Jonathan helps David flee

1 Samuel Chapter 20

David fled from Naioth and found Jonathan. He wanted to know what he had done to deserve to be killed by Saul. Jonathan protested that he didn't think Saul would do such a thing without telling him. But David took an oath before Jonathan and told him Saul knew about their friendship and so Saul wouldn't tell his son the plans. David swore that he was only a step away from death and he swore by the Lord and by Jonathan's own soul.

Jonathan asked what he could do and David told him that he always ate with Saul to celebrate the new moon, but tomorrow he would instead, hide in the field and stay there till the 3rd day. If Saul asked his whereabouts, Jonathan should tell his father that David went to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice. If Saul became angry with this news, then Jonathan would know his father meant to kill David. He begged Jonathan not to betray him and Jonathan agreed. Then the two men went into the field and Jonathan promised by the Lord that if Saul was angry, he would warn David.

At the evening meal of the new moon festival, David would be missed, said Jonathan. But go, he said, to a place where he hidden before and wait. Jonathan would shoot three arrows into the side of the stone pile, then send a boy to bring the arrows back. If Jonathan told the boy the arrows were on this side, then all was well. If Jonathan told the boy to go farther, the arrows are still ahead, then that meant for David to leave immediately.

So David hid in the field. And Saul thought that David's absence was caused by him being unceremonially unclean. But the next day when David was absent, Saul asked Jonathan where was David. Jonathan told the story of David going to Bethlehem. Saul boiled with rage at Jonathan and accused him of wanting David to be king. Jonathan demanded to know what David had done to be put to death. Saul hurled his spear at his son, but missed, so Jonathan realized his father meant to kill David. So the next day in the field he told the young boy that the arrows were still ahead of him and he shouted, "Hurry, hurry, don't wait."

When the boy had gone, David came out and bowed before Jonathan with his face to the ground. They tearfully said goodbye and Jonathan said, "We have made a pact in the Lord's name. We have entrusted each other and each other's children into the Lord's hands forever.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Many nations celebrated the new moon festival by worshiping the moon itself, but Israel celebrated theirs at the time of the new moon when the moon was not visible. This was a precaution against false worship - nothing in creation is to be worshiped except God.
At the end of this chapter when Jonathan and David made a pact, David fulfilled his promise many years later to Jonathan's son (2 Samuel 9). Saul meanwhile was still trying to secure his throne for future generations, even though he had been told his dynasty would end with him.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Once again we have the role model of Jonathan. His loyalty is a shining example of a loyal person willing to suffer for their commitments. Jonathan's loyalty was based upon his belief in the Lord and he was conflicted in trying to remain loyal to his father and still be loyal to David. Do you communicate to your friends that your ultimate loyalty is to the Lord? If you show them God's truth, it makes your choices much clearer. The truth is his WORD. The holy Bible will bring light to your decisions.Share this information with your friends.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, is now able to speak and is working on rehab for paralysis. Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby who is breathing on her own. Her eyesight problems seem to be no longer a problem. But she must learn to eat and drink normally. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing. Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly. Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.