“And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded”
Context:Before diving into the specific verse, it’s important to understand the context of 1 Samuel 20. This chapter describes the close friendship between David, who would later become the king of Israel, and Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Saul, out of jealousy and insecurity, sought to kill David. In this chapter, David and Jonathan devise a plan to confirm Saul’s intentions, and the verse in question occurs after they execute their plan.
Symbolism of Actions:
- David’s bowing: David’s act of bowing down on his face to the ground signifies humility and submission. It shows his respect and reverence for Jonathan as well as his acceptance of God’s anointed leadership, represented by the current king, Saul.
- Kissing one another: The act of kissing between David and Jonathan signifies deep affection, friendship, and loyalty. It reflects the bond between them, which transcends their circumstances and trials.
- Weeping: The weeping demonstrates the emotional intensity and depth of their relationship. It reveals their shared sorrow over the impending separation and the challenges they face due to Saul’s animosity towards David.
- David exceeding in weeping: David’s weeping beyond Jonathan’s indicates the depth of his grief and emotional distress. It reveals the pain he feels knowing he must part from his dear friend.
Lessons and Applications:
- Genuine friendship: David and Jonathan exemplify a deep, selfless friendship. They share their joys and sorrows, support one another, and sacrifice personal gain for the well-being of the other person. As believers, we should cultivate and cherish such godly friendships that encourage and uplift us.
- Humility and submission: David’s act of bowing down shows humility and submission to God’s appointed leaders. Although David knew he would become king one day, he respected the current authority and did not seek to forcefully seize the throne. We can learn from David’s example by respecting and submitting to those in authority over us.
- Emotional vulnerability: David and Jonathan openly expressed their emotions, weeping and mourning together. It is important for us to be vulnerable and transparent with our close friends, sharing our burdens and supporting one another in times of difficulty.
- Unwavering loyalty: Despite the hardships and challenges, David and Jonathan remained fiercely loyal to one another. They stood by each other’s side, even in the face of adversity. As Christians, we should strive for unwavering loyalty to our friends, family, and fellow believers.
Overall message:1 Samuel 20:41 highlights the beauty of deep friendship, humility, emotional vulnerability, and unwavering loyalty. It serves as a reminder of the importance of such qualities in our relationships and encourages us to cultivate godly friendships that honour and glorify God.
