1 Samuel 20:40

KJV

And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry [them] to the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} gave {H5414} his artillery {H3627} unto his lad {H5288}, and said {H559} unto him, Go {H3212}, carry {H935} them to the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, "Go, carry them to the city."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”

American Standard Version

And Jonathan gave his weapons unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:40 captures the poignant and pivotal moment when Jonathan executes the pre-arranged signal to confirm King Saul's murderous intent towards David. By instructing his servant to carry his military equipment "to the city" after sending him "beyond" the arrows, Jonathan subtly yet definitively communicates the grave danger David faces, necessitating his immediate flight. This seemingly mundane transfer of items is, in fact, a profound act of loyalty and a crucial turning point in the unfolding narrative of David's anointing as the future king of Israel, highlighting the desperate measures taken to protect God's chosen one from Saul's escalating paranoia and jealousy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic fulfillment of the secret covenant and meticulously planned communication between Jonathan and David, designed to ascertain King Saul's true intentions regarding David's life. The preceding narrative details Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, despite the immense personal cost and the threat it posed to his own royal succession. Jonathan had proposed a test: he would shoot three arrows and instruct his young attendant to retrieve them. The specific instructions given to the lad—whether the arrows were "beyond" or "on this side" of him—would serve as the coded message to David regarding his safety ([1 Samuel 20:20-22](/1-samuel/20-22 "1 Samuel 20:20-22 - Jonathan's Secret Signal to David")). The tension escalates as Saul's rage against David boils over, leading to a furious outburst against Jonathan and even an attempt to strike his own son with a spear for defending David ([1 Samuel 20:30-33](/1-samuel/20-33 "1 Samuel 20:30-33 - Saul's Violent Outburst")). Jonathan's subsequent actions in [1 Samuel 20:35-39](/1-samuel/20-39 "1 Samuel 20:35-39 - Jonathan Executes the Signal"), where he goes out to the field with his lad and shoots the arrows, are all part of executing this pre-arranged signal. Therefore, verse 40 is the definitive, heartbreaking confirmation that David must flee for his life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the tumultuous court of King Saul in ancient Israel, a period characterized by the nascent stages of monarchy following a tribal confederacy. Kingship was a relatively new institution, and the concept of a divinely chosen king, exemplified by David's secret anointing by Samuel in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel"), was central to the nation's identity. Loyalty to the reigning monarch was paramount, and any perceived threat to the throne, even from a popular hero like David, could provoke extreme and often violent reactions. The use of bows and arrows was a common practice for both military engagement and hunting. The "lad" or "servant" was a typical attendant, often a young man, who would assist his master with various tasks, including carrying equipment and running errands. The necessity of an elaborate, indirect communication method underscores the pervasive danger of direct confrontation with a paranoid and increasingly unstable king, highlighting the high stakes involved in political maneuvering within a royal court where spies and informers were a constant threat.

* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several core themes central to the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. **Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship** is profoundly demonstrated through Jonathan's actions, as he consistently prioritizes his covenant with David over his own royal inheritance and even his personal safety, showcasing a friendship that would later be described as surpassing the love of women ([2 Samuel 1:26](/2-samuel/1-26 "2 Samuel 1:26 - David's Lament for Jonathan")). Another crucial theme is **Divine Providence and Protection**, as God orchestrates events, even through human schemes and perilous situations, to protect His anointed one, David, and ensure the fulfillment of His sovereign plan for the kingship of Israel. Saul's escalating madness, jealousy, and disobedience highlight the **Destructive Nature of Sin and Disobedience**, contrasting sharply with Jonathan's faithful and selfless conduct. Finally, the narrative foreshadows the **Transition of Power**, as David is forced into exile, a necessary and formative step before he can assume the throne God has prepared for him. This journey, marked by suffering and reliance on God's unseen hand, mirrors the path of many of God's chosen throughout biblical history, including figures like Joseph and Moses, who endured trials before fulfilling their divine callings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Artillery (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** The King James Version's translation "artillery" is an archaic rendering that can be misleading to modern readers, suggesting heavy weaponry. The Hebrew word כְּלִ֣י (_kᵉlîy'_), derived from a root meaning "to complete" or "to finish," is a broad term meaning "something prepared," encompassing any "apparatus" such as an "implement," "utensil," "dress," "vessel," or "weapon." In this military or hunting context, it specifically refers to Jonathan's personal equipment, including his bow, arrows, and quiver. The act of handing over this equipment to his servant was a practical measure to ensure he could be alone with David for their final, tearful farewell without a witness, thus maintaining the secrecy of their meeting and the signal.
* **Lad (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** The Hebrew word נַ֣עַר (_naʻar'_), from a root meaning "to shake off" or "to be active," refers concretely to a "boy" from infancy to adolescence, and by implication, a "servant" or "attendant." In this context, it denotes Jonathan's personal servant, who was an integral part of the signal plan. The lad's presence and subsequent departure were crucial for the execution of the signal, allowing Jonathan to communicate the grave danger to David without directly speaking the words in the lad's hearing, thereby preserving the necessary secrecy.
* **Go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** The Hebrew word הָלַךְ (_yâlak'_), a primitive root, means "to walk" literally or figuratively. Causatively, it can mean "to carry." In this verse, it is used in the imperative, "Go," indicating a command for the lad to depart. This command, coupled with the instruction to "carry" the equipment, underscores the urgency and finality of the signal. The lad's departure ensures the privacy needed for Jonathan and David's farewell, solidifying the message that David must immediately "go" himself, to flee for his life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad":** This seemingly simple action is profoundly significant. Jonathan, having just shot the arrows and given the "beyond you" signal to the lad, now physically transfers his bow, arrows, and quiver to his servant. This act serves two critical purposes: first, it is the final, tangible part of the pre-arranged signal, confirming the "beyond" message by removing the need for Jonathan to collect the arrows himself; second, and more crucially, it clears the field of witnesses, allowing Jonathan to be entirely alone with David for their final, emotional goodbye, ensuring no one else hears their private conversation or witnesses their grief.
* **"and said unto him, Go, carry [them] to the city":** This explicit command to the lad is the definitive, verbal confirmation of the "beyond" signal. By sending his weapons and the lad away "to the city," Jonathan ensures that he and David are isolated for their farewell. The lad's departure signifies the completion of the public part of the signal and the commencement of the private, urgent communication between the two friends. It underscores the immediate urgency and danger of the situation, as David must now flee without delay to save his life, relying on the secret message conveyed through this seemingly ordinary instruction.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its deep meaning and dramatic tension. The most prominent is **Symbolism**: Jonathan's arrows and the pre-arranged signal are not merely objects or actions but powerful symbols. The arrows flying "beyond" David symbolize the extreme and inescapable nature of Saul's rage and the necessity of David's immediate flight. The act of Jonathan giving his "artillery" (military equipment) to the lad further symbolizes the conclusion of the test and the confirmed reality of the danger, as well as Jonathan's relinquishment of his own royal prerogatives in favor of David. There is also significant **Foreshadowing** embedded within this verse. Jonathan's actions, which compel David into exile, foreshadow David's long period of wandering, hardship, and reliance on God's protection before he ultimately ascends to the throne. This period of suffering and dependence is crucial for his spiritual and leadership development. Finally, the scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**. Saul believes he is eliminating a rival, but his very actions, inadvertently facilitated by Jonathan's unwavering loyalty, are pushing David towards the very throne Saul is desperately trying to protect, thereby fulfilling God's sovereign plan despite human opposition and malice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:40 stands as a powerful testament to the profound themes of divine sovereignty, faithful friendship, and the destructive cost of human sin. Jonathan's self-sacrificing loyalty to David, risking his own life and royal future, serves as a poignant earthly reflection of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His chosen ones. Even in the face of intense human malice, political intrigue, and personal danger, God's purposes for David's kingship are being meticulously unfolded. This passage reminds us that God often works through human relationships and seemingly ordinary actions to accomplish His extraordinary will, providing protection and guidance even in the most perilous circumstances. It underscores that true faithfulness, whether to God or to a friend, often comes at a significant personal cost but is ultimately aligned with God's greater redemptive plan, which always prevails despite human opposition.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1-3 "Psalm 18:1-3 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:40, as the culmination of his profound faithfulness to David, offer enduring and challenging lessons for our lives today. His willingness to prioritize a covenant relationship over personal gain, even at the risk of his own life and succession to the throne, compels us to examine the depth and nature of our own loyalties—to God, to our friends, and to truth itself. In a world often characterized by self-interest, transactional relationships, and fleeting allegiances, Jonathan's example calls us to cultivate friendships marked by genuine self-sacrifice, courageous support, and unwavering commitment, especially when such loyalty is costly or unpopular. Furthermore, this narrative powerfully reminds us that even when life's circumstances are dangerous, uncertain, and seemingly chaotic, God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His ultimate purposes. We are called to cultivate a deeper trust in His divine providence, knowing that He faithfully protects His own and guides them through trials, just as He did for David, preparing him for the destiny He had ordained.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge my understanding of true friendship and the meaning of self-sacrifice in relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to act with greater courage and integrity, even when it involves personal cost or confronting difficult situations?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more confident trust in God's unseen hand, knowing that He is working out His purposes even amidst confusion or danger?**
* **What "signals" might God be sending in my life today through circumstances or relationships, and how am I responding to them with faith and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the KJV using "artillery" in 1 Samuel 20:40?**

Answer: The use of "artillery" in the King James Version for the Hebrew word _kᵉlîy_ (כְּלִ֣י) is an example of an archaic translation that can be misleading to modern readers. In the 17th century, when the KJV was translated, "artillery" referred broadly to military equipment, including bows, arrows, and other weapons, not exclusively the large cannons we associate with the term today. The significance is that it refers to Jonathan's personal hunting or military gear—his bow, arrows, and quiver. Jonathan handing these over to his lad was a crucial part of the pre-arranged signal to David, confirming the danger and allowing Jonathan to be alone with David for their farewell. It was not a reference to modern ballistic weapons, which did not exist at the time.

**Why was such an elaborate signal system necessary for Jonathan to warn David?**

Answer: The elaborate signal system involving arrows and a servant was necessary due to the extreme danger David faced from King Saul. Saul's paranoia and jealousy had escalated to the point where he was actively seeking to kill David, even attempting to murder his own son, Jonathan, for defending David ([1 Samuel 20:33](/1-samuel/20-33 "1 Samuel 20:33 - Saul's Attempt on Jonathan's Life")). A direct conversation or message would have been far too risky, as Saul's court was likely filled with informers and spies. The indirect, pre-arranged signal allowed Jonathan to convey the urgent message of danger without arousing suspicion from anyone who might be observing them, thus safeguarding David's life and ensuring the secrecy of their final, emotional meeting before David's necessary flight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound loyalty and self-sacrificing love displayed by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:40, which ultimately leads to David's deliverance from Saul's wrath and his eventual enthronement, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate friendship and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the rightful heir to Saul's throne, willingly relinquishes his claim and risks his life for David, the divinely appointed king. This selfless act echoes Christ, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus, the true King of kings, laid down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), enduring rejection, suffering, and death to secure our eternal salvation and bring us into His eternal kingdom. David's forced flight and subsequent anointing as king, providentially facilitated by Jonathan's sacrificial love, parallel Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, which culminated in His glorious enthronement at the right hand of the Father as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, Jonathan's self-sacrificing love for David becomes a beautiful, albeit imperfect, earthly reflection of the perfect, redemptive love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the power of sin and death and establishes us in His eternal reign.

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.