1 Samuel 20:22

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.

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}.

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

But if I say to the young man, โ€˜Look, the arrows are beyond you,โ€™ then you must go, for the LORD has sent you away.

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

Commentary

1 Samuel 20:22 is a pivotal verse in the profound narrative of the friendship between David and Jonathan, illustrating a secret warning signal used to convey King Saul's deadly intentions towards David. This verse encapsulates the moment Jonathan communicates the dire news that David must flee for his life, indicating that Saul's hostility is absolute and divinely recognized.

Context

This verse is part of an elaborate plan concocted by Jonathan, son of King Saul, to ascertain his father's true feelings towards David. Despite being the heir apparent, Jonathan harbored a deep, loyal friendship with David, who was increasingly popular after his victory over Goliath and his successes in Saul's army. Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear that David would usurp his throne, repeatedly sought to kill David. Jonathan, torn between loyalty to his father and his covenant with David (see 1 Samuel 18:3 and 1 Samuel 20:16), devised a secret signal involving arrows and a young servant. If the arrows landed short, David was safe; if they landed "beyond" the servant, it meant danger.

Meaning of the Verse

Jonathan's words, "Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away," served as the critical message to David. The phrase "the arrows are beyond thee" was the pre-arranged code signifying that Saul's murderous intent was confirmed and that David must not return to the court. It meant that a great and insurmountable distance of danger lay between David and Saul. The second part, "for the LORD hath sent thee away," is deeply significant. It's not merely Jonathan's advice to flee, but an acknowledgment that David's necessary departure was ordained or permitted by God. This elevates the warning from a personal opinion to a divine imperative, reinforcing the urgency and legitimacy of David's flight from Saul's presence. It underscores that David's future, though currently involving hardship, was under divine supervision.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: Jonathan's actions here demonstrate profound loyalty and self-sacrifice for David, even at the cost of his own future as king. Their bond is a powerful example of biblical friendship.
  • Divine Providence and Guidance: The phrase "the LORD hath sent thee away" highlights God's active role in guiding David's path, even through persecution and flight. God was protecting His anointed one (1 Samuel 16:13) and preparing him for future leadership.
  • Persecution and Flight: This verse marks a definitive turning point, initiating David's period of living as a fugitive from Saul, a time that shaped his character and leadership skills, preparing him for the throne.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "sent thee away" is ืฉืึดืœึผึทื—ึฐืšึธ (*shillachka*), derived from the root ืฉืึธืœึทื— (*shalach*), meaning "to send, send away, dismiss." In this context, it carries a strong sense of definitive dismissal or expulsion. It's not a suggestion but a declaration that David has been definitively "sent away" by a higher authority (the Lord) due to the danger, emphasizing the finality and divine backing of his necessary departure.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Recognizing Warnings: Just as David received a clear signal, we should be discerning and responsive to warnings, whether from trusted friends, circumstances, or spiritual conviction, especially when they align with God's perceived leading.
  • The Value of True Friendship: The story of Jonathan and David reminds us of the immense value of loyal, self-sacrificing friends who speak truth, even when it's difficult or dangerous.
  • Trusting God's Plan Amidst Hardship: Even when circumstances force us into difficult or uncertain paths, like David's flight, we can trust that "the LORD hath sent" us, meaning God is still sovereign and has a purpose, even in our wilderness experiences (Romans 8:28).
  • God's Protection: This narrative assures us that God protects His people, even when they are pursued by powerful enemies. His hand guides and delivers.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 20:37 (3 votes)

    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?