1 Samuel 20 35

1 Samuel 20:35 kjv

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

1 Samuel 20:35 nkjv

And so it was, in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad was with him.

1 Samuel 20:35 niv

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him,

1 Samuel 20:35 esv

In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy.

1 Samuel 20:35 nlt

The next morning, as agreed, Jonathan went out into the field and took a young boy with him to gather his arrows.

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 35 Meaning

This verse describes the precise moment Jonathan set in motion his plan to communicate Saul's disposition towards David. It highlights his intentionality, the pre-arranged nature of their meeting, and the carefully selected method of maintaining secrecy through the presence of an unsuspecting young boy as a cover for the critical signal that was to follow. It signifies a pivotal point in Jonathan's demonstration of covenant loyalty and profound friendship.

1 Samuel 20 35 Context

1 Samuel chapter 20 details the crucial secret meeting between David and Jonathan, set against the backdrop of King Saul's increasingly irrational and murderous jealousy toward David. Earlier in the chapter, David fled Saul's presence after Saul made multiple attempts on his life. David confronts Jonathan about Saul's hatred, prompting Jonathan, still hopeful for his father, to devise a plan. This plan involves observing Saul's behavior at the new moon festival and then signaling the outcome to David, who is to hide in a field. Verse 35 describes Jonathan executing the first part of this pre-arranged communication, heading to the designated field with a young servant. This meeting is pivotal, as it confirms Saul's true intentions and directly leads to David's permanent flight, securing his life. Historically and culturally, the bond of covenant friendship like David and Jonathan's was deeply significant, often surpassing blood ties. Their intricate signal plan also reflects methods of discreet communication necessary in times of political intrigue and persecution within the ancient Israelite monarchy.

1 Samuel 20 35 Word analysis

• In the morning (bō·qer בֹּקֶר): Refers to the early dawn. This indicates the precise, pre-arranged timing of their appointment. Morning hours often allowed for clearer visibility for signaling, fewer people awake to observe, and a sense of fresh start for critical tasks. It also emphasizes the urgency and forethought put into their plan.
• Jonathan (yə-hō-nā-ṯān יְהוֹנָתָן): Meaning "Yahweh has given." Saul's son and heir, yet his loyalty is steadfastly with David due to their sacred covenant. His personal agency in executing this risky plan highlights his profound commitment, courage, and faith.
• went out (way·yê·ṣê וַיֵּצֵא): Simple verb for movement. Indicates the deliberate act of departing his usual surroundings to engage in the planned rendezvous.
• to the field (ha-śśā-ḏeh הַשָּׂדֶה): Refers to the open countryside or cultivated land, often outside city walls. This setting was chosen for its seclusion and large open space, suitable for shooting arrows as a signal without drawing suspicion or harming onlookers. It was a common meeting place for discrete discussions in the ancient Near East.
• for the appointment (lam·mō·‘êḏ לַמּוֹעֵד): Mō·‘êḏ (מוֹעֵד) means an appointed time or a fixed place for a meeting, a designated gathering. This is not a chance encounter but a solemn, pre-arranged rendezvous, emphasizing the covenant between Jonathan and David and the gravity of their situation. This "appointment" had the weight of their oaths and survival attached to it.
• with David (‘im-dā-wiḏ עִם־דָּוִד): Clarifies the direct recipient of Jonathan's critical communication.
• and with him a young boy (wə-na‘ar qa-ṭōn וְנַעַר קָטֹן): Na‘ar (נַעַר) generally means "boy," "youth," or "servant." Qa·ṭōn (קָטֹן) means "small" or "young." This indicates the boy's unassuming age or status, which would not arouse suspicion for a seemingly innocent activity like an archery practice. The boy serves as a decoy and an unsuspecting assistant for retrieving arrows, central to Jonathan's signaling plan. His presence legitimizes the activity, diverting attention from the true, grave purpose of the outing. This subtle element reveals Jonathan's meticulous planning and his awareness of the constant surveillance under Saul's rule.

1 Samuel 20 35 Bonus section

• The carefulness implied in this verse reflects the high level of political espionage and survival strategies employed during the tumultuous early days of the Israelite monarchy under Saul.
• The role of the 'young boy' (Hebrew: na'ar) throughout the Bible often includes that of an attendant, messenger, or even an unwitting pawn in greater events, highlighting their peripheral yet critical function in various narratives (e.g., servant of Elisha, the boy with the loaves and fish in the NT).
• Jonathan's integrity shines through his unwavering loyalty, putting covenant and righteous friendship above filial duty to an unrighteous king, a theme explored later in Christ's teaching about putting God's will above human familial ties.

1 Samuel 20 35 Commentary

1 Samuel 20:35 is more than a mere factual statement; it encapsulates Jonathan's deliberate and selfless actions to protect his dear friend, David. Every detail points to the high stakes involved and Jonathan's deep commitment to their covenant. The choice of "morning" speaks to both practicality and secrecy, maximizing the element of surprise and reducing chances of detection by Saul's spies. Going "to the field" was a tactical decision, providing the necessary privacy for their critical exchange of information, unobserved by those loyal to Saul. The explicit mention of an "appointment" underlines the sacred and intentional nature of their covenantal agreement; this was a formal commitment, not a casual meeting. Crucially, the presence of "a young boy" underscores Jonathan's careful planning and guile in navigating his father's escalating paranoia. The boy served as an innocent cover, turning a covert intelligence operation into what appeared to be an innocuous archery lesson, deflecting any suspicion. This verse effectively sets the stage for the revelation of Saul's deadly intentions, confirming the severity of David's plight and propelling him into exile. It exemplifies the extraordinary love and fidelity that existed between David and Jonathan, showcasing Jonathan's willingness to jeopardize his own future and life to uphold his oath and save his friend.