I Samuel Chapter 20
Please read: I Samuel 20 –
The Bible does not tell us when Jonathan first came to an understanding that he would not succeed his father Saul on the throne. This chapter clearly describes Jonathan’s understanding that David would be the next king since he never questioned his father when Saul, in a rage of anger, declared that David must be killed so that the family could keep the throne. When Saul hurled a spear at his own son and called him names, Jonathan was angry, not because he learned he was not to sit on the throne, but because his father meant harm to his best friend. Jonathan was angry about Saul’s hatred of David. Jonathan was a humble man who understood that God’s purpose was most important. The Bible says that Jonathan grieved over David. He grieved that his dear friend was in danger for his life. There is no doubt that Jonathan had accepted God’s plan for David and the throne.
David would now have to live as a fugitive rather than living in his home with his wife. The two friends didn’t know if they would ever see each other again. They did see each other once more while David was still hiding from Saul. Jonathan encouraged his friend and said to David, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you.” 1 Samuel 23:17
Let's Reflect
1. In the previous chapter Saul had sent 3 different groups of men to take David and bring him back to be killed. Now that David has met up with his friend Jonathan, what question did he ask?
2. David expressed that Saul knew his son was a close friend and confidant to David and so he probably did not tell Jonathan what the reason was for wanting him dead. At first Jonathan thought this couldn’t be true. According to verse 2 what did Jonathan think?
3. David stressed the danger that he was in. He told his friend that if he were guilty of something worth being put to death that he preferred his friend Jonathan just go ahead and take his life. What then did Jonathan, the son of the king, offer to do?
4. The two friends made a vow to each other. Jonathan would help David escape if his father was truly intending to kill him. And David promised to take care of Jonathan and his family when he became king. According to verse 13, what did Jonathan truly want for his friend David?
5. There would be a feast held on the new moon and the heads of state would sit together for the feast. David would not be there, and Jonathan would see how his father reacted to David being absent from his seat. On the first night of the feast Saul just assumed David was unclean in some manner so he did not come. Perhaps he had touched a dead body and was therefore unclean. How did Saul react to David not being present on the second night?
6. Jonathan’s explanation for David’s absence was not believed by his father. It may seem as if he had told a lie, but David most likely did visit his family first since it was a time of a festival. According to verse 31 what was Jonathan ordered to do?
7. Saul accused his own son that he would lose the throne if he didn’t help his father kill David. What question did Jonathan ask Saul? See verse 32.
8. As Jonathan and David had planned, they met in a field where sadly he had to let David know he would need to run for his life. Jonathan had left the palace under the guise of going to target practice with his bow and arrows. After sending the young boy away who fetched his arrows for him, Jonathan gave David the bad news. They both knew what this meant. And they cried for each other. They had to separate for David’s safety, but they had made a vow before the LORD and Jonathan wanted his friend to know that God was with him. What sweet words of friendship did Jonathan give to David?
