“And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.”
This verse is part of the narrative involving Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and his close friend David. To understand the significance of this verse, we should consider the broader context of the passage.
In 1 Samuel 20, we witness a complex situation in which Saul, driven by jealousy and fear, seeks to kill David. Jonathan, who recognises David’s worthiness and God’s favour upon him, is torn between his loyalty to his father and his friendship with David. In this chapter, Jonathan and David devise a plan to assess Saul’s intentions.
Context:is not present as the first word so no change In verse 36, Jonathan instructs his young servant or “lad” to run and find the arrows he would shoot. It is important to note that this act is a prearranged signal between Jonathan and David. They had agreed that if Jonathan’s words reached a specific outcome, it would indicate whether it was safe for David to return or if he needed to flee.
As the lad ran to retrieve the arrows, Jonathan intentionally shot an arrow beyond him. This action held a specific meaning within their predetermined code. It signalled to David that he should flee because Saul’s anger had not subsided and his intentions were hostile.
This event highlights the deep trust and understanding between Jonathan and David. Despite the risks involved, they communicated through a subtle language of symbols and signals to protect David’s life. Jonathan’s actions reveal his loyalty to David and his commitment to God’s anointed.
From a broader perspective, this passage emphasises the importance of trust, friendship, and loyalty. Jonathan’s courage and sacrifice in supporting David, even in the face of his own father’s anger, serves as a testament to the power of true friendship and the recognition of God’s will.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20:36 illustrates the code of communication and trust established between Jonathan and David. It showcases their unwavering bond and the lengths they were willing to go to ensure David’s safety. This verse encourages us to reflect on the value of loyalty, friendship, and obedience to God’s purposes.
