1 Samuel 20:6

If your father misses me at all, tell him, 'David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.'

Study Bible

If your father misses me at all
This phrase sets the context of the conversation between Jonathan and David. Saul, Jonathan's father, is the king of Israel, and David is a favored servant who has become a threat to Saul due to his popularity and God's favor. The phrase implies a test of Saul's intentions towards David. In the cultural context, missing someone at a royal feast would be noticeable, especially if that person held a significant position. This reflects the tension and suspicion in Saul's court.

tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission
David and Jonathan devise a plan to gauge Saul's feelings towards David. The urgency in David's request suggests a matter of great importance, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. In the historical context, seeking permission from a superior or a friend in authority was customary, showing respect and maintaining social order. This also reflects the trust and friendship between Jonathan and David.

to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown
Bethlehem, known as the City of David, is significant in biblical history. It is the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's lineage. Geographically, Bethlehem is a small town in Judah, emphasizing David's humble beginnings. The mention of his hometown underscores his roots and connection to his family and heritage.

because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan
The annual sacrifice indicates a religious and familial obligation, common in Israelite culture. Such sacrifices were times of communal gathering and worship, reflecting the importance of family and religious duties. This provides a plausible reason for David's absence, as attending such events was customary. The mention of the clan highlights the tribal structure of Israelite society, where family and clan ties were paramount. This also foreshadows the sacrificial system fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him.

2. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.

4. Bethlehem
David's hometown, where he claims to be going for a family sacrifice. It is significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ.

5. Annual Sacrifice
A religious event that David uses as a plausible reason for his absence from Saul's court, highlighting the importance of family and religious duties in Israelite culture.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Friendships
Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies loyalty, trust, and sacrificial love. Believers are encouraged to cultivate friendships that honor God and support one another in faith.

Trusting God's Plan
Despite the danger he faces, David trusts in God's plan for his life. This teaches us to rely on God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

Wisdom in Difficult Situations
David's strategic thinking in using the annual sacrifice as a reason for his absence shows the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating challenging situations.

The Role of Family and Tradition
The mention of the annual sacrifice underscores the value of family and religious traditions in maintaining faith and community.

Courage to Stand for Righteousness
Jonathan's willingness to defy his father for the sake of truth and justice challenges us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is difficult.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the friendship between David and Jonathan inspire you to build stronger, faith-based relationships in your own life?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate trust in God's plan when facing uncertain or challenging circumstances?

3. How can you apply wisdom and discernment in your current life situations, as David did in his interactions with Saul?

4. What family or religious traditions help you stay grounded in your faith, and how can you prioritize them in your life?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to stand up for what is right. How did your faith influence your actions, and what can you learn from Jonathan's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16
This chapter provides background on David's anointing by Samuel, setting the stage for his rise and Saul's jealousy.

1 Samuel 18
Details the covenant friendship between David and Jonathan, which is crucial for understanding Jonathan's willingness to help David.

Psalm 23
Written by David, this psalm reflects his deep trust in God, which is evident in his actions and decisions throughout his life.

Matthew 2
Bethlehem is also the birthplace of Jesus, connecting David's account to the broader account of salvation history.