“And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.”
This verse is part of a significant episode in the biblical account, where Jonthan, the son of King Saul, and David, who would later become a renowned king of Israel, were meeting secretly to discuss the intentions of King Saul toward David.
1 Samuel 20 provides context for this verse. David had gained favour with King Saul due to his bravery and success in battles against the Philistines. However, Saul’s attitude changed when he became jealous of David’s popularity and saw him as a threat to his own kingdom. Despite Saul’s antagonism, Jonathan remained a loyal friend to David and sought to protect him.
In 1 Samuel 20:11, Jonathan invites David to go out into the field. The field was a secluded place where they could speak privately without the fear of being overheard. This meeting in the field allowed them to communicate honestly and develop a plan to assess Saul’s intentions.
This verse highlights the deep friendship and trust between Jonathan and David. Jonathan’s actions demonstrate his commitment to David’s well-being and his willingness to risk his own safety to help his friend. The field symbolises a space of confidentiality, where their true feelings could be expressed.
This passage also reflects the broader theme of loyalty and faithfulness throughout the Bible. Jonathan’s loyalty to David serves as an example of genuine friendship, where he puts the interests of his friend above his own. This theme of loyalty and self-sacrifice is further exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who taught his followers to love one another and be willing to lay down their lives for their friends (John 15:13).
In summary, 1 Samuel 20:11 captures an important moment in the friendship between Jonathan and David. It emphasises the trust and loyalty they had for each other and highlights the significance of genuine friendship and sacrificial love.
