1 Samuel 20
Meaning of 1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 20 in the Bible is a crucial chapter in the relational dynamics between David and Jonathan, and Saul’s further descent into madness and violence.
In this chapter, David fears that King Saul wants to kill him as he is seen as a threat. Jonathan, King Saul’s son and David’s dear friend, doesn’t believe it at first. However, David asks him to look at Saul’s reaction during the New Moon feast when David’s regular seat remains empty.
Jonathan agrees to David’s plan and promises to send him a signal, via arrows, to indicate whether it is safe for David to come back. When Saul acknowledges David’s absence from the feast and his anger blazes against Jonathan for defending David, it’s clear to Jonathan that his father does intend harm on David.
Jonathan then goes to the field and shoots arrows as he had promised David – far beyond the boy sent to fetch them, indicating that David should flee. He sends the boy back to the town, which allows him to say a private farewell to David. The chapter ends with their heartfelt goodbye as they both weep together, affirming their bond before David runs away.
This chapter underscores the depth of the friendship between Jonathan and David, further evidences Saul’s turn from God’s favor, and makes a path for David’s escape and eventual rise to kingship. It’s a chapter full of suspense, courage, loyalty, and deep emotion.
1 Samuel 20 kjv
1 Samuel 20 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, part of the book of 1 Samuel. It is written in the King James Version (KJV), a specific English translation of the Bible. This chapter mainly focuses on the strong friendship between Jonathan and David and Jonathan’s attempts to protect David from his father, King Saul, who intends to kill David out of jealousy and fear that David stands as a threat to his throne.
The chapter begins with David asking Jonathan why his father Saul seeks to kill him. Jonathan, however, finds it hard to believe that his father could be plotting to kill David without his knowledge.
Jonathan then promises David that he will inform him of his father’s intentions. They devise a strategy to safely figure out Saul’s intentions: David will be absent from the king’s table during the new moon festival when he is expected to dine with the king. If Saul reacts indifferently, then he means no harm to David. But if he becomes angry, it is certain he is intent on killing David.
When Saul notices David’s absence, he initially thinks nothing of it. However, on the second day when David remains absent, Saul questions Jonathan. When Jonathan gives their rehearsed response, that David has gone to his family’s annual sacrifice in Bethlehem, Saul’s anger flares. He accuses Jonathan of choosing the son of Jesse (David) to his own shame and to the shame of his mother’s nakedness. He tells Jonathan that as long as David lives, his kingdom will never be established.
In a fit of anger, Saul attempts to strike his son Jonathan with a spear. Realizing his father truly intends to kill David, Jonathan leaves the feast in fierce anger, deeply grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.
The next morning, according to their plan, Jonathan goes out into the field to signal David of his father’s intention. They bid each other goodbye, weeping together, and Jonathan reminds David of the oath of friendship they had made before God.
In summary, 1 Samuel 20 (KJV) focuses on the deep bond of friendship and commitment between David and Jonathan despite the dangerous intentions of King Saul.
1 Samuel 20 nkjv
1 Samuel 20 is a chapter in the First Book of Samuel, one of the books in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the New King James Version (NKJV), this part of the narrative focuses on the relationship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son, and Saul’s continuing suspicion and anger towards David.
In the beginning of the chapter, David is afraid because Saul, the king of Israel, seeks to kill him. Jonathan, his close friend who is king Saul’s son, doesn’t believe it initially. However, David convinces him by proposing a test in which Jonathan is to observe Saul’s reaction at a feast when David’s seat is empty. They establish a signal where Jonathan would shoot arrows to indicate whether David is safe or not.
During the feast, Saul notices David’s absence. When Jonathan cites that David asked permission to attend a family sacrifice in Bethlehem as the reason for his absence, Saul’s anger is ignited. He criticizes Jonathan, even throwing a spear at him, revealing to Jonathan how extreme his father’s intentions have become.
Jonathan leaves the feast in fierce anger and grief due to his father’s violent behavior and hatred towards David. The next day, Jonathan goes out to the field to give the prearranged signal to David. After having his servant boy fetch the arrows, once the servant boy is out of earshot, David reveals himself.
Jonathan and David meet for a final time, they weep and David departs. Before parting, they reaffirm their loyal friendship and covenant. In the end of the chapter, David goes into hiding, fleeing from Saul’s murderous intentions.
This chapter is significant in the bible as it showcases a deep friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan despite the dangerous circumstances and impending turmoil. It also further presents Saul’s decline into anger and paranoia.
1 Samuel 20 niv
1 Samuel 20 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, as observed in the New International Version (NIV).
The chapter opens with David’s confusion and fear of King Saul’s intentions. He consults Jonathan, Saul’s son, and his dear friend, about the potential threat. David expresses concern that Saul wants to kill him, and Jonathan promises to find out his father’s real intentions and inform David.
They develop a plan: David will intentionally miss a new moon feast, a religious event, to arouse Saul’s suspicions. Depending on Saul’s reaction, Jonathan can determine whether or not his father is genuinely seeking David’s life.
David misses the feast, and when Saul questions his absence, Jonathan covers up for him saying that David went to his hometown to participate in an annual family sacrifice. This answer infuriates Saul and prompts him to accuse Jonathan of siding with David, his alleged enemy, leading to an argument.
Saul’s anger confirms to Jonathan that his father’s intentions to kill David are genuine. Following their agreement, Jonathan informs David about his father’s intentions by using a prearranged sign – shooting three arrows as if aiming at a target. When the boy, who is retrieving the arrows, runs past the spot where the arrows land, David understands that he must run for his safety.
Chapter 20 concludes with a tearful goodbye between David and Jonathan, who reaffirm their covenant of friendship before parting.
This chapter displays the depth of the friendship between David and Jonathan, despite the risk and political implications, and the increasing hostility of Saul towards David.
What is 1 Samuel 20 all about?
1 Samuel 20 is a crucial chapter in the Bible as it highlights the deep friendship between David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son, amid King Saul’s growing hostility towards David.
At the start of the chapter, David and Jonathan are seen discussing Saul’s intentions. David is unsure of his standing with Saul and fears for his life. Jonathan, however, finds it hard to believe that his father would want to harm David. They then devise a plan to gauge Saul’s feelings towards David.
Jonathan tries to mediate between his father, King Saul, and best friend, David. The two friends agree on a secret signal, where Jonathan would shoot arrows as a sign of communication. If he were to tell the boy retrieving the arrows that they are near him, it meant it was safe for David. If, however, Jonathan were to say that the arrows are beyond the boy, then that was a sign for David to flee as King Saul intends to kill him.
During the new moon feast that Saul was attending, David’s seat remained empty. Saul questioned Jonathan about David’s absence, leading to a heated exchange. When Jonathan defended David, Saul’s anger was erupting, he even tried to kill his own son with a spear, revealing his determination to kill David.
Jonathan conveyed this to David through their agreed-upon sign, after which David and Jonathan bid farewell. Jonathan reaffirmed his friendship and loyalty to David, and they both made a covenant before God. David then had to flee, marking the beginning of his life on the run. The chapter ends with a sad parting between the two friends.
The chapter displays the themes of friendship, loyalty, faith, and the divide that arises due to jealousy and fear.
What does 1 Samuel 20 teaches?
1 Samuel 20 contains one of the most poignant stories in the Bible, revolving around the deep friendship that existed between David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son. There are several powerful lessons that we can take from this chapter in the scripture.
1. Deep and Profound Friendship: The bond between David and Jonathan serves as an example of deep, true friendship. Despite Jonathan’s father, King Saul’s hatred towards David, Jonathan stuck by David, warning him of his father’s plans and helping him to escape. It shows us that friendship transcends social status, family ties, and even threats to one’s own life.
2. Trust and Loyalty: Jonathan, despite being the son of the king, chooses to stick by David, his friend, and helps him navigate the perils that lay ahead and escape the wrath of Saul. It shows how he valued their friendship more than power or position. Jonathan’s loyalty to David, even against his own father, demonstrates an exceptional level of trust and unconquerable loyalty.
3. Standing up to wrong: Jonathan stands up against his father when he plans to kill David, even when it puts him in a precarious position. This teaches us about standing up for what’s right, irrespective of the consequences.
4. Divine Intervention and Guidance: In the symbolism of the arrows shot by Jonathan, we can see messages of divine intervention and guidance. Jonathan shoots arrows as a secret signal to David about his father’s intentions. This can be seen as a wider metaphor for God’s guidance and protection in our lives.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20 teaches us about true friendship, loyalty, trust, standing against wrong and also about seeking and following divine guidance in life’s most challenging circumstances.
A Sermon on 1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 20 is a bible chapter that focuses on the strong friendship between David and Jonathan and the latter’s gallant effort to save David from the wrath of his father, King Saul. This chapter is a testament to loyalty, integrity, and unconditional love in the face of adversity.
A sermon on this chapter could be framed around these themes:
1. **Godly Friendships:**
The friendship between David and Jonathan challenges us to examine our relationships. They stood by each other even amid trouble. Jonathan didn’t listen to his father’s commands when he knew they were unjust. Similarly, we as believers are called to foster friendships that go beyond the superficial, embody sacrificial love, and prioritize God’s laws over personal gain.
2. **Trusting in God’s Will:**
David was in a precarious position, fleeing from Saul. Yet, throughout the situation, David maintained his faith in God. This narrative encourages believers to trust in the sovereignty of God, even in the face of uncertainty and danger.
3. **Righteousness Over Evil:**
Jonathan’s decision to protect David was an act of choosing righteousness over familial loyalty. He sided with God’s anointed rather than his ambitious father, demonstrating the importance of adhering to God’s commandments over human desires.
4. **Open Communication:**
The honest communication between David and Jonathan demonstrates the value and necessity of being truthful. The two manage to devise a plan because they communicate openly about King Saul’s intentions.
In all, a sermon on 1 Samuel 20 can serve as a powerful lesson about the nature of true friendship, faith during trials, the value of righteousness and proper communication. The narrative reminds christians to rely steadfastly on God for deliverance and guidance, uphold righteousness, and foster relationships that align with God’s will.
Key people in 1 Samuel 20
In 1 Samuel 20, there are three key individuals:
1. David – He is a young shepherd who was chosen by God to be the future king of Israel. Previously, he served King Saul and his son, Jonathan and was a renowned figure due to his victory over Goliath. However, in this chapter, he is on the run because King Saul is trying to kill him due to his jealousy.
2. Jonathan – He is King Saul’s son and David’s close friend. Despite his father’s desire to kill David, Jonathan remains a loyal friend to David. He even helps David to discover Saul’s true intentions and assists David in escaping from his father’s wrath. His actions show his dedication to his friendship with David, despite the cost.
3. Saul – The current King of Israel, who is deeply jealous of David because he is aware that David has been chosen by God to be his successor. Saul’s jealousy and fear drive him to make several attempts on David’s life. In this chapter, he is angry at Jonathan for siding with David, revealing his intentions to kill David.
Real world examples on 1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 20 centers on the friendship between David and Jonathan. The depth of friendship displayed in this story has been mirrored in several real-world situations.
1. Selfless Friendships:
Jonathan, despite being the son of King Saul and thus, heir to the throne, recognized God’s favor upon David. He did not let his ego or personal ambition get in the way of supporting his friend. In many cases in the real world, there are instances where people put aside their selfish interests for the benefit of a friend—much like what Jonathan did for David. This could be happening in several scenarios like providing support in times of crisis, standing up for a friend who is being wronged or unfairly treated, etc.
2. Upholding Justice:
Jonathan stood up against his own father, King Saul, when he plotted to kill David unjustly. This rejection of injustice, even when committed by someone close, is mirrored in real-world scenarios where individuals stand up against injustice or corruption in their own families or organizations. Whistleblowers or those who report crimes committed within an organization or a family are good examples of this.
3. Protecting a friend’s life:
The central part of this story involves Jonathan making plans and risking his own life to protect David’s life. There are numerous examples in the real world where people have risked their own lives to save others. For instance, soldiers often protect their colleagues in war situations, firefighters risk their lives to save people in burning buildings, etc.
4. Non-Verbal Communication:
David and Jonathan devise a plan that uses archery as a form of non-verbal communication to signal David’s safety or danger. In the real world, people use non-verbal cues and indirect methods to relay messages when direct communication may be controversial, dangerous, or inappropriate.
5. Unwavering Commitment:
Despite the danger to both himself and his position within the kingdom, Jonathan remains dedicated to his friend David. In the real world, this unwavering commitment is sometimes seen when people stay committed to their friends and loved ones, even in the face of adversity and hardship. This could be caring for a friend with an illness, supporting a friend who is struggling with a difficult situation, etc.
Brief Explanation of 1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 20 is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible. This chapter primarily focuses on the relationship between David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son.
The chapter begins with David fleeing from Naioth in Ramah due to Saul’s attempts to kill him. Confused about Saul’s anger, David approaches Jonathan seeking elucidation about his father’s intentions. Jonathan, however, is certain that his father will reveal to him if he plans to kill David given their close relationship.
David proposes a plan to confirm Saul’s intentions, which involves David being absent from the king’s table during the New Moon festival. If the king becomes overly angry due to David’s absence, it is a confirmation that Saul is indeed trying to kill him. Jonathan agrees to relay Saul’s reaction to David.
When David’s absence is noticed at the festival, Saul becomes enraged, cementing his intentions to kill David. He even tries to kill Jonathan out of his fury. Jonathan, realizing his father’s true intentions, makes haste to inform David.
In the end, Jonathan meets David to break the news of his father’s wrath. They weep together before Jonathan sends David away for his safety. Despite the circumstances, they renew their covenant of friendship, emphasizing mutual loyalty even among their descendants.
The chapter highlights the strong friendship between David and Jonathan, despite the escalating tension and conflict with King Saul.
Frequently asked questions for 1 Samuel 20
1. Who are the main characters in 1 Samuel 20?
The main characters in 1 Samuel 20 are David, Jonathan, and Saul, Jonathan’s father who is the King at the time.
2. What is the relationship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20?
David and Jonathan have a close friendship. They are so close that Jonathan makes a covenant with David, promising his loyalty to him over his father, Saul.
3. Why does David think Saul is trying to kill him?
David is aware of Saul’s jealousy and rage against him because God’s favor is now on David instead of Saul. David has been successful in battles and has gained popularity among the people, which instigates Saul’s animosity.
4. What is the signal Jonathan devises to inform David of Saul’s intentions?
Jonathan shoots three arrows near a stone named Ezel as if he is practicing his archery skills. If he tells his boy assistant that the arrows are closer, it means that David is safe. But if he says the arrows are beyond the boy, it signifies danger from Saul.
5. What promise does Jonathan make to David?
Jonathan promises David that he will let him know if there is danger from Saul. They also make a covenant where Jonathan asks David to show kindness to his family even after his death.
6. What is the significance of the verse 1 Samuel 20:12?
In this verse, Jonathan swears in the name of the Lord, God of Israel, that he will sound out his father by the following day to assess his feelings towards David. It shows Jonathan’s loyalty to David.
7. What happens when Saul realizes Jonathan is allied with David?
Saul becomes angry and tries to strike Jonathan with his spear. Saul believes that Jonathan’s loyalty to David is a disgrace to his family since he thinks David is his enemy.
8. How does the chapter conclude?
David and Jonathan part ways after reaffirming their covenant of support, loyalty, and friendship. They swear in the name of the Lord that they and their descendants will always keep it. Afterward, David goes into hiding to protect himself from Saul.
Keep in mind that different religious traditions may have various interpretations of the text, but this is a general summary of 1 Samuel 20.
Possible References for 1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 20 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this section of the book, the primary figures are David, the future king of Israel, and Jonathan, the son of the current king, Saul.
The most significant references within 1 Samuel 20 are to the deep friendship between David and Jonathan and the escalating hostility from King Saul towards David. Here’s an overview of the main events:
1) The chapter begins with David fleeing to Ramah and asking Jonathan why Saul is trying to kill him.
2) Jonathan initially does not believe that his father, Saul, wants to kill David and assures him of his safety.
3) As the discussion proceeds, a plan is made between David and Jonathan to confirm Saul’s feelings towards David. If Saul reacts angrily to David’s absence from the New Moon feast, it would confirm that he has ill feelings toward David.
4) The following day Jonathan and David enact their plan. After confirming Saul’s ill intentions towards David, Jonathan shoots three arrows into the field as previously agreed upon as a secret signal to David.
5) Lastly, Jonathan sends the boy away and meets David to report the bad news. Both are heartbroken as they confirm Saul’s intentions to kill David. They lament over the violation of their covenant of friendship made in the name of God.
So essentially, this chapter focuses on Jonathan’s loyalty to David despite his father’s intentions and cements the deep bond of friendship between the two.
Also, the chapter’s events fulfills David’s destiny as foretold in the Bible that despite many threats to his life and kingdom, God will guide and protect him. It sets the stage for future developments, including David’s further afflictions, Saul’s despair, and ultimately, David’s ascension to the throne.
Conclusion on 1 Samuel 20
In 1 Samuel 20, we see the deepening of the relationship between David and Jonathan, and their mutual respect, love, and commitment to each other.
The conclusion of this chapter primarily involves two themes: the confirmation of Saul’s intention to kill David, and the deepened covenant between David and Jonathan.
Firstly, through a test devised by Jonathan, it became clear that Saul, in his anger and paranoia, truly intended to kill David. The confirmation of this came at a feast, where Saul reacted violently towards Jonathan for simply questioning why David was absent. Not only did this validate David’s fears, but it also signified that Saul had fallen so far from God’s favor that he was even willing to murder his own son for defending David.
Secondly, Jonathan and David affirmed their covenant. They promised to protect each other and their descendants forever, no matter the circumstances. Jonathan expressed his loyalty to David not just as a friend, but as a brother. This bond established a sense of kinship and alliance that allowed David not just to survive Saul’s pursuit but to become successful and eventually ascend to the throne.
Thus, the conclusion of 1 Samuel 20 signifies the deterioration of Saul’s character and his disloyalty to God and man – which contrasts sharply against the loyalty and righteousness reflected in the friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan, showcasing how the latter’s respect for God and their mutual respect for each other are rewarded.