1 Samuel 20:35

Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And it came to pass in the morning H1242, that Jonathan H3083 went out H3318 into the field H7704 at the time appointed H4150 with David H1732, and a little H6996 lad H5288 with him.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The next morning Y'honatan went out into the country at the time he had arranged with David, taking with him a young boy.
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Berean Standard Bible
In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for the appointment with David, and a small boy was with him.
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American Standard Version
And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.
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World English Bible Messianic
In the morning, Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little boy with him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
On the next morning therefore Ionathan than went out into the fielde, at the time appoynted with Dauid, and a litle boy with him.
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Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass in the morning, that Jonathan goeth out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little youth is with him.
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See also
1 Samuel 20:192 Samuel 20:5
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David on the Run (Part 1)
David on the Run (Part 1) View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 7,766 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Samuel 20:35 details the precise moment Jonathan departs for the pre-arranged meeting with David, venturing into the field accompanied by a young servant. This seemingly ordinary action is, in fact, the critical execution of a perilous plan designed to uncover King Saul's true intentions towards David, setting the stage for the definitive revelation of Saul's murderous rage and the poignant, final farewell between the two deeply devoted friends, solidifying David's status as a fugitive.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed at a climactic point within the unfolding drama of 1 Samuel, specifically within the elaborate and dangerous scheme orchestrated by David and Jonathan to ascertain King Saul's true intentions. Chapters 1 Samuel 18-19 vividly portray Saul's escalating paranoia and repeated attempts on David's life, forcing David to flee. 1 Samuel 20 opens with David seeking reassurance from Jonathan, leading to their renewal of a solemn covenant and the devising of a clandestine communication strategy. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 20:18-34) meticulously lay out the details of this plan: Jonathan would observe Saul's behavior at the New Moon feast, then go to a specific field at an "appointed time" and shoot arrows, using a young lad to retrieve them. The manner of his instruction to the lad would signal David (who would be hidden nearby) whether it was safe to return or if he must flee permanently. Verse 35 initiates the execution of this perilous scheme, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between Jonathan and Saul, and the subsequent sorrowful parting of David and Jonathan.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is the early Israelite monarchy, a pivotal period of transition from tribal leadership to a centralized kingdom. King Saul, initially chosen by God, has been rejected due to his disobedience, as recorded in 1 Samuel 15. David, God's anointed successor, chosen and anointed in 1 Samuel 16, represents a direct threat to Saul's dynasty, fueling the king's intense jealousy and paranoia. Covenants and oaths, like the one between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3), held immense weight in ancient Near Eastern culture, often involving solemn vows and divine witnesses. The use of a "little lad" as a cover for a secret meeting was a common practice in a society where public spaces were often observed, and direct, private communication between high-ranking individuals could arouse suspicion, especially when one party was a known target of the king's wrath. The "field" (Hebrew: sadeh) served as a discreet, open location away from the prying eyes of the court, ideal for clandestine meetings.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship is paramount, as Jonathan, the rightful heir to Saul's throne, consistently prioritizes David's safety and well-being over his own dynastic ambitions, demonstrating a selfless love that transcends political interest (Proverbs 18:24). Secondly, the theme of Divine Providence Amidst Human Conflict is evident; even as Saul rages, God is sovereignly working through Jonathan's faithfulness to protect His anointed future king, David. Thirdly, The Cost of Disobedience and Paranoia is highlighted through Saul's irrational hatred, which forces his own son into a dangerous deception and ultimately alienates him from his most loyal subjects. Finally, the verse foreshadows Separation and Exile, marking the beginning of David's extended period as a fugitive, a necessary step in God's plan to establish David's kingship, even if it meant painful personal sacrifice for those involved. The meticulous planning underscores the extreme danger and the high stakes involved in this unfolding drama, a testament to the depth of their bond as seen throughout 1 Samuel 20.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Time appointed (Hebrew, môwʻêd', H4150): From the root ya'ad (to appoint), this term signifies a fixed, set, or agreed-upon time or season. It conveys precision, intentionality, and the solemnity of the arrangement. In biblical usage, mo'ed can refer to a sacred assembly, a festival (like the New Moon feast from which Jonathan is coming), or simply a designated meeting. Here, its use emphasizes that the rendezvous was not accidental but a carefully planned, critical juncture in David and Jonathan's scheme, underscoring their mutual trust and the grave importance of their communication. This "appointed time" was a precise and crucial element of their covenantal strategy.
  • Lad (Hebrew, naʻar', H5288): This word refers concretely to a boy, from infancy to adolescence, and by implication, a servant or attendant. In this context, combined with qâṭân (little or young), it describes a young, likely unsuspecting servant boy. His presence provides a plausible, innocent cover for Jonathan's activity in the field, making his actions appear routine rather than clandestine. This detail underscores the extreme caution and deceptive measures required due to King Saul's volatile and murderous paranoia, highlighting the danger David faced and the lengths Jonathan went to protect him. The na'ar is an unwitting pawn in a high-stakes game.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And it came to pass in the morning": This phrase establishes the precise timing of Jonathan's departure. The morning suggests a deliberate, early start, perhaps to avoid detection or to ensure they had ample time for the signals before the day progressed. It also implies a sense of urgency and the critical nature of the day's events, following the tension of the New Moon feast and the preceding night.
  • "that Jonathan went out into the field": This describes Jonathan's action and the chosen location. The "field" (Hebrew: sadeh) signifies an an open, rural area, away from the confines and surveillance of the city or palace. This choice of setting is crucial for the secrecy of their meeting and the execution of their pre-arranged signal, emphasizing the need for discretion given Saul's intense hostility towards David.
  • "at the time appointed with David": This clause highlights the pre-arranged nature of their meeting, underscoring the covenantal bond and mutual trust between Jonathan and David. It speaks to their careful planning and the precision required for their dangerous communication strategy. The "appointed time" was a specific, agreed-upon moment, emphasizing the critical importance of their faithfulness to the plan, as David's life depended on its exact execution.
  • "and a little lad with him": The presence of the "little lad" serves as a crucial element of their deception. His innocent presence provides a plausible cover for Jonathan's activity in the field (e.g., target practice or hunting), diverting suspicion from the true, clandestine purpose of his outing. This detail further illustrates the extreme measures taken to protect David and the high stakes involved in their secret communication, emphasizing the perilous environment they navigated.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Foreshadowing is prominent, as Jonathan's departure to the field, though seemingly routine, implicitly signals the impending confirmation of Saul's deadly intent and the inevitable, sorrowful separation of David and Jonathan. The very act of going to the "appointed time" with a "little lad" sets the stage for the dramatic climax of their plan. There is also a subtle Irony in the presence of the "little lad." He is an unwitting participant in a life-or-death drama, his innocent presence serving as a cover for a grave and dangerous mission, unaware of the profound implications of the arrow signals he is meant to retrieve. The "field" itself can be seen as Symbolic, representing a liminal space—a place of transition and decision, where the fate of the future king of Israel is determined away from the corrupting influence of the royal court. The entire scene is imbued with Suspense, as the reader knows the high stakes involved and anticipates the outcome of this critical rendezvous, building tension for the subsequent verses in 1 Samuel 20.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse, though brief, is profoundly significant, acting as the hinge upon which David's immediate future turns. It underscores the biblical theme of extraordinary loyalty and self-sacrificial love, particularly in the context of friendship. Jonathan, a prince and heir apparent, consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to David, even at the cost of his own dynastic prospects and personal safety. This commitment reflects a deeper theological truth about the nature of covenant faithfulness, both among humans and between God and His people. It also highlights how divine providence often works through the faithful actions and relationships of individuals, even in the face of intense human hostility and political intrigue. Jonathan's willingness to risk everything for David mirrors the ultimate expression of love and covenant faithfulness found throughout scripture, serving as a powerful testament to the bonds that can be forged through shared purpose and divine calling.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Samuel 20:35, while detailing a specific historical event, offers timeless insights into the nature of true friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating treacherous circumstances. Jonathan's actions serve as a powerful example of what it means to be a faithful friend: one who is willing to take risks, uphold commitments, and prioritize the well-being of another, even when it comes at significant personal cost. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our own loyalties and the integrity of our commitments. Are we willing to stand by those we love, even when it's inconvenient, costly, or dangerous? It also reminds us that wisdom and strategic planning are often necessary when facing adversity, and that God can use even clandestine arrangements to protect His purposes and His people. Ultimately, it invites us to consider the value of relationships built on trust and selflessness, reflecting on how such bonds can be a source of strength and divine intervention in a broken world. In a world often characterized by self-interest, Jonathan's selfless devotion provides a compelling model for Christian character and community.

Questions for Reflection

  • What does Jonathan's willingness to go "into the field at the time appointed" reveal about the nature of true commitment in friendship?
  • How does the presence of the "little lad" highlight the extreme danger David faced and the lengths Jonathan went to protect him?
  • In what ways might we be called to demonstrate costly loyalty or strategic wisdom in our own relationships or circumstances today, mirroring Jonathan's faithfulness?

FAQ

Why was it necessary for Jonathan to go to such lengths for this meeting?

Answer: The extreme measures, including the "time appointed" and the presence of the "little lad," were necessitated by King Saul's escalating and irrational paranoia. Saul's jealousy of David had turned into murderous intent, making any direct, open communication between Jonathan and David incredibly dangerous. Jonathan, as the king's son, was under constant scrutiny, and meeting David openly would have immediately exposed David to Saul's wrath and potentially implicated Jonathan in treason. The elaborate plan, therefore, was a desperate but necessary attempt to gather crucial information about Saul's intentions while minimizing risk to both David and Jonathan, reflecting the high stakes of David's survival and the intense hostility of Saul, as seen throughout 1 Samuel 19-20.

What was the "time appointed" and why was it so critical?

Answer: The "time appointed" (Hebrew: mo'ed) refers to a specific, pre-arranged moment that Jonathan and David had agreed upon for their clandestine meeting and the execution of their signal plan. This precise timing was critical for several reasons: it ensured David would be hidden nearby to observe the signal, it allowed Jonathan to act discreetly after the New Moon feast (where Saul's true colors were revealed, as described in 1 Samuel 20:24-34), and it underscored the solemnity and urgency of their covenant. Their adherence to this appointed time demonstrated their mutual trust and the grave importance of their communication, as David's life literally depended on Jonathan's faithfulness to this precise schedule.

What was the overall plan that this verse sets in motion?

Answer: This verse initiates the final phase of a complex plan devised by David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20. The plan involved Jonathan observing King Saul's behavior during the New Moon feast to determine if Saul's anger towards David had subsided. If Saul remained hostile, Jonathan would go to a specific field at the "appointed time" and shoot three arrows as if for target practice. He would then send the "little lad" to retrieve them. If Jonathan told the lad, "Look, the arrows are beyond you," it was a signal for David (who was hidden nearby) that he must flee permanently. If Jonathan said, "Look, the arrows are on this side of you," it meant it was safe for David to return. Verse 35 marks Jonathan's departure to execute this signal, setting the stage for the definitive confirmation of Saul's murderous intent and David's subsequent flight, as detailed in 1 Samuel 20:36-42.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Samuel 20:35, with Jonathan's self-sacrificial loyalty to David, provides a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate love and faithfulness demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the rightful heir to Saul's throne, willingly relinquishes his claim and risks his life to protect David, the true anointed king. This mirrors Christ, the eternal Son and rightful King of all creation, who willingly "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7) and laid down His life, not for His own benefit, but for the salvation of His people. Jonathan's love for David, which "surpassed the love of women" (2 Samuel 1:26), points to the unparalleled love of Christ who, while we were still sinners, died for us (Romans 5:8). Just as Jonathan's actions secured David's future as king, Christ's sacrifice on the cross secured our eternal future and established His eternal kingdom, a kingdom that "will never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44). The "appointed time" of Jonathan's meeting with David can be seen as a shadow of God's "appointed time" for Christ's redemptive work, a divine plan meticulously executed for the salvation of humanity (Galatians 4:4). Jonathan's willingness to face danger for his friend ultimately points to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11), demonstrating a love that is both costly and redemptive.

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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 35–42

Here is, 1. Jonathan's faithful performance of his promise to give David notice of the success of his dangerous experiment. He went at the time and to the place appointed (Sa1 20:35), within sight of which he knew David lay hid, sent his footboy to fetch his arrows, which he would shoot at random (Sa1 20:36), and gave David the fatal signal by shooting an arrow beyond the lad (Sa1 20:37): Is not the arrow beyond thee? That word [beyond] David knew the meaning of better than the lad. Jonathan dismissed the lad, who knew nothing of the matter, and, finding the coast clear and no danger of a discovery, he presumed upon one minute's personal conversation with David after he had bidden him flee for his life. 2. The most sorrowful parting of these two friends, who, for aught that appears, never came together again but once, and that was by stealth in a wood, Sa1 23:16. (1.) David addressed himself to Jonathan with the reverence of a servant rather than the freedom of a friend: He fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times, as one deeply sensible of his obligations to him for the good services he had done him. (2.) They took leave of each other with the greatest affection imaginable, with kisses and tears; they wept on each other's neck till David exceeded, Sa1 20:41. The separation of two such faithful friends was equally grievous to them both, but David's case was the more deplorable; for, when Jonathan was returning to his family and friends, David was leaving all his comforts, even those of God's sanctuary, and therefore his grief exceeded Jonathan's, or perhaps it was because his temper was more tender and his passions were stronger. (3.) They referred themselves to the covenant of friendship that was between them, both of them comforting themselves with this in this mournful separation: "We have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, for ourselves and our heirs, that we and they will be faithful and kind to each other from generation to generation." Thus, while we are at home in the body and absent from the Lord, this is our comfort, that he has made with us an everlasting covenant.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 35–42. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And when the morning dawned, Jonathan came into the field, etc. When, after the teaching and glorious operation, even the exhibition of virtues began to rise like the third day of the Kalends in the Church, the harmonious society of spiritual teachers came, having left the table of literal observance for the fruitful liberty of grace, according to the disposition of the Lord Savior; and the chorus of humble listeners followed, to whom she herself instructing said: "See that you grow with the steps of good deeds, and understand that all the ministers of the word whom I disperse near or far are to be preserved in my catholic peace, and do not be disturbed by the seeming harsh outcome of anyone at present, although untimely death may snatch away, although a fierce Indian, although a savage and barbarous Scythian may separate by mutual theft, the integrity of all my state unites with one heart and soul, having granted the same reward of life in heaven. Or certainly gathering the boy saying thus, and bringing Jonathan the arrows he shot, recognizing the good disciples who diligently captured both the words and deeds of their masters, and these were to be piously and soberly referred back for the confirmation of the universal Church. And when the attentive listeners had persisted in saying and doing the word together, that dove-like unity of the saints, customarily called the Church, sent other teachers, who, progressing beyond the first listeners, even committed the word to the external towns of the nations. Therefore, humility of learners came, and to observe the deeds or teachings of those whom the wretched Church sent, for suddenly from the very mission a new voice of the fervent faith of the Church struck, which the humility of the lesser ones could not foresee, showing that they who would wound hearts healthily with the sharpness of the word like arrows, were to be destined among the nations; the first and prominent arrow struck the heart of Cornelius the centurion, expelling the deadly filth, wounding better to receive new life. And the Church cried out to its listeners still ignorant of the heavenly disposition; which is behind the boy, lest anyone delay to follow the path of virtue in the time of growing grace.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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