1 Samuel 20:20

In 1 Samuel 20:20, we find Jonathan outlining a crucial part of his secret plan to communicate with David. This verse specifies the method by which Jonathan will signal to David whether it is safe to return to King Saul's court or if he must flee for his life. The KJV text reads, "And I will shoot three arrows on the side [thereof], as though I shot at a mark."

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent towards David, his son-in-law and the anointed future king of Israel. Jonathan, Saul's son, maintained an extraordinary bond of loyalty and friendship with David, despite the conflict it created with his father. Jonathan devises an elaborate, covert communication system to inform David of Saul's true intentions without arousing suspicion. The "side thereof" refers to the stone Ezel, a predetermined hiding place for David (1 Samuel 20:19). The act of shooting arrows "as though I shot at a mark" is a deceptive maneuver designed to appear as casual archery practice, masking the true purpose of the shots as a vital signal.

Key Themes

• Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: The passage profoundly illustrates the depth of the covenant friendship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan consistently puts David's welfare above his own potential succession to the throne, risking his father's wrath to protect his friend.
• Strategic Communication: This verse highlights the ingenuity required for communication in times of extreme danger. The use of a coded, non-verbal signal (the number and retrieval of arrows) was a brilliant and necessary tactic to convey information discreetly and avoid detection by Saul's spies.
• Imminent Danger: The elaborate nature of the plan underscores the gravity of David's situation. Saul's irrational and violent hatred meant David's life was constantly at risk, necessitating such cautious and indirect methods of communication.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as though I shot at a mark" translates from the Hebrew כְּמִתְאוֹרֵר (*kəmit’ōrēr*), which implies shooting as if for sport or practice, without a serious target. This casual pretense was crucial to the deception, making the act appear innocuous to any onlookers, while carrying a life-or-death message for David. The simplicity of the Hebrew here emphasizes the directness and clarity of Jonathan's instruction to David, despite the hidden meaning for a third party.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons applicable to modern life:

• The Value of True Friendship: It reminds us of the profound impact of loyal friends who stand by us, even in the face of personal cost or danger. Such friendships are invaluable.
• Importance of Clear Communication: While Jonathan's communication was coded for safety, its effectiveness relied on David clearly understanding the agreed-upon signals (1 Samuel 20:21-22). This emphasizes the need for clear understanding in our own interactions, especially when dealing with sensitive matters.
• Navigating Difficult Situations: The narrative shows how careful planning and strategic action can be necessary to navigate perilous circumstances, relying on wisdom and trusted relationships.