1 Samuel 20:20

20 I will shoot three arrows on the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.

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 Then Jonathan said to him, Tomorrow is the new moon: and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

19 When you have stayed three days, you shall go down quickly, and come to the place where you did hide yourself when the business was in hand, and shall remain by the stone Ezel.

20 I will shoot three arrows on the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.

21 Behold, I will send the boy, [saying], Go, find the arrows. If I tell the boy, Behold, the arrows are on this side of you; take them, and come; for there is peace to you and no hurt, as Yahweh lives.

22 But if I say thus to the boy, Behold, the arrows are beyond you; go your way; for Yahweh has sent you away.