Bible Chapter Summary
1 Samuel 20 Summary
Jonathan and David's Secret Covenant
David flees to Jonathan and asks what he has done that Saul seeks his life. Jonathan promises that his father will do nothing without telling him and swears that David shall not die. David reveals that there is but a step between him and death, and Jonathan vows to discover his father's intent. They devise a plan: at the new moon feast, if David's absence is noted, Jonathan will shoot arrows as a signal. If he says the arrows are on the near side, David has peace; if beyond, the Lord has sent David away. At the feast, David is absent, and Saul questions Jonathan. Jonathan claims David asked leave to attend a family sacrifice in Bethlehem. Saul's anger kindles against Jonathan and he casts a javelin at him. Jonathan arises in fierce anger and goes to the field to signal David with arrows. When his servant departs, David rises from hiding and he and Jonathan embrace, weeping together. Jonathan sends David away in peace.
Key themes
Key verses
1 Samuel 20:3
“And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.”
1 Samuel 20:16-17
“So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.”
1 Samuel 20:42
“And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.”
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