Jonathan’s humble and faithful act paves the way for David’s continued survival.
The verse states, “Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, ‘Go, bring them to the city.’” (v.40). Jonathan, the son of King Saul (who reigned from about 1050-1010 BC), shares a close covenant friendship with David, who would later become King of Israel (reigning roughly from 1010-970 BC). In the midst of King Saul’s growing hostility toward David, Jonathan arranges a secret plan to warn David of Saul’s intentions. By handing his weapons to the servant and sending him away, Jonathan is creating a moment of private communication with David, where they can reveal their deep concerns and affirm their covenant loyalty without arousing suspicion from onlookers or the servant.
The command, “Go, bring them to the city.” (v.40), likely refers to Gibeah, where King Saul’s court was located in the tribal region of Benjamin. Gibeah sat a few miles north of Jerusalem and served as Saul’s royal seat of power. This short directive reveals Jonathan’s desire to keep the true meaning of his actions hidden, while simultaneously showing his dedication to do what is right—even if it means challenging his father’s dangerous anger. Jonathan’s choice to set aside his weapons in that moment highlights not only his vulnerability but also his unwavering resolve to protect David from harm.
This act of service and loyalty resonates with the scriptural theme of sacrificial love that appears throughout the Bible, especially in the New Testament’s call to lay down one’s life for friends (John 15:13). Jonathan models courage by risking his position and safety for David. This narrative underscores the power of a covenant promise, foreshadowing the new covenant believers have in Christ, who selflessly demonstrated ultimate love and faithfulness.
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1 Samuel 20:40 meaning
The verse states, “Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, ‘Go, bring them to the city.’” (v.40). Jonathan, the son of King Saul (who reigned from about 1050-1010 BC), shares a close covenant friendship with David, who would later become King of Israel (reigning roughly from 1010-970 BC). In the midst of King Saul’s growing hostility toward David, Jonathan arranges a secret plan to warn David of Saul’s intentions. By handing his weapons to the servant and sending him away, Jonathan is creating a moment of private communication with David, where they can reveal their deep concerns and affirm their covenant loyalty without arousing suspicion from onlookers or the servant.
The command, “Go, bring them to the city.” (v.40), likely refers to Gibeah, where King Saul’s court was located in the tribal region of Benjamin. Gibeah sat a few miles north of Jerusalem and served as Saul’s royal seat of power. This short directive reveals Jonathan’s desire to keep the true meaning of his actions hidden, while simultaneously showing his dedication to do what is right—even if it means challenging his father’s dangerous anger. Jonathan’s choice to set aside his weapons in that moment highlights not only his vulnerability but also his unwavering resolve to protect David from harm.
This act of service and loyalty resonates with the scriptural theme of sacrificial love that appears throughout the Bible, especially in the New Testament’s call to lay down one’s life for friends (John 15:13). Jonathan models courage by risking his position and safety for David. This narrative underscores the power of a covenant promise, foreshadowing the new covenant believers have in Christ, who selflessly demonstrated ultimate love and faithfulness.