1 Samuel 20

Chapter Introduction

The loyalty of Johnathon to David. We see Saul’s further slide into the control of a distressing spirit by his murderous heart. He is driven by anger, hatred, and envy.

1 Samuel 20:1-4

As the Spirit of the Lord overcame Saul, David fled from Naioth and went to see Jonathan. David knew Saul's murderous intentions well, but couldn’t comprehend why. What had he done to deserve this treatment? He wanted Peace with Saul. He wanted to serve Saul.

This question arose in David’s mind when Jonathon hadn’t warned him of the attacks at Naioth. Jonathon didn’t understand why his father hadn’t told him about those plans. He thought his father always spoke to him before any significant actions.

When he asked, “What have I done?” David was checking to see if Jonathon saw things the same way. Did he see his father’s murderous intentions? Jonathon said, “By no means!” Jonathon didn’t see any reason for David to die. His father had not affected his view of David. However, he also didn’t completely understand his father’s intentions to kill David.

It was unbelievable to Johnathon. David explained that Saul understood their friendship, so he didn’t tell Johnathon. He kept his plans from his son so Johnathon wouldn’t warn David. When David retook an oath, it emphasized the gravity of the situation. He was convinced he was but a step from death.

1 Samuel 20:5-10

The time of the New Moon was a time for special feasts. It was like a Sabbath day when no work was done. Sacrifices were offered, and there was feasting. The king was a prominent part of this feast, making it a political event.

David planned to use the New Moon festival to clarify things. He asked Jonathon to watch Saul’s reaction to his absence. His absence could be viewed in many ways by Saul, and he could have responded in many ways. David and Jonathon worked it out. If Saul responded cordially, Jonathon would offer an excuse for the absence. If he reacted with anger, then it would be clear why. He was intent on killing David.

Once again, David pointed out the covenant they had made and told Jonathon that if he had done anything wrong, then, consistent with the covenant, Jonathon should kill him. There was no reason to wait for Saul to catch up with him. Jonathon assured David he would tell him if he knew of the evil intent.

David was left with the dilemma of knowing the outcome of the test.

We should note that David asked Jonathan to lie to his father. This is David's first character flaw, as seen in the scriptures. Up to this point, he’s been blameless. It seems even worse that he used the covenant relationship as a context to ask Johnathon to lie.

1 Samuel 20:11-16

David wanted to understand how he would come to know the outcome of the New Moon feast. Johnathon took David out to the field. David was to wait. No news would be good news. But, if Saul intended to kill David, Johnathon would let him know so he could escape.

In the case that David went away, Johnathon offered a blessing on him. In addition, he asked David to remember his descendants when he came to power. It was usual for the incoming king to kill off any of the descendants of the previous family to avoid any claims to the throne. Jonathon recognized that David would rule as king. David made this vow to protect and not harm the house of Jonathon. We can see the fulfillment of this promise in 2 Samuel 9:1-8 and 21:7.

Jonathon renewed his covenant to protect David.

1 Samuel 20:17-23

David feared the worst and responded to Johnathon’s vow with his own. He sensed he would not see his good friend again. Saul worked out a system for letting David know the outcome. Saul would either let him know it was safe or that he needed to run for his life.

David had dodged too many spears and assassins to imagine he could be reconciled, but Johnathon needed to reach this conclusion on his own.

1 Samuel 20:24-31

David hid in the field as the New Moon feast began. Saul is shown with his back to the wall, revealing his fear and paranoia. No one would sneak up behind him. Abner was there with Johnathon. David’s seat was empty. Saul presumed he wasn’t there due to ritual impurity. Saul said nothing.

On the next day, David’s seat was empty. Saul asked Johnathon where David was. Johnathon told the lie they had fabricated. Johnathon expanded the story to include David’s older brother Eliab offering the sacrifice. You could get away with being absent for a day, but further absence would draw attention. After all, the unclean would be ritually clean again the next day.

Saul became angry.

Saul vented to Jonathan, sure that his son had betrayed him in favor of David. He shamed his mother, Ahinoam. He spoke of David as the “son of Jesse” in a derogatory manner. This was Saul, as royalty, looking down on the lesser or ordinary family. He accused Johnathon of betraying his bloodline, as though he wasn’t born of his mother, as if to say, “No son of mine would feel this way; you must be someone else’s son!”. Saul couldn’t believe Johnathon would do such a thing; after all, he would not be enthroned with David alive.

He told Johnathon to call David so they could end this threat by getting rid of David.

1 Samuel 20:32-34

Jonathon’s answer is not just born out of love and loyalty to his friend, but also what is right and just before the eyes of God. He is shocked at his father. David had done nothing wrong.

Saul’s answer was a spear aimed at his son. Johnathon instantly understood the level of hatred his father had for David. This was the fruit of an evil root of bitterness that had grown deep into Saul. We must know that the second day of the feast would have been a full table of dignitaries. Johnathon displayed some righteous anger, rose from the table, and left. He grieved for his friend at how his father treated him.

1 Samuel 20:35-40

At this point, Saul would have been suspicious of Jonathon. He would have already had many men looking for David. There were many spies and many eyes who might find favor with the king by reporting David's whereabouts.

The signal was given. David’s life was in danger, and he needed to leave town quickly. Just that quick, David’s life was forever changed. He was no longer welcome in the palace. He was a man on the run. All the king's resources could be brought to bear against David. He was now a fugitive.

Sometimes, our lives turn on a small thing. One night of carelessness may change a girl’s life forever. One night with the wrong crowd may give a boy an arrest record. It often seems unfair that so much in life should turn on small moments, but a lifetime is made of nothing but many small moments. (Guzik)

We can imagine the questions David had before the Lord. “Why, Lord? What did I do wrong? Why is this happening to me? We can read David’s thoughts in many of the Psalms.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

¹ In the Lord I put my trust; How can you say to my soul,

“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?

²For look! The wicked bend their bow,

They make ready their arrow on the string,

That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.

³If the foundations are destroyed,

What can the righteous do?

⁴The Lord is in His holy temple,

The Lord’s throne is in heaven;

His eyes behold,

His eyelids test the sons of men.

⁵The Lord tests the righteous,

But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.

⁶Upon the wicked He will rain coals;

Fire and brimstone and a burning wind

Shall be the portion of their cup.

⁷For the Lord is righteous,

He loves righteousness;

His countenance beholds the upright. (Psalm 11)

1 Samuel 20:41-42

Johnathon sent the lad away. David and Johnathon were taking a big risk by openly talking to each other. They accepted the risk, knowing they may not see each other again. It could have all been different if Saul had been faithful, experiencing a lifelong friendship if the King had been reasonable in his dealings. At the same time, had Saul been more accurate with his spear, they would never have come to know each other.

Good friends are rare, and saying goodbye is difficult. This was the parting of dear friends who could no longer spend time together.

“Behind you is the sunny morning, before you a lowering sky; behind you the blessed enjoyment of friendship, wife, home, royal favor, and popular adulation, before you an outcast’s life.” (Meyer)

The Big Idea

David’s heart was displayed in his willingness to serve King Saul, even after being anointed king. He served humbly, even while the king threw spears at him. He found a kindred spirit in Johnathon, whose heart is seen in his sacrificial love for David. Never for a second does he attempt to preserve his right to the throne. He immediately conceded those things to David.

This world can be lonely for those who follow hard after God.

We see shades of Jesus in both David and Jonathan.

1 Samuel