1 Samuel 20:11

KJV

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} said {H559} unto David {H1732}, Come {H3212}, and let us go out {H3318} into the field {H7704}. And they went out {H3318} both {H8147} of them into the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan said to David, "Come, let's go out in the countryside." They went out, both of them, to the countryside.

Berean Standard Bible

“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field,

American Standard Version

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:11 marks a critical juncture in the unfolding drama between David, Jonathan, and King Saul. This seemingly simple invitation from Jonathan to David to "go out into the field" is charged with profound urgency and secrecy, signifying a desperate need for a private, secure location where they can discuss Saul's escalating murderous intentions toward David. It sets the stage for a pivotal conversation that will determine David's immediate future and underscore the unwavering loyalty of Jonathan in the face of his father's irrational hostility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a desperate plea from David to Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20:1](/1_samuel/20-1 "1 Samuel 20:1 - David's Plea to Jonathan"), where David, bewildered and fearful, asks Jonathan why Saul seeks to kill him. Jonathan, despite his familial ties to the king, has already demonstrated profound loyalty to David, having made a covenant with him in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant"). The invitation to go "into the field" is a direct response to David's distress and Jonathan's promise to uncover his father's true intentions. The subsequent verses ([1 Samuel 20:12-23](/1_samuel/20-12 "1 Samuel 20:12-23 - Jonathan's Plan to Confirm Saul's Intentions")) reveal the details of Jonathan's plan to test Saul's disposition and the solemn covenant renewed between the two friends, highlighting the life-or-death stakes of their private meeting.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set within the turbulent early monarchy of Israel. King Saul, once chosen by God, is now increasingly plagued by an evil spirit, paranoia, and jealousy, particularly towards David, whom he perceives as a rival to his throne and dynasty (see [1 Samuel 18:6-9](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6-9 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). In ancient Near Eastern courts, intrigue, espionage, and political assassination were common. A king's word was law, and his disfavor could mean certain death. Therefore, any sensitive conversation, especially one concerning the king's murderous intent, had to occur in absolute secrecy, away from the ears of court officials or loyalists who might betray them. The "field" offered such a secluded, unobserved space, emphasizing the extreme danger David faced and the lengths to which Jonathan would go to protect his friend.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several enduring themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and beyond. First, **unwavering loyalty and covenant friendship** are paramount, exemplified by Jonathan's steadfast commitment to David even when it means defying his own father and jeopardizing his claim to the throne. This bond stands in stark contrast to Saul's erratic and destructive behavior. Second, the theme of **imminent danger and divine protection** is evident; David is under constant threat, yet God continually preserves him through human agents like Jonathan. The need for secrecy underscores the pervasive nature of this danger. Finally, the narrative highlights the **conflict between human ambition and divine purpose**; Saul's attempts to thwart God's plan for David's kingship are ultimately futile, a truth subtly reinforced by the protective measures Jonathan takes to preserve David's life, thereby safeguarding God's chosen one.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Field (Hebrew, _sadeh'_):** The Hebrew word שָׂדֶה (*sadeh*) refers to open country, cultivated land, or simply an uninhabited area outside the city walls. Its significance here is not merely geographical but functional. It represents a place of seclusion and privacy, a necessary refuge from the watchful eyes and ears of Saul's court. In a context of intense political paranoia and danger, the "field" becomes a symbol of a safe haven where truth can be spoken and life-altering decisions can be made without fear of immediate reprisal. It underscores the extreme measures required for confidential communication when facing a powerful and dangerous adversary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan said unto David,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker and recipient, highlighting the direct and personal nature of the interaction. It emphasizes Jonathan's initiative and leadership in this critical moment, taking charge to address David's desperate situation.
* **"Come, and let us go out into the field."**: This is Jonathan's imperative, a direct command and invitation. The dual verbs "come" and "go out" convey urgency and a deliberate movement away from their current, presumably unsafe, location. The destination, "into the field," is crucial, signaling the need for absolute privacy and security for the conversation that is about to unfold. It implies a recognition of the pervasive danger and the necessity of discretion.
* **"And they went out both of them into the field."**: This concluding clause confirms David's immediate compliance and the successful execution of Jonathan's proposal. The phrase "both of them" emphasizes their shared vulnerability and their mutual trust, highlighting the unity of purpose between the two friends as they seek a place where they can speak freely about the king's murderous intentions. The repetition of "into the field" underscores the importance of the chosen location.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "into the field" appearing twice, first as an invitation and then as a confirmation of their action. This repetition emphasizes the critical importance of the location for the sensitive conversation that is about to occur, highlighting the need for secrecy and security. The "field" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a sanctuary of truth and confidentiality amidst the treacherous and dangerous environment of Saul's court. It is a place where genuine communication can happen, free from the king's spies. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as the act of seeking such a private location strongly hints at the grave nature of the discussion to follow and the imminent danger David faces, building suspense for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This brief verse, though simple in its phrasing, carries profound theological weight, primarily through its portrayal of covenant loyalty and the divine orchestration of events. Jonathan's selfless act of leading David to a secure place exemplifies a friendship rooted in covenant, mirroring the deeper covenant relationship God establishes with His people. It speaks to the providential care of God, who often uses human agents to protect His chosen ones and advance His purposes, even amidst intense hostility. The danger David faces underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition faced by those aligned with God's will, while Jonathan's actions demonstrate the power of faithful intercession and courageous solidarity.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")
* [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1 "Psalm 18:1-3 - The Lord My Rock and My Fortress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 20:11 offers timeless insights into the nature of true friendship, the necessity of wisdom in adversity, and the profound impact of courageous loyalty. In a world often characterized by self-interest and betrayal, Jonathan's actions stand as a powerful testament to selfless love and steadfast commitment. It challenges us to consider the quality of our own friendships: are we willing to go out of our way, even at personal risk, to protect and support those we love, especially when they are vulnerable or facing injustice? The need for a private "field" also reminds us of the importance of discretion and finding appropriate, secure environments for sensitive conversations, recognizing that not all truths can be spoken in all places. It encourages us to be discerning about who we trust and to value those who demonstrate unwavering loyalty in times of trouble. Ultimately, this verse calls us to embody the kind of Christ-like love that prioritizes the well-being of others above our own comfort or safety, reflecting the very heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's initiative in this verse challenge your understanding of true friendship and loyalty?**
* **In what situations in your life have you needed a "field"—a safe, private space—to discuss difficult or dangerous truths?**
* **What are the risks involved in standing by a friend who is unjustly targeted, and what motivates such courage?**
* **How can we cultivate friendships that reflect the depth and selflessness seen between David and Jonathan?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for David and Jonathan to go "into the field" to talk?**

Answer: Going "into the field" was crucial because it provided a necessary sanctuary for a conversation of life-or-death importance. King Saul's escalating paranoia and murderous intent towards David meant that any discussion about his plans had to be conducted in absolute secrecy. The court and city walls were likely filled with Saul's loyalists and spies, making private conversation impossible. The open "field" or countryside offered a secluded, unobserved space where David and Jonathan could speak freely and plan without fear of being overheard, ensuring their safety and the confidentiality of their desperate strategy. This highlights the extreme danger David was in and the lengths Jonathan had to go to protect him.

**What does this verse reveal about Jonathan's character?**

Answer: This verse powerfully reveals Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, courage, and selflessness. Despite being King Saul's son and the presumed heir to the throne, Jonathan consistently prioritizes David's safety and well-being above his own familial allegiance or personal ambition. His initiative to lead David to a secure location demonstrates his protective nature and his commitment to the covenant of friendship they had established (see [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant")). He is willing to defy his father and risk his own position to stand by his friend, showcasing a rare and profound example of integrity and true devotion in the face of immense pressure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound covenant friendship between David and Jonathan, highlighted by Jonathan's selfless act in [1 Samuel 20:11](/1_samuel/20-11 "1 Samuel 20:11 - Jonathan and David Go to the Field"), serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate friendship and covenant found in Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the king's son, willingly relinquishes his claim to the throne and risks his life to protect David, the anointed future king. This mirrors Christ, the Son of God, who, though rightful King and heir of all things, willingly laid down His life to secure the salvation of His people, His friends (as seen in [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Just as David sought refuge and counsel in the "field" with Jonathan, humanity finds ultimate refuge and truth in Christ, who offers a secure place of grace and guidance away from the dangers of sin and the world. The "field" can also symbolize the vulnerability and exposure of the cross, where Christ, like David in his flight, faced ultimate danger to secure our peace. Ultimately, Jonathan's loyal love points to the perfect, unfailing, and eternal covenant love of God manifested in Jesus, the true King who not only protects His own but also invites them into an eternal kingdom (see [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")) purchased by His sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.