1 Samuel 20:22

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

1 Samuel 20:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:22

But if I say thus unto the young man, behold, the arrows [are]
beyond thee
Being shot to a greater distance than where the young man was:

go thy way, for the Lord hath sent thee away;
then he was to depart directly, without staying to have any conversation with Jonathan, which would not be safe for either of them, and so make the best of his way into the country, and escape for his life; for so it was ordered by the providence of God, that he must not stay, but be gone immediately: the signals were these, that if things were favourable, then he would shoot his arrows on one side of the lad, and David might come out and show himself at once; but if not, he would shoot them beyond him, by which he might know that he must flee for his life.

1 Samuel 20:22 In-Context

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.
23 As touching the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, Yahweh is between you and me forever.
24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat food.
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