“And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative that describes the friendship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who would later become the renowned king of Israel. At this point in the story, David and Jonathan are discussing a plan to determine Saul’s attitude towards David. David had gained favour among the people and had become a threat to Saul’s kingship.
“And when thou hast stayed three days”: This phrase refers to a specific period of time. Jonathan instructs David to wait for three days before carrying out the next part of the plan. It is likely that this delay was intended to give David time to hide and ensure the plan’s success.
“Then thou shalt go down quickly”: After the three days, David was to proceed swiftly to the predetermined location. The urgency of going down quickly suggests that there might be a sense of danger or secrecy surrounding their plan.
“And come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand”: David was to return to the hiding place he used during a previous encounter when the plan was set in motion. This location was known only to David and Jonathan, and it served as a safe and discreet meeting place.
“And shalt remain by the stone Ezel”: Once David arrived at the designated spot, he was instructed to stay near a specific stone called Ezel. The significance of this stone is uncertain, as it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. It is possible that it was a landmark or a well‑known reference point in the area.
This verse highlights the loyalty and trust between David and Jonathan. Jonathan risked his own safety by defying his father Saul’s unjust pursuit of David. Their plan to assess Saul’s intentions demonstrates their commitment to each other’s well‑being and their desire to discern God’s will in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:19 reminds us of the value of true friendship and the importance of trust and support, even in challenging times. It encourages us to seek wise and godly counsel, to rely on one another, and to put our trust in the Lord as we navigate life’s complexities.
