1 Samuel 20

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with David seeking refuge with Jonathan after Saul's latest attempt on his life. Jonathan, unaware of his father's intentions, promises to intercede on David's behalf, but soon discovers the truth about Saul's plans. Together, they devise a plan to test Saul's intentions, using a feast as a pretext. When David fails to appear, Saul's true feelings are revealed, and Jonathan realizes the gravity of the situation. He then warns David, and they make a covenant, reaffirming their loyalty to each other. The chapter concludes with David fleeing to Nob, where he receives help from Ahimelech the priest, further illustrating the web of relationships and alliances that are crucial to David's survival.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of David's rise to kingship, which is intertwined with the decline of Saul. The events in 1 Samuel 20 follow David's victory over Goliath and his increasing popularity among the Israelites, which has provoked Saul's jealousy. The chapter sets the stage for the further development of David's story, including his time in the wilderness and his eventual ascension to the throne. It is also part of the broader biblical narrative that explores themes of leadership, faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships that are grounded in a shared commitment to God. It reminds us of the importance of loyalty, trust, and standing by one another in times of adversity, just as David and Jonathan did. By reflecting on the challenges faced by David and Jonathan, we can deepen our understanding of what it means to be faithful friends and to trust in God's sovereignty over all our relationships.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of the strong friendship between David and Jonathan. Despite the danger from King Saul, they promise to always be loyal to each other. Jonathan helps David by warning him of Saul's plans, showing how important it is to have true friends who care about us. The story also shows how God is with those who trust in Him, even in very difficult situations, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:42.

Voices from the Church

“The friendship of David and Jonathan is a beautiful picture of the communion of saints, and the bond that unites believers in Christ.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“In the covenant between David and Jonathan, we see a shadow of the eternal covenant that God makes with his people, a covenant of peace and loyalty that endures forever.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. David and Jonathan's Plan (1 Samuel 20:1-10) — David and Jonathan devise a plan to uncover Saul's true intentions towards David, demonstrating their resourcefulness and commitment to each other.
2. The Test of Saul's Intentions (1 Samuel 20:11-17) — Jonathan tests his father's feelings towards David by not inviting David to the feast, revealing Saul's deep-seated anger and jealousy.
3. Jonathan Warns David (1 Samuel 20:18-23) — Upon discovering his father's true intentions, Jonathan warns David, illustrating the practical outworking of their loyalty and trust in each other.
4. The Covenant Between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:24-34) — David and Jonathan reaffirm their covenant, underscoring the depth of their bond and their commitment to each other's well-being, as well as the well-being of their descendants.
5. David's Flight to Nob (1 Samuel 20:35-42) — David seeks refuge in Nob, where he receives assistance from Ahimelech, further highlighting the network of support available to him and the divine provision that guides his path.

Core Doctrines

Covenant Theology

The covenant between David and Jonathan illustrates the concept of covenant in biblical theology, where relationships are grounded in mutual commitments and overseen by God.

Providence

The chapter demonstrates God's providence in guiding the lives of his people, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, as seen in how David is protected and provided for.

Loyalty and Friendship

The deep bond between David and Jonathan teaches about the importance of loyalty and true friendship, reflecting the command to love one another as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.

Faith and Trust

The story highlights the role of faith and trust in God, showing how these virtues enable believers to navigate life's challenges with courage and hope, just as David and Jonathan did in the face of Saul's hostility.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 20

1. The Power of True Friendship — The bond between David and Jonathan shows the strength that true friends can offer each other, especially in difficult times.
2. Navigating Complex Relationships — The chapter illustrates the challenges of navigating complex family and friendship dynamics, emphasizing the need for wisdom, loyalty, and trust.
3. God's Providence in Adversity — The events of the chapter demonstrate how God's providence guides and protects his people, even when they face danger and hostility.
4. The Importance of Covenant Commitments — The covenant between David and Jonathan highlights the significance of making and keeping commitments, reflecting the broader biblical theme of covenant as a fundamental aspect of God's relationship with his people.
5. Faith and Trust in Uncertain Times — The story encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or dangerous, just as David and Jonathan did.

Themes from 1 Samuel 20

1. Loyalty and Betrayal — The chapter explores the themes of loyalty and betrayal, contrasting the deep bond between David and Jonathan with the hostility of Saul.
2. Faith and Trust — The narrative emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, showing how these virtues enable believers to face challenges with courage and confidence.
3. Covenant and Commitment — The covenant between David and Jonathan illustrates the biblical theme of covenant, highlighting the significance of making and keeping commitments in human relationships.
4. Providence and Sovereignty — The events of the chapter demonstrate God's providence and sovereignty, showing how he guides and protects his people in the midst of adversity.
5. Friendship and Camaraderie — The friendship between David and Jonathan celebrates the joy and strength that true friendships can bring, reflecting the biblical command to love one another.

Questions for Meditation

1. How does the friendship between David and Jonathan inspire your own relationships, and what lessons can you apply from their example?
2. In what ways do you see God's sovereignty and providence at work in the events of this chapter, and how can this encourage your faith in times of uncertainty?
3. What does the covenant between David and Jonathan teach about the nature of commitment and loyalty in human relationships, and how does this reflect God's covenant with his people?
4. How does this chapter challenge or encourage your understanding of what it means to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the face of adversity?
5. In what ways can you apply the principles of loyalty, trust, and faith demonstrated in this chapter to your own life and relationships?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Samuel 20

	Sermon	Description
	(Depressed Disciples) Permanent Physical Infirmity by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. The preacher emphasizes that Mephibosheth was chosen by God and given fa
	David Protected by the Priest by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and his interactions with Saul and Jonathan. David is hiding from Saul, who is seeking to kill him, and seeks refuge
	Jonathan and David's Covenant and Plan (1 Sam. 20) by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle explores the profound covenant between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 20, emphasizing how their friendship is tested under extreme pressures of loyalty, ambition, and f
	Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David
	Thou Shalt Be Missed, Because Thy Seat by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of presence in both family and church settings, using the example of David's empty seat to illustrate the void left by those who are absent.
	The Future Life - "The Home of the Soul" by W.B. Dunkum	W.B. Dunkum preaches about the probationary nature of time, emphasizing the importance of preparing for eternity while we are still in time. He discusses the indistinct knowledge o

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 20

Matthew Henry's commentary on 1 Samuel 20 highlights the deep and abiding friendship between David and Jonathan, a bond that is grounded in their mutual commitment to God. Henry notes that their covenant is a beautiful picture of the communion of saints and the bond that unites believers in Christ. He also emphasizes the providence of God in guiding the lives of his people, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, and encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The chapter, according to Henry, teaches valuable lessons about loyalty, trust, and the importance of standing by one another in times of adversity, reflecting the biblical command to love one another and the eternal nature of relationships grounded in God, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:42. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?