1 Samuel 20:36

KJV

And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. [And] as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto his lad {H5288}, Run {H7323}, find out {H4672} now the arrows {H2671} which I shoot {H3384}. And as the lad {H5288} ran {H7323}, he shot {H3384} an arrow {H2678} beyond {H5674} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He told the boy, "Now run and find the arrows I'm about to shoot."As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

Berean Standard Bible

He said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” And as the boy ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.

American Standard Version

And he said unto his lad, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:36 marks the poignant execution of a pre-arranged, coded signal between Jonathan and David, confirming King Saul's unwavering intent to kill David. This seemingly simple act of shooting an arrow "beyond" his servant boy served as a dire, wordless warning, compelling David to flee for his life and solidifying the profound, self-sacrificial bond between the two friends in the face of escalating royal paranoia and danger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment in a meticulously orchestrated plan detailed in [1 Samuel chapter 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"). Following David's flight from Saul's murderous attempts ([1 Samuel 19:10](/1_samuel/19-10 "1 Samuel 19:10 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David")), Jonathan, Saul's son, reaffirms his deep covenant with David ([1 Samuel 20:16-17](/1_samuel/20-16 "1 Samuel 20:16-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")). They devise a secret communication system involving archery: if Jonathan shot arrows short of the boy sent to retrieve them, it signaled safety; if he shot them "beyond" the boy, it meant extreme danger and David's immediate need to flee ([1 Samuel 20:21-22](/1_samuel/20-21 "1 Samuel 20:21-22 - The Arrow Signal Explained")). The preceding verses describe Jonathan's desperate attempts to intercede for David with Saul at the new moon feast, only to be met with Saul's violent rage and clear declaration of his intent to kill David ([1 Samuel 20:30-34](/1_samuel/20-30 "1 Samuel 20:30-34 - Saul's Rage Against Jonathan")). Thus, verse 36 is the solemn, pre-determined confirmation of David's peril, bringing the tension of the chapter to a definitive, sorrowful resolution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds within the volatile political landscape of early Israelite monarchy, characterized by King Saul's increasingly erratic and paranoid behavior. The concept of royal succession was fluid, and Saul's jealousy over David's popularity ([1 Samuel 18:7-8](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7-8 - Women's Song About David")) threatened his dynastic ambitions for Jonathan. Covenants, like the one between David and Jonathan, were sacred and binding agreements in ancient Near Eastern culture, often involving solemn oaths and reciprocal obligations. The use of a "lad" (Hebrew: _na'ar_) as a servant or attendant was common in royal households, and his unwitting participation highlights the extreme secrecy required due to Saul's pervasive surveillance. Archery was a fundamental skill for warfare and hunting, making it a natural, albeit ingeniously repurposed, medium for this covert communication.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Samuel. Foremost is **Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship**, exemplified by Jonathan's profound devotion to David, even at the cost of his own potential claim to the throne and risking his father's wrath. Their bond transcends political ambition and familial ties, reflecting a selfless love that mirrors the highest ideals of biblical friendship ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")). Another key theme is **Strategic Communication under Oppression**, as the elaborate arrow signal underscores the ingenuity and caution required to convey vital information when under the tyrannical gaze of a paranoid king. The act of shooting the arrow "beyond him" also signifies **Imminent Danger and Divine Providence**. It is the undeniable sign that David's life is in severe peril, marking the definitive break between David and Saul's court and initiating David's long period as a fugitive. Yet, within this danger, there is an implicit theme of God's protective hand, working through Jonathan's faithfulness to preserve David, the chosen king, for his future role. This moment also highlights the **Tragedy of Saul's Decline**, as his unchecked jealousy and paranoia drive away his most loyal subjects and even his own son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lad (Hebrew, _na'ar_):** This term refers to a young servant or attendant, often one who is still in training or serving under a master. In this context, the lad is an innocent, unwitting participant in the highly sensitive communication between David and Jonathan. His presence provides a plausible cover for Jonathan's archery practice, making the secret signal appear as a mundane activity, thus preserving the clandestine nature of the message.
* **Shoot (Hebrew, _yarah_):** The verb "shoot" implies a deliberate, purposeful action. Jonathan is not merely practicing; he is executing a precise, pre-arranged signal. The act of shooting the arrow is the medium of communication, and its trajectory is the message itself. This highlights Jonathan's careful and intentional fulfillment of his promise to David.
* **Beyond him (Hebrew, _me'ever lo_):** This is the crucial phrase that carries the weight of the entire message. It literally means "from beyond him" or "past him." As per their agreement in [1 Samuel 20:22](/1_samuel/20-22 "1 Samuel 20:22 - The Meaning of the Arrow Signal"), this specific trajectory unequivocally signaled extreme danger from Saul, necessitating David's immediate flight. The spatial relationship of the arrow to the lad is the definitive, non-verbal declaration of Saul's murderous intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot."**: Jonathan's command to his servant establishes the public facade of a routine archery practice. This instruction is a necessary part of the deception, ensuring that the lad will run out into the field, thus setting up the conditions for the coded message to be delivered without suspicion. It highlights Jonathan's careful planning and his need to maintain secrecy in the face of Saul's pervasive threat.
* **"[And] as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him."**: This clause describes the decisive action that conveys the dire message. As the unsuspecting lad runs to retrieve the first arrows, Jonathan intentionally shoots another arrow far past him. This specific trajectory—"beyond him"—is the pre-arranged, unambiguous signal that David's life is in immediate and grave danger from King Saul. It is the moment of confirmation, a silent but powerful declaration that David must flee at once. The simplicity of the action belies the immense weight of its meaning and the profound sorrow it must have caused Jonathan.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Symbolism** is central, as the arrows transcend their literal function as projectiles to become a sophisticated, life-or-death communication system. The trajectory of the arrow "beyond him" becomes a potent symbol of danger and the necessity of immediate flight. **Dramatic Irony** pervades the scene, as the lad remains oblivious to the true meaning of Jonathan's actions, while David (hidden nearby) and the audience are fully aware of the grave message being conveyed. This creates a sense of tension and pathos. The scene also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the beginning of David's long period as a fugitive, hunted by Saul, and the eventual, tragic separation of David and Jonathan. Finally, the succinctness of the description, focusing on the single, decisive action, builds **Suspense** to a climax, delivering the grim news with quiet finality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound loyalty and self-sacrifice displayed by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:36 resonate deeply with broader biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and the nature of true friendship. Jonathan's willingness to risk his own life and succession for David, the anointed king, foreshadows the divine faithfulness that God demonstrates toward His chosen ones, even in the face of human treachery. This act of warning, born out of deep love, serves as a poignant reminder of how God often works through human relationships to provide protection, guidance, and deliverance in times of peril. It underscores the spiritual value of having trusted allies who are willing to stand with us, even when it costs them greatly, reflecting a love that mirrors God's own protective care for His people.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 20:36 offers profound insights for contemporary life, particularly regarding the nature of genuine relationships and the challenges of navigating difficult circumstances. Jonathan's self-sacrificial love for David challenges us to examine the depth of our own friendships: are we willing to prioritize the well-being and safety of others, even when it demands personal cost or risk? This passage also highlights the importance of clear, even if coded, communication in high-stakes situations, reminding us to be discerning and strategic in how we convey vital information. Spiritually, we can reflect on how God, through His providence, often uses human instruments—friends, mentors, even unexpected signals—to warn us of spiritual dangers or guide us through perilous seasons. Just as Jonathan's arrow was a clear sign for David, we are called to be attentive to the warnings and guidance God provides, whether through His Word, wise counsel, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to flee from sin and pursue righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jonathan's act of shooting the arrow "beyond him" reveal about the nature of true, self-sacrificing friendship?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to be discerning and strategic in our communication, especially when facing opposition or danger?**
* **In what ways might God use "signals" or "warnings" through others or circumstances to guide us away from spiritual peril today?**
* **What personal sacrifices are you willing to make to protect or support a friend in need, echoing Jonathan's loyalty?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Jonathan just tell David directly that Saul wanted to kill him?**

Answer: Jonathan and David were operating under extreme duress and secrecy due to King Saul's intense paranoia and pervasive surveillance. Saul was not only seeking to kill David but was also deeply suspicious of Jonathan's loyalty, as evidenced by his violent outburst in [1 Samuel 20:30-34](/1_samuel/20-30 "1 Samuel 20:30-34 - Saul's Rage Against Jonathan"). A direct verbal warning would have been too risky, potentially exposing both David and Jonathan to immediate danger from Saul's guards or spies. The elaborate arrow signal was a pre-arranged, non-verbal code designed to convey a life-or-death message without attracting suspicion, allowing David to escape undetected.

**What was the significance of shooting the arrow "beyond" the lad, as opposed to short of him?**

Answer: The significance lay entirely in the pre-arranged code established between David and Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20:21-22](/1_samuel/20-22 "1 Samuel 20:21-22 - The Meaning of the Arrow Signal Explained"). If Jonathan shot the arrows short of the lad, it was the signal for "all clear," meaning David could safely return. However, if he shot them "beyond" the lad, it was the definitive, unambiguous signal for extreme danger, indicating that "the Lord has sent you away," meaning David must flee immediately and not return. This specific trajectory was the critical, agreed-upon differentiator that communicated the dire outcome of Jonathan's investigation into Saul's intentions.

**How does this event relate to the broader narrative of David's rise to kingship?**

Answer: 1 Samuel 20:36 marks a crucial turning point in David's life and the broader narrative. It signifies the definitive and irreversible break between David and King Saul's court, initiating David's long and arduous period as a fugitive, hunted by Saul across the wilderness of Judah ([1 Samuel 21-31](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21 - David Flees from Saul")). This forced exile, though fraught with hardship, became a crucible for David's character, where he developed leadership skills, gathered loyal followers, and learned to depend entirely on God's providence. It also sets the stage for Saul's eventual downfall and David's eventual, divinely appointed ascent to the throne of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy of Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Samuel Anoints David")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound self-sacrificial love and warning displayed by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:36 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the king's son, willingly relinquished his own claim to the throne and risked his life to warn and save David, the anointed future king. This mirrors Christ, the eternal Son of God, who "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Jesus, our faithful friend and covenant keeper, did not merely send a warning signal, but Himself became the ultimate sacrifice, laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")) and indeed for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the true "Good Shepherd" who "lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). Just as Jonathan's arrow signaled danger and the need for David to flee to safety, Christ's death and resurrection serve as the ultimate warning against the danger of sin and judgment, and simultaneously, the invitation to flee to Him for eternal refuge and salvation. He delivers us from the "power of him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), providing not just a temporary escape, but everlasting life.

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 20:20

And I will shoot three arrows on the side [thereof], as though I shot at a mark.

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.