“And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative that revolves around the friendship between David and Jonathan. To understand the context of 1 Samuel 20:21, we need to go back and explore the preceding events.
1 Samuel 20 tells the story of David, who had risen to prominence after defeating Goliath and had become a close friend of Jonathan, the son of King Saul. However, Saul, who was filled with jealousy and suspicion, was plotting to kill David. In this chapter, Jonathan seeks to ascertain Saul’s true intentions toward David.
Context:In verse 21, Jonathan devises a plan to communicate the situation to David. He tells David that he will send a young lad to shoot arrows and bring back information based on the location of those arrows. The outcome of the plan would indicate Saul’s intentions towards David. If Jonathan says, “Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee,” it would mean that David should flee because there is danger. However, if Jonathan says, “the arrows are beyond thee,” it would mean that David can safely return to the city because there is peace.
True Friendship and Loyalty:The friendship between David and Jonathan is a beautiful example of loyalty and support. Jonathan risks his own safety to protect David and communicate Saul’s intentions. Their friendship is marked by trust and genuine concern for one another.
Seeking God’s Guidance:Jonathan’s plan involves seeking God’s guidance and direction. By involving the lad and the arrows, Jonathan puts his trust in God to reveal the truth. We can learn from this example to seek God’s guidance in our own lives and trust in His wisdom.
God’s Protection:The phrase “as the LORD liveth” at the end of the verse is a declaration of God’s presence and protection. It signifies that Jonathan’s plan is not just based on human wisdom but on the assurance of God’s faithfulness.
Discerning God’s Will:This verse teaches us the importance of discerning God’s will and understanding the signs He provides. Jonathan uses the location of the arrows as a way to interpret Saul’s intentions. Similarly, we should seek wisdom from God and be attentive to the signs and guidance He provides us.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:21 highlights the dynamics of friendship, seeking God’s guidance, and discerning His will. It encourages us to value loyalty, trust, and seek divine wisdom in navigating the challenges of life.
