1 Samuel 20:16-26

16

17 Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David. He loved David more than his own soul!

18 Jonathan then laid out his plan: "Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you'll be missed when you don't show up for dinner.

19 On the third day, when they've quit expecting you, come to the place where you hid before, and wait beside that big boulder.

20 I'll shoot three arrows in the direction of the boulder.

21 Then I'll send off my servant, 'Go find the arrows.' If I yell after the servant, 'The arrows are on this side! Retrieve them!' that's the signal that you can return safely - as God lives, not a thing to fear!

22 But if I yell, 'The arrows are farther out!' then run for it - God wants you out of here!

23 Regarding all the things we've discussed, remember that God's in on this with us to the very end!"

24 David hid in the field. On the holiday of the New Moon, the king came to the table to eat.

25 He sat where he always sat, the place against the wall, with Jonathan across the table and Abner at Saul's side. But David's seat was empty.

26 Saul didn't mention it at the time, thinking, "Something's happened that's made him unclean. That's it - he's probably unclean for the holy meal."

1 Samuel 20:16-26 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.