Meaning of 1 Samuel 20:39

This verse, 1 Samuel 20:39, succinctly highlights the profound and perilous secret shared between David and Jonathan, underscoring the depth of their covenantal friendship amidst a climate of intense suspicion and threat. The "boy" refers to a young messenger, likely a servant of Jonathan, whom Jonathan had instructed to shoot arrows and retrieve them as a signal to David about Saul's murderous intentions. The fact that this young messenger remained ignorant of the true gravity of the situation emphasizes the carefully guarded nature of the plot and the trust placed in David and Jonathan's shared understanding. This secrecy was not merely for operational efficiency but was born out of the life-or-death stakes involved, as Saul, David's king and father-in-law, was actively seeking to kill him.

Context and Background

The events leading up to this verse are crucial for understanding its significance. Saul, consumed by jealousy and paranoia over David's popularity and military successes, had repeatedly attempted to kill David. Jonathan, Saul's son and David's closest friend, was torn between his loyalty to his father and his deep affection and covenantal bond with David. In chapter 20, Jonathan devises a plan to ascertain his father's true intentions towards David. He arranges to meet David at a specific time, using a hunting excursion as a cover. Jonathan is to shoot arrows, and a young boy is to retrieve them. If the arrows are shot close by, it signifies safety for David; if they are shot farther away, it signals danger, prompting David to flee. This verse describes the aftermath of Jonathan's test, confirming that the boy was unaware of the actual message conveyed by the arrows, a message that confirmed Saul's murderous plot and the necessity for David's immediate escape.

Key Themes and Messages

• Covenantal Friendship: The verse underscores the extraordinary depth of the covenantal friendship between David and Jonathan, a bond so strong that it transcended familial and political obligations. Their shared secret and mutual reliance highlight a profound loyalty and commitment.
• Secrecy and Trust: The necessity for secrecy is paramount due to Saul's murderous intent. The verse implicitly speaks to the trust placed in each other to keep this dangerous secret, a trust extended even to the unknowing messenger.
• Divine Providence: While not explicitly stated, the successful execution of this plan, allowing David to escape, points towards God's protective hand over David, even in the face of human malice.
• Betrayal and Loyalty: The verse exists within a narrative of Saul's escalating betrayal and Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage offers a powerful illustration of the importance of discerning truth and acting upon it, even when it involves significant personal risk. The spiritual application lies in recognizing that our relationships, like that of David and Jonathan, can be conduits for divine protection and guidance. It also speaks to the spiritual warfare we might face, where discerning the intentions of adversaries (both human and spiritual) and acting with wisdom and faith are crucial for survival and faithfulness. The verse reminds believers that sometimes, crucial knowledge and understanding are shared within a select group, requiring discretion and courage to act upon.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

1 Samuel 20:39 is a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of David's persecution and his eventual ascent to the throne. This escape, facilitated by Jonathan's courageous actions and their shared secret, is a direct consequence of Saul's rejection by God and his subsequent descent into madness and violence. It sets the stage for David's years as a fugitive, a period of testing and refinement that would ultimately prepare him for kingship. The covenant between David and Jonathan foreshadows the ultimate covenant established through Jesus Christ, a covenant of perfect love, loyalty, and sacrifice that transcends earthly dangers.

Analogies

One analogy for the boy's ignorance is that of a courier carrying a sealed letter containing vital, perhaps dangerous, information. The courier understands their role is to deliver the message, but they are unaware of its contents or the implications of its delivery. Similarly, the boy in 1 Samuel 20:39 fulfilled his task without grasping the full, life-altering significance of the signal he helped convey. Another analogy might be a soldier following orders on a battlefield without knowing the strategic objective; their obedience is crucial, but the overarching plan is known only to leadership.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with numerous other passages in Scripture that speak to the themes of friendship, betrayal, divine protection, and the anointing of leaders.

• Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse directly reflects the profound loyalty and support demonstrated by Jonathan towards David during his time of extreme adversity.
• John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." While Jonathan did not die in this specific instance, his willingness to risk his father's wrath and his own position for David exemplifies this profound sacrificial love.
• Psalm 56:13: "For you have delivered my life from death, indeed my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life." David's repeated expressions of gratitude for God's deliverance, often in the context of Saul's pursuit, echo the salvation he experienced through Jonathan's actions here.
• 1 Samuel 18:1-4: This passage describes the initial formation of the deep bond between David and Jonathan, emphasizing their souls being knit together, a relationship that clearly endured the trials depicted in chapter 20.