1 Samuel 20:39

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

1 Samuel 20:39 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits within the larger account of the loyal friendship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, whom God had chosen to be Israel’s next king. In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan realizes that his father is determined to kill David out of jealousy and insecurity. Jonathan remains devoted to David and arranges a plan to learn Saul’s true intentions. The plan involves David’s absence from the royal feast and a prearranged signal using arrows.

Jonathan goes out to the field with a young servant boy. He shoots arrows and gives the boy instructions to retrieve them. The boy runs as a messenger, carrying out the task without understanding its meaning. Verse 39 then records that the lad knew nothing; only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

Meaning

The “lad” is the servant whom Jonathan sent ahead. The phrase “knew not any thing” means the boy was completely unaware of the plan’s significance. He was simply a courier, not a confidant. The secrecy was essential: if Saul learned of their communication, David’s life would be in immediate danger.

This verse highlights the confidentiality and trust between Jonathan and David. Their covenant friendship required careful coordination and absolute discretion. The lad’s ignorance protected the plan and, ultimately, David’s safety. Only the two friends understood the signal, showing the depth of their mutual commitment.

Biblical connections

The loyalty Jonathan shows here reflects the covenant bond first described in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, where Jonathan loved David as his own soul and made a covenant with him. That love, expressed in the Hebrew text, carries political and diplomatic weight, signifying a solemn pledge of loyalty rather than romantic attachment. Jonathan’s willingness to protect David, even at risk to himself and his own claim to the throne, demonstrates the strength of that covenant.

Application

This passage reminds us that trust and loyalty are vital in any deep relationship. Jonathan’s commitment to David, despite family ties and potential consequences, models integrity and discretion. Faithful friendship sometimes requires keeping confidences and acting wisely to protect others. The verse encourages believers to be trustworthy friends who honor their commitments, even when doing so is costly.

Reflection

Consider the quiet faithfulness of Jonathan, who used a simple servant boy to carry out a life-saving plan. The boy’s ignorance was not a flaw but a safeguard. In our own lives, God often works through ordinary, even unaware, means to accomplish His purposes. We can trust that He sees the full picture and remains faithful to those who walk in covenant with Him.