1 Samuel 20:10-20

10 David asked, "Who will let me know if your father answers you unkindly?"
11 Then Jonathan said, "Come, let's go out into the field." So the two of them went out into the field.
12 Jonathan said to David, "I promise this before the Lord, the God of Israel: At this same time the day after tomorrow, I will find out how my father feels. If he feels good toward you, I will send word to you and let you know.
13 But if my father plans to hurt you, I will let you know and send you away safely. May the Lord punish me terribly if I don't do this. And may the Lord be with you as he has been with my father.
14 But show me the kindness of the Lord as long as I live so that I may not die.
15 You must never stop showing your kindness to my family, even when the Lord has destroyed all your enemies from the earth."
16 So Jonathan made an agreement with David. He said, "May the Lord hold David's enemies responsible."
17 And Jonathan asked David to repeat his promise of love for him, because he loved David as much as he loved himself.
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.

1 Samuel 20:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 20

David fleeing from Naioth came to Jonathan, and acquainted him with his circumstances, and entreated his favour, 1Sa 20:1-8; which Jonathan promised, and renewed the covenant with him, 1Sa 20:9-17; a scheme was formed between them, by which David might know whether Saul was reconciled to him, and he might come to court, 1Sa 20:18-23; which being tried, Jonathan found it was not safe for him to appear, 1Sa 20:24-34; of which he gave notice by the signals agreed on, 1Sa 20:35-40; and they took their leave of one another with strong expressions of affection and attachment to each other, 1Sa 20:41,42.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.