Jonathan’s swift arrow shot ultimately confirms that David must leave Saul’s court to survive.
Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul who reigned from around 1050 to 1010 BC, makes a crucial covert arrangement with David in 1 Samuel 20 regarding Saul’s hostile intentions. As part of their plan, Jonathan goes out to a field near Gibeah (Saul’s capital) and prepares to signal David about Saul’s intent by shooting arrows. In the verse, we read: He said to his boy, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow past him (v.36). The boy’s role was ostensibly to retrieve the arrows, but Jonathan’s true purpose was to communicate a secret message to David, who lay hidden nearby.
The act of shooting the arrow “past” the boy, rather than short, was the sign Jonathan and David agreed on earlier. David awaited confirmation whether it was truly unsafe to remain under Saul’s rule. Here, the bow and arrow serve both as a tool of ordinary hunting or warfare and as a coded instrument of protection. By dispatching the arrow beyond his servant, Jonathan intended for David to understand that he must flee, thereby preserving his life and moving forward in God’s greater plan for him.
Beyond the practical technique of the arrow’s flight, this verse reflects the deep loyalty between Jonathan and David. Jonathan’s willingness to defy his father’s murderous decree underscores his steadfast friendship and his commitment to righteousness. It also highlights the Bible’s emphasis on covenant relationships, where bonds of faith, promise, and trust supersede blood ties in moments of moral conflict.
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1 Samuel 20:36 meaning
Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul who reigned from around 1050 to 1010 BC, makes a crucial covert arrangement with David in 1 Samuel 20 regarding Saul’s hostile intentions. As part of their plan, Jonathan goes out to a field near Gibeah (Saul’s capital) and prepares to signal David about Saul’s intent by shooting arrows. In the verse, we read: He said to his boy, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow past him (v.36). The boy’s role was ostensibly to retrieve the arrows, but Jonathan’s true purpose was to communicate a secret message to David, who lay hidden nearby.
The act of shooting the arrow “past” the boy, rather than short, was the sign Jonathan and David agreed on earlier. David awaited confirmation whether it was truly unsafe to remain under Saul’s rule. Here, the bow and arrow serve both as a tool of ordinary hunting or warfare and as a coded instrument of protection. By dispatching the arrow beyond his servant, Jonathan intended for David to understand that he must flee, thereby preserving his life and moving forward in God’s greater plan for him.
Beyond the practical technique of the arrow’s flight, this verse reflects the deep loyalty between Jonathan and David. Jonathan’s willingness to defy his father’s murderous decree underscores his steadfast friendship and his commitment to righteousness. It also highlights the Bible’s emphasis on covenant relationships, where bonds of faith, promise, and trust supersede blood ties in moments of moral conflict.