TRV
Study This Verse
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.
Jonathan therefore gave his weapons to the boy, etc. He gave examples of the learned, he gave the rules of good conduct to be imitated by his disciples in the Church, and said to them: Go, advancing from strength to strength, compare these things with the testimonies of the law and the prophets, and see that we do nothing different under the teaching of Christ than what Moses and the prophets have spoken about the future.
Continue studying 1 Samuel 20:40 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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). 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). Jonathan's subsequent actions in 1 Samuel 20:35-39, 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, 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). 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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). 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). Jesus, the true King of kings, laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13), 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). 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.