What does 1 Samuel 20:36 mean?
"And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him." - 1 Samuel 20:36
1 Samuel 20:36 (KJV) says, "And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him."
This verse is part of the larger story of Jonathan and David, which is a powerful tale of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. In this particular verse, Jonathan is communicating with his servant, instructing him to fetch the arrows that he has just shot. This seemingly straightforward action holds a much deeper significance within the context of the story.
To truly understand the meaning of this verse, we must look at the broader context in which it is situated. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the future king, have developed a deep and abiding friendship. Despite his father's jealousy and attempts to kill David, Jonathan remains loyal to his friend and goes to great lengths to protect him. In 1 Samuel 20, David and Jonathan devise a plan to test King Saul's intentions towards David. Jonathan will gauge his father's reaction to David's absence at a feast, and based on Saul's response, they will determine whether or not David is safe.
In the verse 1 Samuel 20:36, Jonathan is demonstrating his loyalty and commitment to David by signaling to him that their plan has been successful and it is safe for him to flee. By shooting the arrows beyond his servant, Jonathan is communicating to David, who is watching from a distance, that he must escape and go into hiding. The act of shooting arrows is symbolic in this context, as it represents a form of coded communication between Jonathan and David. It signifies the life-or-death nature of their situation, and the urgency with which David must act to preserve his own life.
The theme of friendship is central to this verse and the wider narrative. Jonathan and David's friendship is portrayed as selfless, sacrificial, and unwavering. Despite the societal expectations and pressures placed upon them, they remain dedicated to each other's well-being. Their bond serves as a model of loyalty and devotion that transcends personal ambition and social norms.
Additionally, the verse highlights the theme of trust and communication. Jonathan and David rely on non-verbal cues and implicit understanding to communicate with each other. They trust each other implicitly, and their actions are guided by this deep sense of trust. The act of shooting the arrow beyond the servant signifies the trust Jonathan has in David to understand the message and act accordingly, without needing to explain it explicitly.
The symbolism of the arrows also carries significance in this verse. Arrows are traditional weapons of war, and their use here indicates the perilous nature of David's situation. They represent the imminent danger that David faces and the need for swift action to ensure his survival. The act of shooting the arrow beyond the servant conveys a sense of urgency and the need for immediate response.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20:36 is a powerful and pivotal moment in the story of Jonathan and David. It embodies the themes of friendship, loyalty, trust, and communication. The verse serves to illustrate the depth of their bond and the lengths to which they will go to protect each other. It also highlights the life-and-death stakes of their situation and the urgency with which David must act to ensure his safety. This verse serves as a testament to the enduring power of genuine friendship and the lengths to which true friends will go to support and protect each other.
Have questions about 1 Samuel 20:36?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Samuel 20:36 Artwork
1 Samuel 20:36 - "And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him."
"And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him." - 1 Samuel 20:36
1 Samuel 20:27-29
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
1 Samuel 28:15-20
1 Samuel 20:27-30
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 17:36 - "Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 1:20 - "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
1 Samuel 19:20 - "And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied."
1 Samuel 28:20 - "Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night."
1 Samuel 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
2 Samuel 23:36 - "Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,"
1 Samuel 12:20 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;"
1 Samuel 20:4 - "Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."
1 Samuel 20:33 - "And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."
Job 36:20 - "Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place."
1 Samuel 20:35 - "¶ 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."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
1 Samuel 20:18 - "Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty."
1 Samuel 20:14 - "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:"
1 Samuel 20:23 - "And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever."
1 Samuel 20:10 - "Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?"
Exodus 36:20 - "¶ And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up."
1 Samuel 16:20 - "And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul."
1 Samuel 14:36 (KJVA) 36 And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.