In this passage, Jonathan communicates danger and loyalty through a simple interaction with a servant to safeguard his friend.
In this verse we read that “Jonathan called after the lad, ‘Hurry, be quick, do not stay!’ And Jonathan’s lad picked up the arrow and came to his master” (1 Samuel 20:38). The immediate scene highlights Jonathan’s urgency. He is deliberately communicating a hidden message to David through this carefully orchestrated signal involving arrows and a young attendant, showing how dangerous the situation had become under the suspicious oversight of King Saul, Jonathan’s father. Jonathan, who lived around 1040-1010 BC, was a prince of Israel during the reign of Saul (approximately 1050-1010 BC). Although this verse does not specify the precise location, it likely took place near Gibeah, Saul’s royal residence located just a few miles north of Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. This place had a significant role in King Saul’s story since it served as his seat of authority.
The words “Hurry, be quick, do not stay!” (1 Samuel 20:38) emphasize Jonathan’s protective love for David. He is rushing the attendant, indicating the gravity of the message behind his actions. Beneath this practical instruction lies Jonathan’s loyal determination to warn David of imminent danger. By commanding the lad to move quickly, Jonathan is ensuring he can quickly send David the covert sign they arranged, revealing that David’s life is at risk. In doing so, Jonathan demonstrates a willingness to stand against his own father’s hostility on behalf of his dear friend.
Furthermore, the statement “And Jonathan’s lad picked up the arrow and came to his master” (1 Samuel 20:38) underscores the unfolding of their strategic plan. The boy unknowingly retrieves the arrow, whereas Jonathan and David both know this simple act means it is not safe for David to remain. Their deep covenant and genuine friendship guard David’s life and pave the way for David’s eventual kingship. Jonathan’s unfailing loyalty to David offers a biblical example of sacrificial love, pointing forward to the selfless devotion Christians see fully exemplified in Jesus (John 15:13).
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1 Samuel 20:38 meaning
In this verse we read that “Jonathan called after the lad, ‘Hurry, be quick, do not stay!’ And Jonathan’s lad picked up the arrow and came to his master” (1 Samuel 20:38). The immediate scene highlights Jonathan’s urgency. He is deliberately communicating a hidden message to David through this carefully orchestrated signal involving arrows and a young attendant, showing how dangerous the situation had become under the suspicious oversight of King Saul, Jonathan’s father. Jonathan, who lived around 1040-1010 BC, was a prince of Israel during the reign of Saul (approximately 1050-1010 BC). Although this verse does not specify the precise location, it likely took place near Gibeah, Saul’s royal residence located just a few miles north of Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. This place had a significant role in King Saul’s story since it served as his seat of authority.
The words “Hurry, be quick, do not stay!” (1 Samuel 20:38) emphasize Jonathan’s protective love for David. He is rushing the attendant, indicating the gravity of the message behind his actions. Beneath this practical instruction lies Jonathan’s loyal determination to warn David of imminent danger. By commanding the lad to move quickly, Jonathan is ensuring he can quickly send David the covert sign they arranged, revealing that David’s life is at risk. In doing so, Jonathan demonstrates a willingness to stand against his own father’s hostility on behalf of his dear friend.
Furthermore, the statement “And Jonathan’s lad picked up the arrow and came to his master” (1 Samuel 20:38) underscores the unfolding of their strategic plan. The boy unknowingly retrieves the arrow, whereas Jonathan and David both know this simple act means it is not safe for David to remain. Their deep covenant and genuine friendship guard David’s life and pave the way for David’s eventual kingship. Jonathan’s unfailing loyalty to David offers a biblical example of sacrificial love, pointing forward to the selfless devotion Christians see fully exemplified in Jesus (John 15:13).