Question 1

What is happening between David, Jonathan, and Saul in this passage?

Accepted Answer

In this chapter David has fled from Saul and goes to Jonathan, Saul’s son, asking what he has done wrong and why Saul wants to kill him. Jonathan at first finds it hard to believe his father means to harm David, but David insists that his life is in danger. They agree on a plan during the new moon feast: David will stay away, and Jonathan will watch Saul’s reaction. Saul’s rage when David is absent proves his murderous intent. Jonathan then secretly warns David with the arrows signal, and they say a tearful goodbye, trusting God with the future.

Question 2

What does David mean by saying there is but a step between me and death?

Accepted Answer

When David says there is only a step between him and death, he is describing how close he feels to being killed by Saul. He knows Saul has already tried to take his life and believes one wrong move could cost him everything. This shows David is not exaggerating his danger to gain sympathy. He is honest with Jonathan about the risk he faces, yet he still seeks God’s help through this trusted friend. It reminds us that faith does not ignore danger but brings it into the light before God and others.

Question 3

Why did Jonathan stay loyal to David even against his father Saul?

Accepted Answer

Jonathan loved David as his own soul and had already entered into a covenant with him before God. He knew God’s hand was on David and that David had done nothing to deserve death. In this passage, Jonathan chooses to protect David even though it angers Saul and costs him his own safety and future claim to the throne. His loyalty shows a friendship built on truth, righteousness, and trust in God’s plan, not on personal gain. Jonathan is willing to lose position and favor to do what is right and keep his promise before the Lord.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the covenant between David and Jonathan?

Accepted Answer

The covenant between David and Jonathan is a solemn promise made before God. They commit to protect each other and ask the Lord to watch over their agreement. Jonathan asks David to show him “the kindness of the Lord” while he lives and to keep showing kindness to his family even after he dies. This means their bond is not just personal affection but a lasting promise that will affect their descendants. The covenant recognizes that God is the true witness and judge, and that their friendship is tied to God’s unfolding plan for David’s kingdom.

Question 5

Why did David and Jonathan use arrows as a secret signal?

Accepted Answer

David and Jonathan use arrows as a secret signal because Saul’s hatred has made it unsafe for David to come openly to the court. They agree that Jonathan will go to the field with a young servant and shoot arrows as if he is practicing. The words he says to the boy about the arrows’ location will carry a hidden message for David: if the arrows are “on this side,” David is safe to return; if they are “beyond,” David must flee. This careful plan shows how serious the danger is and how thoughtful Jonathan is in protecting his friend without drawing suspicion.

Question 6

Why did Saul become so angry when David missed the new moon feast?

Accepted Answer

The new moon feast was a regular, formal gathering where Saul expected his leading men, including David, to sit at his table. When David’s seat is empty the first day, Saul thinks he might be ceremonially unclean. But when David is absent the second day, Saul questions Jonathan. When Jonathan gives the agreed story about David going to Bethlehem, Saul explodes in anger. His rage shows that he already saw David as a threat to his own rule and to Jonathan’s future kingdom. Saul’s attempt to spear Jonathan proves that his heart is set on killing David, no matter the cost.

Question 7

Why does Jonathan ask David not to cut off kindness from his house forever?

Accepted Answer

Jonathan knows that God has chosen David and that one day David’s enemies will be removed. In light of this, Jonathan asks David to keep showing kindness to his family, even after Jonathan dies. In those days, new kings sometimes wiped out the previous king’s family. Jonathan is asking David, as a covenant friend, not to treat his descendants as enemies but to care for them. This shows Jonathan’s faith that God will raise David up and his concern for his children and household, trusting their future to David’s mercy and God’s promises.

Question 8

How does this passage show what true friendship looks like?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows friendship that is honest, loyal, and willing to sacrifice. David trusts Jonathan enough to share his fear and danger. Jonathan listens, tests the situation, and then puts himself at risk to find the truth and protect David. They renew their covenant before God, thinking not only of themselves but of their future families. Their tears and parting words in the field show real affection, but their friendship is more than emotion. It is tied to doing what is right, keeping promises, and seeking God’s will even when it hurts.

Question 9

What does this story teach about God’s plan in the middle of conflict?

Accepted Answer

This story takes place in a very tense time, with Saul’s jealousy, David’s danger, and Jonathan stuck between father and friend. Yet in all this, God’s plan is quietly moving forward. Jonathan’s words, “the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father,” show that he sees God’s hand guiding David’s future. The covenant they make, including care for Jonathan’s house when God cuts off David’s enemies, looks beyond the present crisis. It teaches that even when relationships break and danger rises, God is still working out His purposes through faithful people who trust Him.

1 Samuel 20:1

And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?

Jonathan Helps David

Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant

Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan

Jonathan Helps David

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1 Samuel 20:1

And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?

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Jonathan Helps David

Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant

Saul Seeks to Kill Jonathan

Jonathan Helps David

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