1 Samuel 20:38

Then Jonathan cried out, "Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!" So the boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master.

Study Bible

Then Jonathan cried out
Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is a key figure in the narrative of 1 Samuel. His loyalty to David, despite his father Saul's animosity towards David, highlights the theme of covenant friendship. Jonathan's actions here are part of a prearranged signal to communicate with David, who is hiding nearby. This moment underscores Jonathan's role as a mediator and protector, reflecting the biblical principle of sacrificial love and loyalty.

“Hurry! Make haste! Do not delay!”
These urgent commands emphasize the danger David is in due to Saul's intent to kill him. The repetition of the commands underscores the immediacy and seriousness of the situation. In the broader biblical context, urgency in response to God's guidance or in the face of danger is a recurring theme, as seen in the Exodus narrative when the Israelites had to leave Egypt quickly. This urgency also reflects the need for swift obedience to divine direction.

So the boy picked up the arrow
The boy, an unnamed servant, is unaware of the significance of his actions. His role is purely functional, yet it is crucial for the communication between Jonathan and David. This reflects the biblical theme of God using seemingly insignificant people and actions to fulfill His purposes. The arrow itself is a symbol of the message being sent, akin to how God often uses physical signs to convey spiritual truths.

and returned to his master.
The boy's return to Jonathan signifies the completion of the task. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, servants were expected to obey their masters without question, reflecting the hierarchical social structure of the time. This obedience can be seen as a parallel to the biblical call for believers to faithfully serve God, their ultimate Master. The return also signifies the end of the covert communication, allowing Jonathan and David to proceed with their plans based on the outcome of this signal.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is known for his loyalty and covenant friendship with David, despite his father Saul's animosity towards David.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him.

3. The Boy
A young servant of Jonathan who is unaware of the secret communication between Jonathan and David. He is tasked with retrieving the arrows as part of the signal to David.

4. The Field
The location where Jonathan and David arranged to communicate secretly. It serves as a neutral ground away from Saul's court.

5. The Event
Jonathan uses the shooting of arrows as a prearranged signal to inform David about Saul's intentions. The urgency in Jonathan's words underscores the danger David is in.

Teaching Points

The Value of True Friendship
Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the biblical ideal of friendship, characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support. In our lives, we should seek to cultivate friendships that reflect these values.

Courage in the Face of Danger
Jonathan's actions demonstrate courage and faithfulness, even when it puts him at odds with his father, King Saul. We are called to stand firm in our convictions and support what is right, even when it is difficult.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
Despite the danger David faces, God's providence is evident through Jonathan's intervention. This reminds us that God often uses people in our lives to accomplish His purposes and provide protection.

Communication and Trust
The secret communication between Jonathan and David required trust and careful planning. In our relationships, clear and honest communication is essential, especially in times of crisis.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge us in our own friendships and relationships?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and faithfulness in our lives, even when it may lead to personal risk or conflict?

3. How can we recognize and respond to God's providence and protection in our lives, as seen in the relationship between Jonathan and David?

4. What are some practical ways we can improve communication and trust in our relationships, especially during challenging times?

5. How does the friendship between Jonathan and David reflect the love and sacrifice that Jesus calls us to in John 15:13? How can we apply this in our daily interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 18:1-4
This passage describes the covenant friendship between Jonathan and David, highlighting the depth of their bond and Jonathan's willingness to protect David.

Proverbs 17:17
This verse speaks to the nature of true friendship, which is evident in Jonathan's actions towards David.

John 15:13
Jesus speaks of the greatest love being laying down one's life for friends, which parallels Jonathan's sacrificial actions for David.