul reacts angrily, it confirms he intends to kill David.

“If he says, ‘It is good,’ your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, be sure that he has decided on evil.” (1 Samuel 20:7)

  • Saul’s reaction will reveal his true feelings.

Jonathan and David agree on a secret sign using arrows to communicate if it’s safe for David to return.

1 Samuel 20:12-17 – The Covenant Between Jonathan and David

Jonathan reassures David:

“May the Lord be with you as He has been with my father.” (1 Samuel 20:13)

  • Jonathan acknowledges that David is God’s chosen future king, a remarkable admission since Jonathan is the rightful heir.

  • He makes David promise to show kindness to his family when he becomes king.

“So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘May the Lord demand it from the hands of David’s enemies.’” (1 Samuel 20:16)

  • This covenant is significant: it protects Jonathan’s descendants (which David honors later with Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, in 2 Samuel 9).

“Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.” (1 Samuel 20:17)

  • Their friendship is one of the strongest examples of brotherly love in the Bible.

1 Samuel 20:18-23 – The Sign of the Arrows

Jonathan instructs David:

“On the third day... I will shoot three arrows to the side.” (1 Samuel 20:20)

  • If Jonathan says, “The arrows are on this side of you”, David is safe.

  • If Jonathan says, “The arrows are beyond you”, David must flee.

1 Samuel 20:24-34 – Saul’s Rage Against Jonathan

During the New Moon festival:

“Saul said nothing that day, for he thought, ‘Something has happened to him that he is not clean.’” (1 Samuel 20:26)

  • Saul assumes David is absent due to ceremonial uncleanness.

“Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, ‘You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame...?’” (1 Samuel 20:30)

  • Saul curses Jonathan, accusing him of betraying his own future as king.

  • Saul confirms his intention: David must die.

“Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.” (1 Samuel 20:33)

  • Saul’s violence proves David was right.

1 Samuel 20:35-40 – The Secret Signal

Jonathan goes to the field with his servant:

“The lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.” (1 Samuel 20:39)

  • Jonathan sends the prearranged signal: the arrows go beyond the boy—a sign for David to flee.

1 Samuel 20:41-42 – A Heartbreaking Farewell

“Then David fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed each other and wept together, but David wept the most.” (1 Samuel 20:41)

  • David and Jonathan share an emotional farewell, showing their deep bond.

  • Jonathan tells David to go in peace, reaffirming their covenant.


Themes in 1 Samuel 20

  1. Loyalty and Friendship

    • Jonathan remains loyal to David despite family pressure.

    • Their friendship transcends political ambition.

  2. Covenantal Faithfulness

    • They establish a covenant, ensuring future protection.

    • This prefigures God’s faithfulness to His people.

  3. Jealousy and Rage

    • Saul’s irrational hatred mirrors how jealousy leads to destruction.

    • Hatred blinds Saul, making him attack even his own son.

  4. Divine Providence

    • Despite Saul’s attempts, God protects David.

    • David’s exile leads to his eventual rise as king.


Conclusion

1 Samuel 20 highlights the power of godly friendship, loyalty, and trust in God’s plans. Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to David and David’s recognition of God’s protection foreshadow David’s destiny as Israel’s king.

This chapter also provides a contrast between Saul and Jonathan:

  • Saul represents selfish ambition and destruction.

  • Jonathan represents selfless love and faithfulness.

David and Jonathan’s covenant foreshadows Christ’s covenant of love and faithfulness with His people. This passage teaches that true loyalty and trust in God’s sovereignty are greater than earthly power.

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