What is happening between David and Jonathan in this passage?

In this passage, David has just escaped another attempt on his life and runs to Jonathan for help. David is confused and afraid, asking what sin he has done to make Saul want to kill him. Jonathan at first cannot believe his father would plan such a thing and tries to reassure David. As David explains the danger, Jonathan accepts the seriousness of the situation. Together they agree on a plan during the new moon feast to see Saul’s real attitude, all while leaning on their covenant of friendship before God.

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

When David says there is “but a step” between him and death, he is talking about how close he feels to being killed. Saul has already thrown a spear at him, sent men to his house, and chased him to another town. Each time David barely escaped. So he tells Jonathan, with an oath before God, that his life could end at any moment. This shows both his real danger and how honestly he trusts Jonathan with his fear and his need for help.

Why does Jonathan at first say it is not so about Saul seeking David’s life?

Jonathan answers, “It is not so,” because from his point of view, his father tells him everything important. He thinks Saul would not hide such a serious plan from him, so he assumes David must be mistaken or overreacting. Jonathan also loves David and likely wants to believe the best about his father. As David explains that Saul knows about their friendship and is hiding his plans for that reason, Jonathan becomes more open and then offers to do whatever David asks to find the truth.

Why does David ask Jonathan to mention a yearly sacrifice at Bethlehem?

David knows he is expected to sit at Saul’s table for the new moon feast. Instead, he plans to stay hidden in the field and asks Jonathan to say he went to Bethlehem for a yearly family sacrifice. This story creates a test. If Saul reacts calmly, it suggests his anger has cooled. If Saul becomes very angry that David is absent, Jonathan can be sure that Saul still intends harm. The mention of a yearly sacrifice also shows David’s family had regular times of worship and gathering before God.

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

The covenant of the Lord between David and Jonathan is a solemn promise of friendship and loyalty made in God’s presence. Jonathan had brought David into this covenant, and David now reminds him of it, asking him to deal kindly with him. It was not just a casual agreement but something they saw as watched over by God. Because of this covenant, Jonathan is ready to risk his position, and even to stand against his own father’s plans, in order to protect David and tell him the truth.

Why does David tell Jonathan to kill him if he has iniquity?

David is so sure of his innocence toward Saul that he tells Jonathan, if there is real guilt in him, Jonathan should kill him himself instead of handing him over to Saul. He would rather die by his friend’s hand than be brought to Saul under a false charge. This shows both David’s clear conscience and his deep trust in Jonathan’s fairness. It also strengthens Jonathan’s confidence that David is not hiding some secret sin that would explain Saul’s rage.

What does this passage teach about true friendship and loyalty?

This passage shows friendship that is costly and honest. David brings his fear and confusion to Jonathan instead of hiding. Jonathan does not brush him off but listens, adjusts his view, and offers, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it for you.” He is willing to test his own father’s intentions and protect David, because of their covenant before God. True friendship here is marked by truth-telling, shared danger, keeping promises, and seeking each other’s good even when it hurts.

How can this story of David and Jonathan help me when I feel unfairly attacked?

David feels hunted without cause and cannot understand why. In that place, he runs to a trusted friend who loves God and loves him. He is honest about his fear and asks for help. This passage encourages you to bring your pain to God and also to wise, faithful friends instead of trying to handle everything alone. It also shows that it is not wrong to look for clear signs about someone’s intentions, to plan wisely, and to lean on promises made in God’s sight when life feels dangerous or unfair.

1Sam.20.1

1 Samuel 20:1

KJV

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

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?

And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.

And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even.

If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Beth-lehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.

If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.