1 Samuel 20:19

KJV

And [when] thou hast stayed three days, [then] thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was [in hand], and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when thou hast stayed three days {H8027}, then thou shalt go down {H3381} quickly {H3966}, and come {H935} to the place {H4725} where thou didst hide {H5641} thyself when {H3117} the business {H4639} was in hand, and shalt remain {H3427} by {H681} the stone {H68} Ezel {H237}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The third day, hide yourself well in the same place as you did before; stay by the Departure Stone.

Berean Standard Bible

When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.

American Standard Version

And when thou hast stayed three days, thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:19 is a pivotal verse in the clandestine plan between Jonathan and David, meticulously detailing David's instructions for a secret rendezvous. It specifies the precise timing, the urgency of his movement, and the exact location where he is to await Jonathan's signal, which will reveal King Saul's true intentions. This verse profoundly underscores the life-threatening danger David faced from Saul's escalating jealousy and highlights the extraordinary depth of Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and strategic foresight in protecting his friend.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of 1 Samuel 20, which chronicles the final, desperate attempt by Jonathan to protect David from his increasingly erratic and murderous father, King Saul. Following David's heartfelt plea for Jonathan to discern Saul's true disposition ([1 Samuel 20:1-3](/1_samuel/20-1 "1 Samuel 20:1-3 - David's Desperation and Jonathan's Promise")), Jonathan reaffirms his covenant loyalty and devises an elaborate, secret plan. Verse 19 provides David with his specific role in this scheme, detailing the exact time and place for him to position himself to receive a pre-arranged signal involving arrows. This instruction sets the stage for the intense confrontation at the New Moon feast and the subsequent, sorrowful parting of David and Jonathan, marking a critical turning point in David's life as he transitions from courtier to fugitive.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel 20:19 unfold in the early monarchical period of Israel, a time when kings wielded absolute power, and their personal animosities could lead to swift and brutal consequences. The New Moon feast, mentioned earlier in the chapter ([1 Samuel 20:5](/1_samuel/20-5 "1 Samuel 20:5 - David's Absence from the New Moon Feast")), was a significant religious and social observance that required the presence of prominent figures, making David's absence conspicuous and dangerous. The concept of a binding covenant, like the one between David and Jonathan ([1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David's Covenant")), was paramount in ancient Near Eastern culture, often superseding familial obligations. The need for David to hide in the open country and use a specific landmark like the "stone Ezel" reflects the common practice of fugitives seeking refuge in the wilderness, relying on familiar terrain and pre-arranged signals to evade capture.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 20:19 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of 1 Samuel. It prominently showcases the theme of **Loyalty and Friendship**, as Jonathan, the crown prince, risks his own life and succession to protect David, the anointed future king. This verse also highlights the pervasive **Danger and Persecution** faced by David due to King Saul's escalating **Jealousy and Madness**, which forces David into a life of constant evasion and hiding, as seen in earlier attempts on his life ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David")). Furthermore, it demonstrates the theme of **Divine Providence**, as God, though unseen, sovereignly works through human agents and their strategic actions—even those of Saul's own son—to protect and advance His chosen servant, David, towards his destiny as king. The meticulous planning also underscores the theme of **Prudence and Strategic Action** in the face of adversity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ezel (Hebrew, _ʼEzel'_):** The Hebrew word אֶזֶל (_ʼEzel_), which forms part of the phrase אֶבֶן הָאֶזֶל (_ʼEben hāʼEzel_), meaning "stone of Ezel," carries the core meaning of "departure," "going away," or "separation." This etymological significance transforms the "stone Ezel" from a mere geographical marker into a profound symbol. It foreshadows the sorrowful and decisive separation that will occur at this very spot, marking David's final departure from Saul's court and the beginning of his life as a fugitive.
* **Quickly (Hebrew, _mahar'_):** The verb מַהֵר (_mahar_), translated as "quickly" or "hastily," emphasizes the extreme urgency and critical nature of David's movement. It conveys that there is no room for delay or hesitation in this perilous situation. The swiftness of his action is directly tied to his safety, highlighting the immediate and severe threat posed by Saul.
* **Business (Hebrew, _mela'kah'_):** The Hebrew term מְלָאכָה (_mela'kah_), rendered as "business" in the KJV, has a broader meaning of "work," "affair," or "matter." In the context of "when the business was in hand," it refers to previous dangerous or urgent situations where David had to hide from Saul. This subtle phrase serves as a reminder of Saul's recurring murderous attempts against David, indicating a pattern of threat and evasion that necessitated such a pre-arranged, familiar hiding place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [when] thou hast stayed three days":** This clause establishes a precise temporal framework for David's actions, indicating a period of waiting and observation. The "three days" likely corresponds to the duration of the New Moon feast, during which Jonathan would carefully monitor King Saul's behavior and determine his true intentions regarding David. This waiting period builds suspense and emphasizes the careful timing required for the plan's execution.
* **"[then] thou shalt go down quickly":** This command conveys the immediate and urgent nature of David's movement once the designated waiting period has passed. "Go down" suggests a geographical descent, possibly from a higher, more secluded hiding place to a lower, more accessible rendezvous point. The adverb "quickly" underscores the peril David faced, stressing that swift and decisive action was paramount for his safety and the success of the escape plan.
* **"and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was [in hand]":** This instruction directs David to a specific, familiar location that had previously served as a safe haven. The phrase "when the business was in hand" is a euphemism for the dangerous circumstances David had faced before, referring to Saul's prior attempts on his life. This indicates a pre-existing pattern of evasion and highlights the ongoing, severe threat, making a proven hiding place essential for David's survival.
* **"and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.":** This final clause pinpoints the exact rendezvous point for David. The "stone Ezel" is not merely an arbitrary landmark but a named location, signifying its importance and recognition by both David and Jonathan. Its symbolic name, meaning "departure" or "separation," profoundly foreshadows the outcome of this secret meeting: David's permanent separation from Saul's court and the beginning of his life as a fugitive, marking a pivotal and sorrowful transition.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 20:19, within its broader narrative, skillfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Foreshadowing** is powerfully present in the very name of the "stone Ezel," whose etymological meaning of "departure" or "separation" subtly yet profoundly hints at the sorrowful and permanent parting that will occur at this location between David and Jonathan. This is reinforced by **Symbolism**, as the stone itself becomes a tangible marker of this irreversible transition in David's life from courtier to fugitive. The meticulous detail and precise instructions regarding timing, urgency, and location contribute significantly to building **Suspense**, immersing the reader in the high-stakes drama and uncertainty surrounding David's fate. Furthermore, there is a poignant **Irony** in Jonathan, the rightful heir to Saul's throne, actively orchestrating the escape of the man destined to replace his father, highlighting the profound depth of his loyalty and the tragic trajectory of Saul's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:19, though seemingly a simple set of instructions, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It illustrates how divine providence often operates through human agency and relationships. While God's direct voice is absent, His unseen hand is clearly at work, preserving David, His anointed, through the extraordinary faithfulness and strategic planning of Jonathan. This passage underscores the theological truth that God uses faithful friends and their prudent actions as instruments of His will, even in the face of intense persecution and political intrigue. It highlights the profound value of covenant relationships and the self-sacrificial love that mirrors God's own character, as Jonathan willingly risks everything to protect David's life and ensure the continuation of God's plan for Israel's kingship.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Psalm 32:7](/psalms/32-7 "Psalm 32:7 - God as a Hiding Place")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions given in 1 Samuel 20:19 offer more than just a historical account; they provide profound lessons for navigating our own lives. In moments of crisis, like David's, we are called to exercise both prudence and faith. Jonathan's meticulous planning reminds us that while we place our ultimate trust in God's sovereignty, we are also responsible for thoughtful, strategic action. We are not to be reckless but to wisely use the discernment and resources God provides. Moreover, this verse powerfully speaks to the invaluable nature of true friendship and unwavering loyalty. Just as Jonathan risked his own future for David's safety, we are challenged to be friends who "love at all times," willing to stand by and even sacrifice for those we care about, especially in their deepest need. In a world often marked by self-interest and fleeting connections, the covenant bond between David and Jonathan serves as a timeless example of selfless devotion, urging us to cultivate relationships built on genuine care, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to act for the good of others, reflecting the very heart of God's love for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's detailed planning in this verse challenge my own approach to difficult or dangerous situations, balancing trust in God with responsible action?**
* **In what specific ways can I demonstrate the kind of selfless loyalty Jonathan showed to David in my own friendships and relationships today?**
* **How does the implicit presence of God's providence in David's escape encourage my trust in God's protection during my own times of peril or uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "stone Ezel"?**

Answer: The "stone Ezel" (Hebrew: אֶבֶן הָאֶזֶל, _ʼEben hāʼEzel_) is highly significant due to the meaning of its name. "Ezel" translates to "departure" or "separation." Therefore, this specific landmark serves as a poignant and prophetic symbol of the critical turning point in David's life. It is the designated location where David would receive the signal that would confirm his permanent separation from Saul's court and the beginning of his long period as a fugitive, marking a painful yet necessary transition in his journey towards kingship. It signifies a point of no return from his life with Saul, despite the deep bond with Jonathan, and becomes a memorial to their enduring friendship amidst forced separation.

**Why was such a detailed and secret plan necessary for David's safety?**

Answer: A detailed and secret plan was absolutely necessary because King Saul's jealousy and murderous intent towards David had escalated to an extreme and unpredictable level. Saul had already made several direct attempts on David's life, as seen in [1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Attempts on David's Life"), and David's life was in constant peril within the royal court. Open communication or a direct confrontation with Saul was impossible due to the king's erratic and violent behavior. The clandestine nature of the plan, involving specific timing, a known hiding place, and a pre-arranged signal, was the only way for Jonathan to safely ascertain Saul's true intentions and for David to escape if necessary, without alerting Saul or his loyalists. It underscores the high stakes and the life-threatening danger David faced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound loyalty and self-sacrificial love displayed by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:19, as he meticulously orchestrates David's escape from certain death, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of friendship and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan, the rightful heir to Saul's throne, willingly jeopardized his own position and future to secure David's future as king, so Jesus, the true Son of God and rightful King of all creation, willingly laid down His life for His friends—even for those who were His enemies—to secure their eternal salvation and bring them into His everlasting kingdom ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). The "stone Ezel," a place of sorrowful and decisive separation for David, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's own "departure" through His crucifixion and ascension. This was not a separation from His people, but the necessary means to secure our eternal fellowship with God and to prepare a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Jesus is our ultimate hiding place and refuge ([Psalm 32:7](/psalms/32-7 "Psalm 32:7 - God as a Hiding Place")), the one who delivers us from the ultimate "business in hand"—the judgment for our sins—by taking it upon Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Through His perfect loyalty, strategic plan of redemption, and ultimate sacrifice, He ensures our safety, secures our eternal reign with Him, and fulfills the divine plan for humanity's true and eternal King.

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.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 19:2

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret [place], and hide thyself:

1 Samuel 20:5

And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow [is] the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third [day] at even.