TRV
Translation
King James Version
And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
Berean Standard Bible
I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target.
American Standard Version
And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
World English Bible Messianic
I will shoot three arrows on its side, as though I shot at a mark.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will shoote three arrowes on the side thereof, as though I shot at a marke.
Young's Literal Translation
`And I shoot three of the arrows at the side, sending out for myself at a mark;
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23
9 ¶ And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?
10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
19 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.
20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.
22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.
23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (Sa1 20:9): "Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, Come let us go into the field (Sa1 20:11), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If there be good towards thee, I will show it thee, that thou mayest be easy (Sa1 20:12), if evil, I will send thee away, that thou mayest be safe" (Sa1 20:13); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary. For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a witness (Sa1 20:12): "O Lord God of Israel, thou knowest I mean sincerely, and think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan (Sa1 20:13), if I speak deceitfully, or break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have strong consolation, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper in it better than his father now did.
II. He provides for the entail of the covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, Sa1 20:14-16. He engages David to be a friend to his family when he was gone (Sa1 20:15): Thou shalt promise that thou wilt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever. This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease, and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement, and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, the Lord would cut off his enemies, Saul himself was not expected; then "Do not thou cut off thy kindness from my house, nor revenge my father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he made a covenant (Sa1 20:16) with the house of David. Note, True friends cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual affections. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. This kindness, 1. He calls the kindness of the Lord, because it is such kindness as God shows to those he takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to their seed; they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 2. He secures it by an imprecation (Sa1 20:16): The Lord require it at the hand of David's seed (for of David himself he had no suspicion) if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and this he would effectually prevent; but the reason given (Sa1 20:17) why Jonathan was so earnest to have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of self in it; it was because he loved him as he loved his own soul, and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it) to swear again, which David consented to (for he that bears an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he concluded with a solemn appeal to God: The Lord be between me and thee for ever (Sa1 20:23), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was kind to Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:7; Sa2 21:7. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his friends ours.
III. He settles the method of intelligence, and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be enquired after, Sa1 20:18. On the third day, by which time he would have returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (Sa1 20:19), and Jonathan would come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for diversion (Sa1 20:20), would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and not be afraid to show his head (Sa1 20:21); but, if he shot beyond the lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety, Sa1 20:22. This expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report by word of mouth.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–23. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And I will send three arrows near him, etc. And I, the Church says to the Lord, with you dwelling in the hearts of the perfect, will send preachers of the holy and undivided Trinity, who, with wings of virtues, will be quick-flying, penetrating with the sharpness of their speech, stirred by the bow of diligent reading, to strike with the word of faith those who are more fragile and still, and almost earthly, yet remaining in the vicinity of the strong, held by the friendly bond of love, so that, touched by the salutary wound of charity, they may be compelled to bear all visible things gravely, to rest in the memory of their Creator alone, and to have His sole vision as sweetness. But I will send them, not as if they would end the uncertain course of the word, but as if training me to the sign of true and singular salvation, as if following only the look of divine will, directing all the blows of my doctrine to the intended target, I will pursue to the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus. I will also send listeners eager to obey the faith; who, diligently seeking through all the spiritual teachings or deeds of the doctors, may piously relate to the glory of my state, by following it devoutly. To these listeners, indeed, if I show them capturing these same teachers who are near them, and placed among them by living well, if you deign to visit me, I will show that the usual blessing from the Jews is to be increased because peace is yours, with the arms of the hateful at rest meanwhile. But if I show that the same teachers, humbled by me, being further cast out and pursued from Judea, go and tend to visit all nations; because this is the will and providence of the eternal Father, that, blindness coming upon Israel, the fullness of the nations may enter the gates of life. Of the single word of the Father, which we shall have spoken, I confessing, and you teaching, let God the Father almighty Himself alone be the eternal witness between me and you; and rightly, because the Father alone knows the secrets of the Son, and only to those whom the Father has deigned to reveal them. Of these, the same Son speaks to the Father: And you revealed them to little children (Matthew XI). Who decreed that this God, begotten before the ages, should be incarnate at the end of the ages, and that they should be saved by the same incarnation. But speaking these things, the Church does not instruct the Lord as if He were ignorant of what He should do, nor does she teach what she herself shall do as if He were unaware; but she prays devotedly that He accomplish these things quickly, which she has learned mercifully to be done by Him. What she should do rightly, having received through Him, she ceaselessly praises herself for this by giving thanks.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Jonathan's meticulously devised strategy illustrates the extreme peril David faced from King Saul's escalating hostility. This verse details a crucial element of their covert communication: Jonathan's act of discharging three arrows in a specific location, artfully disguised as a casual archery practice. This deceptive maneuver was engineered to transmit a life-or-death message to David, indicating whether it was safe to return to Saul's court or if he must immediately flee for his life, all while remaining undetected by Saul's vigilant eyes.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the dramatic narrative of King Saul's intensifying jealousy and murderous intent towards David, his son-in-law and God's divinely appointed future king. The preceding chapters establish the profound, covenantal friendship between Jonathan, Saul's son, and David, a bond that transcends political ambition and familial loyalty to Saul, demonstrating a rare and selfless devotion. 1 Samuel 20 specifically details Jonathan's ingenious plan to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards David. Verses 18-19 set the precise time and location (the stone Ezel) for David to hide and await Jonathan's signal. Verse 20, therefore, describes the specific action within this elaborate communication system, which is then followed by the interpretation of the signal in 1 Samuel 20:21-22. The entire sequence powerfully underscores the extreme danger David faced and the extraordinary measures taken by Jonathan to protect his friend, ultimately leading to David's prolonged period as a fugitive from Saul.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is the nascent monarchy of Israel, a pivotal period marked by the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. Saul, Israel's inaugural king, is increasingly characterized by instability, paranoia, and disobedience to God, leading to God's rejection of him and the anointing of David as his successor by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This historical backdrop fully explains Saul's irrational rage and violent outbursts against David, whom he perceives as an existential threat to his dynasty. Archery was a pervasive and highly valued skill in ancient Israel, serving both as a form of sport and essential military training. Thus, Jonathan's feigned practice would have been a culturally plausible and inconspicuous activity, perfectly suited for a covert operation. The concept of a blood covenant, such as the one forged between Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18:3), was a deeply binding and sacred agreement in the ancient Near East, often involving promises of mutual protection and loyalty extending to future generations, which Jonathan faithfully upholds despite the immense personal cost.
Key Themes: The passage powerfully illustrates the theme of unwavering loyalty and sacrificial friendship, showcasing Jonathan's profound commitment to David, even at the expense of his own potential claim to the throne and his very life. This extraordinary bond serves as a stark counterpoint to Saul's escalating tyranny, paranoia, and murderous jealousy, highlighting the destructive and corrupting nature of unchecked power. The elaborate signal system emphasizes the theme of strategic communication and divine providence, demonstrating how Jonathan's ingenuity and resourcefulness are divinely orchestrated to protect God's chosen king. It also underscores the imminent danger David faced, necessitating such covert operations for his survival. Ultimately, the narrative points to God's faithful preservation of His anointed one, ensuring David's safety despite human malice, a theme consistently echoed throughout biblical history in God's protection of His people, as seen in passages like Psalm 121:7-8.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that deepen its meaning and impact. Dramatic Irony is prominently featured, as the audience is fully aware of the true, life-saving purpose behind Jonathan's archery, while King Saul and his court remain entirely oblivious, perceiving it as mere sport. This creates significant tension and underscores the cunning and ingenuity required for David's survival. Symbolism is also powerfully at play: the arrows symbolize not only a clandestine form of communication but also the extreme precariousness of David's life, as their precise placement determines his immediate fate (safety or urgent flight). Jonathan's act of shooting "as though I shot at a mark" is a subtle form of Foreshadowing, hinting at David's future as a fugitive, always on the move, never truly "at a mark" or settled until God establishes his kingdom. The entire scenario is a masterful example of Cunning or Stratagem, demonstrating Jonathan's exceptional cleverness and resourcefulness in protecting his beloved friend against an irrational, powerful, and murderous adversary.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly focused on a practical detail of communication, resonates with profound theological truths. It powerfully highlights God's providential care for David, His anointed one, even amidst intense human treachery and mortal danger. Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, though a deeply human act of friendship, serves as a crucial instrument of divine protection, demonstrating how God often works through faithful human relationships to accomplish His sovereign purposes. The stark tension between Saul's desperate attempts to thwart God's plan and God's steadfast commitment to His chosen king underscores the overarching theme of divine sovereignty prevailing over all human opposition and malice. The very necessity for such elaborate, hidden communication also speaks to the sobering reality of living in a fallen world, where deception and danger necessitate wisdom, discernment, and reliance on trusted relationships, yet God remains the ultimate protector and orchestrator of events.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in this verse offer profound and enduring lessons on the nature of true friendship, the critical importance of wise and discerning communication, and the courage required to stand for what is right, even at great personal cost. In a world often characterized by self-interest, betrayal, and superficial connections, Jonathan's self-sacrificing loyalty to David shines as a brilliant beacon, powerfully reminding us of the invaluable gift of a friend who "sticks closer than a brother." It challenges each of us to deeply examine the depth of our own commitments and whether we are truly willing to risk comfort, reputation, or personal gain for the well-being of those we love and for the sake of righteousness. Furthermore, the meticulous planning of the signal underscores the crucial need for clarity, wisdom, and strategic thinking in our own interactions, especially when navigating sensitive or perilous situations. While we may not face literal arrows or murderous kings, we frequently encounter relational, professional, or spiritual challenges that demand careful discernment and strategic action, relying on trusted relationships and, ultimately, on God's divine guidance. This narrative encourages us to actively cultivate such deep, loyal friendships and to act with unwavering courage and profound wisdom when faced with adversity, trusting that God can use even the most covert or seemingly ordinary plans to achieve His perfect and ultimate purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the full signal Jonathan planned for David?
Answer: Jonathan's plan was meticulously elaborate and designed for both clarity and absolute secrecy. He would go out to the field with a young boy, ostensibly for archery practice. The signal's critical meaning depended entirely on where the arrows landed relative to David's hiding place by the stone Ezel. If Jonathan called out to the boy, "Look, the arrows are beyond you!" (1 Samuel 20:21), it meant Saul's intentions were unequivocally hostile, and David must immediately flee for his life. Conversely, if he called, "Look, the arrows are on this side of you!" (1 Samuel 20:22), it meant it was safe for David to return. The boy's innocent presence provided a perfectly plausible cover for Jonathan's archery practice, while the specific words and the precise arrow placement conveyed the critical, life-saving message solely to David.
Why didn't Jonathan just tell David directly what Saul's intentions were?
Answer: Direct communication was far too dangerous due to King Saul's intense paranoia and the pervasive presence of his spies and loyal, unquestioning servants. Saul's court was a treacherous and volatile environment where any perceived disloyalty or sympathy for David could result in immediate death. Jonathan himself was at grave risk for his profound friendship with David, as vividly evidenced by Saul's later furious attempt to kill him with a spear (1 Samuel 20:33). A direct, open conversation would have been easily overheard or swiftly reported, jeopardizing both Jonathan's life and David's. The elaborate, coded signal was therefore an absolutely necessary measure to ensure David received the vital information without arousing even the slightest suspicion from Saul or his watchful entourage.
What is the significance of "the side thereof" / stone Ezel?
Answer: "The side thereof" refers directly to the stone Ezel, a predetermined and mutually agreed-upon landmark where David was specifically instructed to hide and patiently await Jonathan's signal (1 Samuel 20:19). This specific location was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it provided a secure and clearly defined rendezvous point, ensuring David would be precisely in the right place to receive the message without confusion. Secondly, it was likely a somewhat secluded or inconspicuous spot, minimizing the significant risk of David being discovered by Saul's men while he waited. The precision of the location underscores the meticulous planning and the profound gravity of the situation, where every single detail mattered for David's very survival.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's profound self-sacrificing loyalty and his ingenious, hidden communication with David, the anointed king, beautifully foreshadow the ultimate act of divine communication and self-giving love found in Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan, the king's son, willingly relinquished his own claim to the throne and risked his very life to protect David, so too did God the Father send His Son, Jesus, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jonathan's hidden message, conveyed through a seemingly ordinary act of archery, points to the profound, yet often veiled, wisdom of God's plan of salvation, a mystery "hidden for ages in God, who created all things" but now gloriously revealed in Christ (Ephesians 3:9-10). The arrows, shot "as though I shot at a mark," symbolize the seemingly random or chaotic events of human history that, in God's sovereign and meticulous plan, are precisely aimed at fulfilling His eternal purposes, culminating in Christ's atoning death and triumphant resurrection. Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, became the ultimate "mark" of God's redemptive plan, taking upon Himself the "arrows" of divine judgment for our sin, so that we, like David, might be delivered from the power of death and reign with Him eternally (Romans 5:8).