1 Samuel 20:20

KJV

And I will shoot three arrows on the side [thereof], as though I shot at a mark.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will shoot {H3384} three {H7969} arrows {H2671} on the side {H6654} thereof, as though I shot {H7971} at a mark {H4307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will shoot three arrows to one side, as if I were shooting at a target.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonathan's carefully crafted plan to communicate with David in 1 Samuel 20:20 reveals the perilous situation David faced due to King Saul's irrational hatred. This verse details a critical component of their secret signal: Jonathan's act of shooting three arrows in a specific location, disguised as casual archery practice. This deceptive maneuver was designed to convey a life-or-death message to David, indicating whether it was safe to return to Saul's court or if he must flee for his life, all while remaining undetected by Saul's watchful eyes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of King Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent toward David, his son-in-law and God's anointed future king. The preceding chapters establish the deep, covenantal friendship between Jonathan, Saul's son, and David, a bond that transcends political ambition and familial loyalty to Saul. Chapter 20 specifically details Jonathan's ingenious plan to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards David. Verses [1 Samuel 20:18-19](/1_samuel/20-18 "1 Samuel 20:18-19 - Jonathan's Instructions to David") set the stage, outlining the precise time and location (the stone Ezel) for David to hide and await Jonathan's signal. Verse 20, therefore, is the specific action within this elaborate communication system, followed by the interpretation of the signal in [1 Samuel 20:21-22](/1_samuel/20-21 "1 Samuel 20:21-22 - The Meaning of the Arrows"). The entire sequence 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.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early monarchy of Israel, a period marked by the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. Saul, the first king, is increasingly unstable and disobedient to God, leading to God's rejection of him and the anointing of David as his successor ([1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Samuel Anoints David")). This context explains Saul's paranoia and violent outbursts against David, whom he perceives as a threat to his dynasty. Archery was a common skill and a form of sport or military training in ancient Israel, making Jonathan's feigned practice a culturally plausible and inconspicuous activity. The concept of a blood covenant, like that between Jonathan and David ([1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan and David Make a Covenant")), was a deeply binding agreement in the ancient Near East, often involving promises of mutual protection and loyalty extending to future generations, which Jonathan faithfully upholds despite the personal cost.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the theme of **unwavering loyalty and friendship**, showcasing Jonathan's profound commitment to David, even at the expense of his own potential claim to the throne. This bond serves as a counterpoint to Saul's escalating **tyranny and paranoia**, highlighting the destructive nature of unchecked power and jealousy. The elaborate signal system emphasizes the theme of **strategic communication and divine providence**, as Jonathan's ingenuity is used to protect God's chosen king. It also underscores the **imminent danger** David faced, necessitating such covert operations. Ultimately, the narrative points to God's faithful preservation of His anointed one, ensuring David's safety despite human malice, a theme echoed in God's protection of His people throughout biblical history, as seen in passages like [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You From All Evil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shoot (Hebrew, יָרָה _yarah_):** This verb means "to throw," "to cast," "to direct," or "to shoot." In this context, it refers specifically to the act of propelling arrows from a bow. The choice of this common, everyday action is crucial for the deception, making Jonathan's activity appear innocuous to any casual observer, masking its true, life-or-death communicative purpose.
* **three arrows (Hebrew, שְׁלֹשָׁה חִצִּים _sh'loshah chitzim_):** The number "three" is significant here, not merely as a quantity but as a specific, pre-arranged part of the coded message. It establishes a fixed element of the signal, which, combined with the location of the arrows, would convey the precise information David needed. This specificity highlights the meticulous planning Jonathan undertook to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation in a high-stakes situation.
* **as though I shot at a mark (Hebrew, כְּמִתְאוֹרֵר _kəmit’ōrēr_):** This is a crucial phrase for understanding the deceptive nature of Jonathan's act. The root of _mit’ōrēr_ implies "to be free," "to be loose," or "to be without restraint." Thus, the phrase means "as if shooting aimlessly," "as if practicing," or "as if for sport." It conveys the idea of an uncommitted, casual, or recreational shot, rather than one aimed at a specific target with serious intent. This pretense was vital to prevent any suspicion from Saul's servants or spies who might be observing Jonathan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will shoot three arrows":** This clause establishes Jonathan's direct and intentional action. The act of shooting arrows is a familiar, seemingly innocent pastime, but the specific number "three" is a pre-arranged code, indicating that this is no ordinary practice. It signifies the initiation of the critical signal system agreed upon between Jonathan and David, setting the stage for the communication of vital information.
* **"on the side [thereof]":** This phrase refers to the predetermined location where David is to hide and await the signal. The "thereof" points back to the "stone Ezel" mentioned in [1 Samuel 20:19](/1_samuel/20-19 "1 Samuel 20:19 - David's Hiding Place at Ezel"). This precise geographical detail ensures that David knows exactly where to be to receive the message, emphasizing the meticulous planning required for such a covert operation in a dangerous environment.
* **"as though I shot at a mark":** This final clause reveals the deceptive nature of Jonathan's action. He will not be genuinely aiming at a target for accuracy or competition. Instead, he will simulate casual archery practice, perhaps shooting erratically or without a clear objective. This pretense is essential to avoid aroused suspicion from any onlookers, allowing the true, hidden meaning of the arrow placement to be conveyed solely to David.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience is privy to the true, life-saving purpose of Jonathan's archery, while King Saul and his court remain oblivious, believing it to be mere sport. This creates tension and highlights the cunning required for David's survival. **Symbolism** is also at play: the arrows symbolize not only communication but also the precariousness of David's life, as their placement determines his fate (safety or flight). Jonathan's act of shooting "as though I shot at a mark" is a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly 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 an example of **Cunning** or **Stratagem**, demonstrating Jonathan's cleverness and resourcefulness in protecting his friend against an irrational and powerful adversary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly focused on a practical detail of communication, resonates with deeper theological truths. It highlights God's providential care for David, His anointed one, even amidst human treachery and danger. Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, though a human act, serves as an instrument of divine protection, demonstrating how God often works through faithful human relationships to accomplish His purposes. The tension between Saul's attempts to thwart God's plan and God's steadfast commitment to His chosen king underscores the theme of divine sovereignty prevailing over human opposition. The need for such elaborate, hidden communication also speaks to the reality of living in a fallen world, where deception and danger necessitate wisdom and discernment, yet God remains the ultimate protector.

* [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")
* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalms/37-32 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous, But the Lord Delivers Them")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in this verse offer profound lessons on the nature of true friendship, the importance of wise communication, and the courage required to stand for what is right, even at great personal cost. In a world often characterized by self-interest and betrayal, Jonathan's self-sacrificing loyalty to David shines as a beacon, reminding us of the invaluable gift of a friend who "sticks closer than a brother." It challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitments and whether we are willing to risk comfort or reputation for the well-being of those we love. Furthermore, the meticulous planning of the signal underscores the need for clarity and wisdom in our interactions, especially when navigating sensitive or perilous situations. While we may not face literal arrows, we often encounter relational or professional challenges that demand careful discernment and strategic action, relying on trusted relationships and, ultimately, on God's guidance. This narrative encourages us to cultivate such deep, loyal friendships and to act with courage and wisdom when faced with adversity, trusting that God can use even the most covert plans to achieve His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's friendship with David challenge your understanding of loyalty and sacrifice in relationships?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to communicate more clearly or strategically, discerning when to be direct and when discretion is wise?**
* **When have you experienced God's protection or provision through the actions of a faithful friend or ally?**
* **What personal "marks" or goals might you be pursuing that, like Jonathan's feigned archery, mask a deeper, more significant purpose in God's plan?**

### FAQ

**What was the full signal Jonathan planned for David?**

Answer: Jonathan's plan was elaborate and designed for clarity and secrecy. He would go out to the field with a young boy to shoot arrows. The signal's meaning depended 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](/1_samuel/20-21 "1 Samuel 20:21 - The Signal for Safety")), it meant Saul's intentions were hostile, and David must flee for his life. If he called, "Look, the arrows are on this side of you!" ([1 Samuel 20:22](/1_samuel/20-22 "1 Samuel 20:22 - The Signal for Safety")), it meant it was safe for David to return. The boy's presence provided a plausible cover for Jonathan's archery practice, while the specific words and arrow placement conveyed the critical message to David.

**Why didn't Jonathan just tell David directly what Saul's intentions were?**

Answer: Direct communication was too dangerous due to King Saul's intense paranoia and the presence of his spies and loyal servants. Saul's court was a treacherous environment where any perceived disloyalty could result in immediate death. Jonathan himself was at risk for his friendship with David, as evidenced by Saul's later attempt to kill him ([1 Samuel 20:33](/1_samuel/20-33 "1 Samuel 20:33 - Saul Tries to Kill Jonathan")). A direct conversation would have been easily overheard or reported, jeopardizing both Jonathan's life and David's. The elaborate, coded signal was a necessary measure to ensure David received the vital information without arousing Saul's suspicion.

**What is the significance of "the side thereof" / stone Ezel?**

Answer: "The side thereof" refers to the stone Ezel, a predetermined landmark where David was instructed to hide and await Jonathan's signal ([1 Samuel 20:19](/1_samuel/20-19 "1 Samuel 20:19 - David's Hiding Place")). This specific location was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provided a secure and agreed-upon rendezvous point, ensuring David would be in the right place to receive the message. Secondly, it was likely a somewhat secluded or inconspicuous spot, minimizing the risk of David being discovered by Saul's men while waiting. The precision of the location underscores the meticulous planning and the gravity of the situation, where every detail mattered for David's survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's 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 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" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Jonathan's hidden message, conveyed through a seemingly ordinary act, points to the profound, yet often veiled, wisdom of God's plan of salvation, hidden for ages but now revealed in Christ ([Ephesians 3:9-10](/ephesians/3-9 "Ephesians 3:9-10 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed")). 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 plan, are precisely aimed at fulfilling His purposes, culminating in Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), 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](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Shows His Love for Us")).

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.