1 Samuel 20:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, I will send {H7971} a lad {H5288}, saying, Go {H3212}, find out {H4672} the arrows {H2671}. If I expressly {H559} say {H559} unto the lad {H5288}, Behold, the arrows {H2671} are on this side of thee, take {H3947} them; then come {H935} thou: for there is peace {H7965} to thee, and no hurt {H1697}; as the LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will send my boy to recover them. If I tell the boy, 'They're here on this side of you, take them,' then come - it means that everything is peaceful for you; as ADONAI lives, there's nothing wrong.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger.

American Standard Version

And, behold, I will send the lad, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee; take them, and come; for there is peace to thee and no hurt, as Jehovah liveth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:21 forms a critical part of the secret communication system devised by Jonathan to ascertain King Saul's true intentions toward David. This verse specifically outlines the "all clear" signal: if Jonathan instructs his servant to retrieve the arrows from "this side" of him, it signifies that David is safe to return, promising him peace and no harm, sealed by a solemn oath invoking the living God. It underscores Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and strategic brilliance in protecting his divinely appointed friend from his own father's murderous jealousy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of David's flight from King Saul and the profound covenant friendship between David and Jonathan. Following Saul's repeated attempts to kill David ([1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David")), David seeks refuge and understanding from Jonathan. Chapter 20 opens with David confronting Jonathan about Saul's intentions. Jonathan, initially disbelieving his father's malice, pledges to uncover the truth and protect David. The elaborate arrow signal, detailed across [1 Samuel 20:18-23](/1_samuel/20-18 "1 Samuel 20:18-23 - Jonathan's Secret Signal"), is their ingenious plan to communicate Saul's disposition without alerting the king or his spies. Verse 21 specifically describes the signal for safety, setting the stage for the contrasting signal of danger in [1 Samuel 20:22](/1_samuel/20-22 "1 Samuel 20:22 - The Signal for Danger"). This entire exchange culminates in their emotional farewell, sealing their covenant for generations to come.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the early monarchy, a period marked by political instability and the transition of power. King Saul, the first king, is increasingly consumed by a paranoid jealousy of David, whom God has chosen to succeed him ([1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Samuel Anoints David")). Royal courts were often rife with intrigue, and loyalty was a complex matter, especially when a king's heir (Jonathan) formed a deep bond with a perceived rival (David). Oaths "as the LORD liveth" were extremely binding and common in ancient Near Eastern covenants, signifying the gravity of the promise and invoking divine witness and judgment. The use of a "lad" or servant as a messenger was a typical practice, allowing for discreet communication while maintaining plausible deniability for the principal parties. The open field served as a private, unobserved location for such clandestine meetings and signals, away from the prying eyes of the court.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the theme of **unwavering loyalty and covenant friendship**, as Jonathan risks his life and royal inheritance to protect David, demonstrating a love that surpasses even familial ties ([1 Samuel 18:1-4](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1-4 - The Covenant Between David and Jonathan")). It also highlights **strategic communication and wisdom** in navigating dangerous circumstances, showcasing Jonathan's foresight in devising a covert system to convey vital information. The underlying theme of **divine providence and God's sovereign plan** is evident, as Jonathan implicitly acknowledges God's hand in David's destiny, even invoking the Lord's name in his solemn oath. Despite the immediate threat from Saul, there is an implicit **hope and assurance of safety** for David if the signal is given, contrasting sharply with the constant danger he faced. This narrative also explores the complexities of **family versus loyalty to God's chosen one**, as Jonathan chooses fidelity to David over his own father's destructive will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The word שָׁלוֹם (_shalom_) is far richer than merely the absence of conflict. It encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, security, and flourishing. When Jonathan says, "there is peace to thee," he is not simply indicating safety from immediate physical harm, but promising a state of security and favor, a comprehensive well-being that would allow David to return without fear of further pursuit or malicious intent from Saul. This promise of _shalom_ is a profound blessing, especially in David's precarious situation.
* **As the LORD liveth (Hebrew, _chai Yahweh'_):** The phrase חַי יְהוָה (_chai Yahweh_) is a solemn and binding oath, often used to affirm the truthfulness and certainty of a statement or promise, placing it under divine witness. By invoking the living God, Jonathan elevates the seriousness of his word, underscoring the absolute reliability of the signal and the covenant between him and David. It implies that God Himself is a witness to their agreement and will uphold its truth, making the promise of safety inviolable in Jonathan's eyes. This oath highlights the deep spiritual dimension of their friendship and their shared faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, I will send a lad, [saying], Go, find out the arrows."**: This clause sets the scene for the communication method. Jonathan, the prince, will use a young servant as an unwitting intermediary. The instruction to "find out the arrows" provides a plausible cover for the servant's presence in the field, concealing the true purpose of the exercise from any potential observers. It establishes the initial, seemingly innocuous, part of the pre-arranged signal.
* **"If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows [are] on this side of thee, take them;"**: This is the crucial conditional statement that defines the "all clear" signal. The specific instruction to the lad, "the arrows are on this side of thee," indicates that the arrows have fallen close to the lad, implying safety and no need for David to flee further. This precise wording, pre-arranged with David, is the key to interpreting Saul's disposition. It signifies that the immediate danger has passed, and David can safely emerge from hiding.
* **"then come thou: for [there is] peace to thee, and no hurt;"**: This is the direct command and assurance to David. If the "on this side" signal is given, David is to "come," meaning he is safe to return to Jonathan. The accompanying declaration, "for there is peace to thee, and no hurt," explicitly states the outcome of the signal: David will experience _shalom_—wholeness, security, and well-being—and will suffer no harm. This is the desired outcome for David, a promise of reprieve from the constant threat of Saul.
* **"[as] the LORD liveth."**: This final phrase functions as a solemn oath, reinforcing the absolute certainty and truthfulness of Jonathan's promise of safety. By swearing by the living God, Jonathan underscores the gravity of his word and the sacredness of the covenant between him and David. It implies that God Himself is the guarantor of this promise, adding an undeniable spiritual weight to the assurance of peace and protection.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and dramatic impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the arrows serving as a covert means of communication, their placement symbolizing either safety or danger. The act of shooting arrows, typically associated with warfare, is here repurposed for a message of peace or warning, adding a layer of **irony** given Saul's violent intentions. The phrase "as the LORD liveth" is a powerful example of **oath-taking**, a form of **covenant language** that elevates the personal promise between David and Jonathan to a divinely witnessed and binding agreement. This also functions as **foreshadowing**, as Jonathan's self-sacrificial loyalty and the divine oath anticipate God's continued protection over David and His ultimate plan for David's kingship, despite the immediate peril.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:21 is a profound testament to the power of covenant friendship, divine providence, and the intricate ways God protects His chosen ones. Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, even at great personal cost, mirrors the self-sacrificial love that is a hallmark of true biblical friendship and points to the deeper covenantal faithfulness of God Himself. The elaborate signal, while a human contrivance, operates within the larger framework of God's sovereign plan for David's life, demonstrating how God can use seemingly ordinary means and human relationships to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The promise of "peace and no hurt" echoes God's desire for the well-being of His people, even amidst tribulation, and underscores the security found in trusting His guidance.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:21 provide a powerful blueprint for what it means to be a truly loyal and self-sacrificing friend. In a world often characterized by self-interest and fleeting relationships, Jonathan stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment, willing to jeopardize his own future for the sake of his friend. This passage challenges us to examine the depth of our own friendships: are we willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect and support those we claim to love, even when it demands personal sacrifice or courage in the face of adversity? Furthermore, it reminds us of the importance of clear and intentional communication, especially in high-stakes situations, and the wisdom of devising strategies to navigate complex challenges. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's overarching providence, recognizing that even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, He orchestrates circumstances for the good of those He has chosen and called, providing "peace and no hurt" in ways we may not always foresee.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's friendship with David challenge your understanding of loyalty and sacrifice in relationships?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Jonathan's strategic thinking and clear communication in your own life, especially when facing difficult situations?**
* **How does the promise of "peace and no hurt" in this verse relate to your trust in God's protection and provision amidst personal challenges?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "all clear" signal in 1 Samuel 20:21?**

Answer: The "all clear" signal was a pre-arranged code between Jonathan and David, designed to inform David whether King Saul intended to harm him or not. In 1 Samuel 20:21, Jonathan specifies that if he tells his servant, "Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them," it means David is safe and can return. This signal was crucial for David's survival, as it allowed him to gauge the immediate threat from Saul without direct confrontation. It demonstrated Jonathan's ingenuity and his deep commitment to protecting his friend, even at the risk of his own life and royal succession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's self-sacrificial love and his role as a mediator of safety for David in 1 Samuel 20:21 powerfully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan, the king's son, willingly relinquished his own claim to the throne and risked his life to secure David's safety and future kingship, so too did Jesus, the Son of God and rightful heir to all things, lay down His life to secure our eternal peace and spiritual kingship with Him. Jonathan's promise of "peace to thee, and no hurt" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace") and who has delivered us from the ultimate "hurt" of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the ultimate "friend who sticks closer than a brother" ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")), who entered into a new covenant with us through His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")), guaranteeing our eternal safety and well-being. Jonathan's solemn oath "as the LORD liveth" points to the absolute trustworthiness of God's promises, which are all "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through Christ, we receive not just temporary safety, but everlasting _shalom_ with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

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

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

Amos 8:14

They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.

Jeremiah 12:16

And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.