1 Samuel 20:1-42
Q.1. How did God encourage David? What plan did David make with Jonathan? What did Jonathan promise David? Why? What was the substance of their renewed covenant? For how long? – (1 Sam.20:1-23)
After Saul’s latest attempts on his life, David shared his fears with Jonathan (1 Sam.20:1 c.f. 1 Sam.chpt.19). Previously Jonathan had dissuaded his father from killing David (1 Sam.19:1-7). However, David claimed that Saul was deliberately keeping his plans from his son, as he was aware of the strong feelings Jonathan had for David (1 Sam.20:2-3). They then came up with a plan to reveal the true intentions of Saul toward David (1 Sam.20:4-7). David gave Jonathan the option of dealing kindly with him, or of putting him to death if he was guilty of wrongdoing. In this, David was expressing his vulnerability (1 Sam.20:8). Jonathan showed great sympathy to David in his frailty and promised – If it please my father to do you harm, may the Lord do so to Jonathan and more also, if I do not make it known to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. And may the Lord be with you as He has been with my father (1 Sam.20:13). Jonathan faced constant danger on the battlefield. This drove him to trust in God (c.f. 1Sam.20:14). He asked David to vow to be true to his memory and to his descendants when all David’s enemies were defeated (1 Sam.20:15). They then renewed their solemn promises and – 16 Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord require it at the hands of David’s enemies.” 17 Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life (1 Sam.20:16-17). Jonathan agreed to warn David by shooting three arrows while David was in hiding. His directions to his servant would show David whether he was safe or in danger (1 Sam.20:18-22). Jonathan reiterated that God was in control over both life and death – As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the Lord is between you and me forever (1 Sam.20:23). What a team they would have made had Jonathan survived.
Q.2. Did Saul notice David’s absence? How did Saul react to the excuse that Jonathan gave for David absence? Why did Saul try to kill Jonathan? How did Jonathan warn David? How did they part? – (1 Sam.20:24-42)
Saul noticed that David was missing from his normal place at the new moon banquet but refrained from inquiring (1 Sam.20:24-26). However, when David was missing the next day, Saul asked Jonathan for an explanation. Jonathan spun a story and said David had asked to be excused (1 Sam.20:27-29). Saul lost control, and defamed Jonathan, claiming – as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die (1 Sam.20:31). When Jonathan defended David – Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death (1 Sam.20:33). Jonathan was furious – and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved over David because his father had dishonoured him (1 Sam.20:34). As agreed, the next day Jonathan sent his warning arrows, then sent his servant home (1 Sam.20:35-40). David bowed before his dear friend, Prince Jonathan – 41 … And they kissed each other and wept together, but David wept the more. 42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” (1 Sam.20:41-42). Jonathan wanted to please God, and to fit in with His plans. It was clear to him that David had God’s blessing and anointing as the next king, and he would selflessly give up his throne for God’s chosen one.