1 Samuel 20:20

20 On the third day I will shoot three arrows to the side of the rock as if I am shooting at a target.

1 Samuel 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:20

And I will shoot three arrows on the side [thereof]
On the side of the stone Ezel; three are pitched upon, according to the number of the days David was missing:

as though I shot at a mark;
as if he made the stone the mark he shot at; so that his shooting would not be taken notice of.

1 Samuel 20:20 In-Context

18 Jonathan said to David, "Tomorrow is the New Moon festival. Your seat will be empty, so my father will miss you.

19 On the third day go to the place where you hid when this trouble began. Wait by the rock Ezel.

20 On the third day I will shoot three arrows to the side of the rock as if I am shooting at a target.

21 Then I will send a boy to find the arrows. If I say to him, 'The arrows are near you; bring them here,' you may come out of hiding. You are safe. As the Lord lives, there is no danger.

22 But if I say to the boy, 'Look, the arrows are beyond you,' you must go, because the Lord is sending you away.