1 Samuel 20:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if I say {H559} thus unto the young man {H5958}, Behold, the arrows {H2671} are beyond {H1973} thee; go thy way {H3212}: for the LORD {H3068} hath sent thee away {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if I tell the boy, 'The arrows are out there, beyond you,' then get going, because ADONAI is sending you away.

Berean Standard Bible

But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.

American Standard Version

But if I say thus unto the boy, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way; for Jehovah hath sent thee away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures the critical moment in the intricate plan orchestrated by Jonathan to secretly warn David of King Saul's unwavering intent to kill him. It is Jonathan's pre-arranged coded message, delivered through a seemingly innocent archery practice, signaling to David that he must flee immediately because Saul's hostility is absolute and his departure is not merely a human decision but divinely ordained, underscoring God's sovereign hand in David's life even amidst persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 20:22 is the culmination of a meticulously planned scheme between Jonathan and David, designed to ascertain the true depth of Saul's murderous rage against David. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 20:1-21) detail the covenant renewal between David and Jonathan, Jonathan's promise to discover his father's intentions, and the specific, elaborate signal involving arrows shot into a field, observed by a young servant. If Jonathan told the servant the arrows were "on this side of you," David was safe; if "beyond you," he was in mortal danger. This specific verse delivers the latter, dire message, marking the definitive end of David's presence at Saul's court and initiating his prolonged period as a fugitive. It immediately precedes the poignant farewell between David and Jonathan, highlighting the profound emotional cost of this necessary separation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds within the early monarchy of Israel, a period marked by the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. King Saul, Israel's first king, was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection"). David, anointed by Samuel as God's chosen successor [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"), represented a threat to Saul's insecure reign. The cultural context includes the deep significance of covenants and loyalty, particularly between individuals of high standing. Archery was a common skill and a means of communication, making Jonathan's elaborate signal both plausible and effective for covert operations. The concept of "sending away" (Hebrew: *shalach*) often carried legal or divine implications, signifying a definitive dismissal or even a divine imperative for departure, which would have been understood by the original audience as more than just personal advice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it exemplifies the **unwavering loyalty and sacrificial friendship** between Jonathan and David, a bond that transcends political ambition and familial ties, foreshadowing Jonathan's ultimate self-sacrifice for David's safety and future kingship. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine providence and guidance**, demonstrating God's active hand in protecting His anointed one and orchestrating David's path, even through periods of hardship and flight. The declaration "the LORD hath sent thee away" elevates David's flight from a mere escape to a divinely sanctioned departure. Thirdly, it marks a critical turning point in the theme of **Saul's escalating paranoia and rejection**, solidifying his complete departure from God's will and his relentless pursuit of David. This verse initiates David's long wilderness period, a time of refining and preparation for his eventual reign, illustrating how God uses adversity to shape His chosen leaders, as seen in the broader narrative of [David's fugitive life](/1_samuel/22 "1 Samuel 22 - David's Fugitive Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"beyond" (Hebrew, _ʿēber_):** This preposition indicates a position "beyond," "on the other side of," or "across." In the context of the archery signal, it signifies that the arrows have landed far past David's position, symbolizing that the danger from Saul is not merely close but has extended far beyond any hope of safety or reconciliation, necessitating immediate and distant flight. It conveys an insurmountable distance of peril.
* **"sent thee away" (Hebrew, _shillachka_ from _shalach_):** The verb שָׁלַח (_shalach_) means "to send, send away, dismiss, let go." The Piel stem (intensive/causative) used here, _shillach_, emphasizes a definitive and forceful sending or dismissal. The suffix _-ka_ means "you." Thus, "sent thee away" implies a decisive, complete, and irreversible expulsion. When attributed to "the LORD," it elevates the action from a mere human suggestion to a divine imperative or permission, indicating that David's necessary departure is not just a strategic retreat but an act sanctioned or even orchestrated by God for His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee;":** This clause reveals the pre-arranged coded message. Jonathan's words to his servant, overheard by David, serve as the unequivocal signal. "Beyond thee" is the critical phrase, indicating that the danger from Saul is absolute and that David must not return to the court. It signifies that Saul's murderous intent has been confirmed and that any proximity to the king is fatal.
* **"go thy way:":** This is the direct command and urgent instruction to David. It is an imperative, conveying the immediate necessity of flight. Given the context of mortal danger, "go thy way" is not a casual suggestion but a desperate plea for David to save his life by putting as much distance as possible between himself and Saul.
* **"for the LORD hath sent thee away.":** This concluding phrase provides the theological justification and ultimate authority for David's flight. Jonathan attributes David's necessary departure not merely to Saul's hostility or even his own warning, but to God's sovereign will. It suggests that David's path as a fugitive, though difficult, is part of God's divine plan for him, protecting His anointed one and preparing him for future leadership. This declaration elevates the urgency and legitimacy of David's flight to a divine imperative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jonathan's coded message explicitly predicts David's immediate future as a fugitive, setting the stage for the long and arduous period of his life on the run from Saul. The use of **Symbolism** is central, with the arrows representing not merely projectiles but the reach of Saul's murderous intent; their landing "beyond" David symbolizes the insurmountable and pervasive nature of the danger. The entire exchange functions as an **Euphemism** or **Coded Language**, allowing Jonathan to convey a life-or-death warning without directly implicating himself or alarming his father's servants, demonstrating his cunning and loyalty. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD hath sent thee away" serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Commentary**, as Jonathan, speaking prophetically or discerningly, articulates God's hand in David's circumstances, imbuing David's flight with theological significance beyond mere human escape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse underscores the profound theological truth that God's sovereign hand guides the paths of His chosen ones, even through periods of intense persecution and forced displacement. Jonathan's declaration, "the LORD hath sent thee away," transforms David's desperate flight into a divinely sanctioned journey, assuring David (and the reader) that his trials are not outside of God's control but are, in fact, part of His purposeful plan. This narrative highlights the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, demonstrating how God works through human relationships and even hostile circumstances to accomplish His will. It also powerfully illustrates the nature of true covenant loyalty, reflecting a deeper divine faithfulness.

* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans, God Directs")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of David and Jonathan, culminating in this poignant moment of necessary separation, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate friendships rooted in genuine loyalty and self-sacrifice, where we are willing to speak hard truths or offer costly support for the well-being of others, even when it demands personal sacrifice. Jonathan's clear warning, delivered with divine insight, reminds us of the importance of heeding timely warnings, whether from trusted counsel, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or discerning the signs of the times. More profoundly, David's forced departure, framed as God "sending him away," invites us to reframe our own experiences of hardship, displacement, or unexpected detours. When circumstances compel us down difficult or uncertain paths, we can find solace and strength in the belief that God is sovereign, and even in our "wilderness" experiences, He is actively working, protecting, and preparing us for His purposes. Our flight might be His sending, a divinely orchestrated step towards a greater destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge your understanding of true friendship and self-sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might God be "sending you away" or redirecting your path, even through difficult circumstances?**
* **How can you cultivate discernment to recognize and respond to "arrows beyond you" – warnings or signals – in your own life?**
* **How does the idea of God's sovereignty in David's flight bring comfort or challenge to your personal trials?**

### FAQ

**What does "the LORD hath sent thee away" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant. It means that David's necessary departure is not merely a human decision or a strategic retreat from Saul's murderous intent, but an action sanctioned, permitted, or even orchestrated by God Himself. Jonathan, in his deep spiritual discernment, recognizes that David's flight is part of God's divine plan to protect His anointed one and prepare him for his future role as king. It elevates David's predicament from a personal tragedy to a divinely guided journey, assuring him that God is actively involved in his life, even amidst persecution and uncertainty. It underscores God's sovereignty over human events, even those driven by malice.

**Why did Jonathan use such an elaborate signal with arrows instead of just telling David directly?**

Answer: Jonathan resorted to this elaborate coded signal primarily for secrecy and safety. King Saul was consumed by paranoia and jealousy, and his court was likely filled with informers. Any direct communication between Jonathan and David about Saul's murderous intentions would have been extremely dangerous for both of them, potentially leading to Jonathan being implicated in treason or David being immediately apprehended. The archery practice provided a plausible, innocent cover for their communication, allowing Jonathan to convey a life-or-death message without arousing Saul's suspicion or endangering himself and his servant. It was a clever and desperate measure to protect David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's flight, initiated by Jonathan's warning in [1 Samuel 20:22](/1_samuel/20-22 "1 Samuel 20:22 - Jonathan's Warning to David"), foreshadows the ultimate "sending away" and subsequent return of the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Just as David was God's anointed King, rejected and pursued by a jealous earthly ruler, so too was Jesus, the true King of Israel, rejected by His own people and pursued by hostile authorities, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Yet, Jesus's "sending away" was not an escape from danger but a deliberate journey to the cross, a divine imperative for the salvation of humanity. He was "sent" by the Father not to flee, but to accomplish redemption, as He Himself declared, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him" [John 3:16-17](/john/3-16-17 "John 3:16-17 - God So Loved the World"). Furthermore, just as David's period of exile prepared him for his reign, Jesus's departure from earth through ascension was a necessary "sending away" that prepared the way for the sending of the Holy Spirit [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Spirit's Coming") and His eventual glorious return to establish His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promise of a King who would reign forever [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom"). Thus, David's divinely sanctioned flight points to the deeper, redemptive purpose of Christ's mission and ultimate triumph.

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 20:37

And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, [Is] not the arrow beyond thee?