1 Samuel 20:41

[And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of [a place] toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

And as soon as the lad {H5288} was gone {H935}, David {H1732} arose {H6965} out of a place toward {H681} the south {H5045}, and fell {H5307} on his face {H639} to the ground {H776}, and bowed {H7812} himself three {H7969} times {H6471}: and they kissed {H5401} one {H376} another {H7453}, and wept {H1058} one {H376} with another {H7453}, until David {H1732} exceeded {H1431}.

As soon as the boy had gone, David got up from a place south of the stone, fell face down on the ground and prostrated himself three times; and they kissed one another and wept each with the other until it became too much for David.

When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

Commentary

1 Samuel 20:41 captures a poignant and deeply emotional moment: the final farewell between David and Jonathan. Following Jonathan's elaborate plan to warn David of King Saul's murderous intentions, the two friends meet in secret for their parting. This verse depicts the raw sorrow and profound bond between them as David prepares to flee into exile.

Context of 1 Samuel 20:41

This verse concludes the narrative of Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, despite knowing it would cost him his own claim to the throne. Jonathan had used a signal (shooting arrows and sending a lad to retrieve them) to convey the message of Saul's murderous intent without directly alarming the lad. Once the boy was sent away, David, who had been hiding nearby, emerged. This farewell marks a turning point in David's life, as he begins a period of intense hardship and flight from Saul, relying on the covenant of friendship established between them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unbreakable Friendship and Covenant: The scene powerfully illustrates the extraordinary bond between David and Jonathan, a relationship rooted in deep love and loyalty, even stronger than the typical bonds of family or ambition. Their covenant of friendship is a recurring theme in 1 Samuel, highlighting Jonathan's selfless devotion to God's chosen king.
  • Profound Grief and Separation: The act of falling on their faces, bowing, kissing, and weeping until "David exceeded" underscores the immense pain of their forced separation. This was not a temporary goodbye, but a farewell to a life they knew, with David embarking on a dangerous journey as a fugitive. Jonathan's willingness to risk his life for David's safety demonstrates the depth of his commitment.
  • Loyalty Amidst Betrayal: In stark contrast to King Saul's growing paranoia and attempts to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1), Jonathan's actions exemplify true loyalty and unwavering faithfulness. He chose to honor his friend and God's plan over his own dynastic interests.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

  • "Fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times": This gesture signifies profound respect, submission, and humility, common in ancient Near Eastern culture when addressing a superior or a deeply revered individual. David, though destined to be king, acknowledges Jonathan's current princely status and the gravity of their parting.
  • "Kissed one another": In this cultural context, a kiss was not necessarily romantic but a customary sign of deep affection, brotherhood, and farewell between close friends or family members.
  • "Wept one with another, until David exceeded": This phrase indicates that David's weeping was more intense or prolonged than Jonathan's. This could be due to David being the one going into immediate exile, facing an uncertain and perilous future, while Jonathan was returning to the relative safety (though still dangerous due to Saul's temperament) of the royal court. It highlights the burden of the fugitive.

Practical Application

The farewell of David and Jonathan remains a timeless testament to the power of true friendship and loyalty. It reminds us of:

  • The importance of cultivating deep, selfless relationships that stand the test of adversity.
  • The pain of necessary goodbyes, and the human need to mourn separation.
  • The courage it takes to act with integrity and loyalty, even when it comes at personal cost.
  • Trusting in God's provision and protection, even when facing uncertain and dangerous circumstances, as David did. David's lament for Jonathan later in 2 Samuel 1:26 further emphasizes the enduring nature of their love.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 29:11 (3 votes)

    And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

  • 1 Samuel 18:3 (3 votes)

    Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

  • 2 Samuel 1:26 (2 votes)

    I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

  • Acts 20:37 (2 votes)

    And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

  • 2 Samuel 9:6 (2 votes)

    Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

  • Genesis 45:15 (2 votes)

    Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

  • Genesis 43:28 (2 votes)

    And they answered, Thy servant our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.