1Sa 20:9-23 | KingComments | STEP | Jonathan resolutely rejects David’s thought of killing him, for he supposes no evil in David. Furthermore, he will certainly assert his friendship and inform him if he notices his father wants to bring evil upon him. David asks from whom he will hear the true mindset of Saul. Jonathan does not answer directly but suggests to go out into the field to continue talking. He takes the initiative and David follows. David presents himself royally by being subject to the ruling authority. He does not stand on his rights as the anointed king. He knows what he will become, but does not yet claim what the LORD has not yet given him. He must first learn to obey as a servant before he can rule as king. Jonathan solemnly promises by the LORD that he will certainly let David know how his father reacts. He will also make sure that nothing will happen to David. He knows that David is the anointed. He wishes the LORD may be with him, as He has been with his father. He submits to the future king after he has let him go as crown prince. Finally, he asks David for his favor for himself and his family. Here he has a prophetic view of the future. For himself he asks to stay alive when David has become king. He will acknowledge in it the mercy of the LORD. For his house he asks for the mercy of David. As for David, Jonathan knows that the LORD will cut off all his enemies.

‏ 1 Samuel 20:9-23

How Jonathan Will Inform David

Jonathan resolutely rejects David’s thought of killing him, for he supposes no evil in David. Furthermore, he will certainly assert his friendship and inform him if he notices his father wants to bring evil upon him. David asks from whom he will hear the true mindset of Saul.

Jonathan does not answer directly but suggests to go out into the field to continue talking. He takes the initiative and David follows. David presents himself royally by being subject to the ruling authority. He does not stand on his rights as the anointed king. He knows what he will become, but does not yet claim what the LORD has not yet given him. He must first learn to obey as a servant before he can rule as king.

Jonathan solemnly promises by the LORD that he will certainly let David know how his father reacts. He will also make sure that nothing will happen to David. He knows that David is the anointed. He wishes the LORD may be with him, as He has been with his father. He submits to the future king after he has let him go as crown prince.

Finally, he asks David for his favor for himself and his family. Here he has a prophetic view of the future. For himself he asks to stay alive when David has become king. He will acknowledge in it the mercy of the LORD. For his house he asks for the mercy of David. As for David, Jonathan knows that the LORD will cut off all his enemies.

The Covenant

Their love is emphasized again. Jonathan not only makes a covenant with David, but also with the house of David. He expects the offspring of David to have the same mercy as David himself. David also acts accordingly later (2Sam 9:3 ; 6-7). David’s enemies, who might also hurt his children, he entrusts to the LORD’s dealings.

The reason Jonathan desires their friendship to pass on to his descendants is because of his love for David. He loves David as he loves his own life, and he desires David to answer that love with an oath he loves Jonathan.

The Sign With a Message

After the confirmation of their love for each other the friends continue to talk about the actual situation to get to know the will of the LORD for David. Should he return to Saul or become a fugitive? Clarity will be obtained by David’s absence on a new moon day. As commander of Saul’s army, David must certainly be present on that day. When he is away for three days, Saul will certainly reveal what he thinks.

It is agreed that Jonathan will announce the results after three days. This will be done by shooting arrows in the direction of where David is hiding. Possibly they make this appointment because it is not certain that Jonathan will be able to say it personally to David. By the sign of the arrows shot off Jonathan will make clear to David what Saul’s feelings about him are.

From this sign the will of the LORD is derived. Jonathan speaks only of the fact that the LORD sends David away. It seems as if he does not consider the possibility that the LORD will govern it in such a way that David can return to the court of Saul. He points to the LORD as the One Who unites him and David. No Saul can separate them.