Jonathan’s secret signal reminded David that their friendship was unbreakable.
In this passage, we find Jonathan helping David discern whether it is safe to remain in King Saul’s court. Scripture describes it this way: “When the lad reached the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the lad and said, ‘Is not the arrow beyond you?’” (v.37) This event takes place near Gibeah, the capital city where King Saul lived and reigned around 1050 to 1010 BC. Gibeah was located a few miles north of ancient Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. The young boy, tasked with retrieving the arrow, unknowingly becomes part of a covert signal to communicate Saul’s intent toward David.
By saying, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” (v.37) Jonathan subtly conveys to David that the situation is dire. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, shows remarkable loyalty to David—who would become king around 1010 BC—and helps him escape imminent danger. Jonathan’s words are a coded message that David should flee. Just as Jonathan’s loyalty here exemplifies friendship even in peril, so too in the New Testament we see Christ’s exhortation to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13), highlighting the sacrificial nature of true devotion.
Through this brief conversation and the seemingly simple act of shooting an arrow, we witness the undertones of fear, trust, and sacrificial love. Jonathan, though a prince, willingly aids David at great risk to himself, indicating the depth of their covenant bond. The lad’s presence makes the plan appear a normal archery exercise, preserving secrecy amid Saul’s growing hostility.
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1 Samuel 20:37 meaning
In this passage, we find Jonathan helping David discern whether it is safe to remain in King Saul’s court. Scripture describes it this way: “When the lad reached the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the lad and said, ‘Is not the arrow beyond you?’” (v.37) This event takes place near Gibeah, the capital city where King Saul lived and reigned around 1050 to 1010 BC. Gibeah was located a few miles north of ancient Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. The young boy, tasked with retrieving the arrow, unknowingly becomes part of a covert signal to communicate Saul’s intent toward David.
By saying, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” (v.37) Jonathan subtly conveys to David that the situation is dire. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, shows remarkable loyalty to David—who would become king around 1010 BC—and helps him escape imminent danger. Jonathan’s words are a coded message that David should flee. Just as Jonathan’s loyalty here exemplifies friendship even in peril, so too in the New Testament we see Christ’s exhortation to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13), highlighting the sacrificial nature of true devotion.
Through this brief conversation and the seemingly simple act of shooting an arrow, we witness the undertones of fear, trust, and sacrificial love. Jonathan, though a prince, willingly aids David at great risk to himself, indicating the depth of their covenant bond. The lad’s presence makes the plan appear a normal archery exercise, preserving secrecy amid Saul’s growing hostility.