1 Samuel 20:34-42

34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame .

35 And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

36 And he said unto his lad, Run , find out now the arrows which I shoot . And as the lad ran , he shot an arrow beyond him.

37 And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot , Jonathan cried after the lad, and said , Is not the arrow beyond thee?

38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste , stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows * , and came to his master.

39 But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

40 And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go , carry them to the city.

41 And as soon as the lad was gone , David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded .

42 And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying , The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed : and Jonathan went into the city.

1 Samuel 20:34-42 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. beyond...: Heb. to pass over him
• [b]. artillery: Heb. instruments