What does 1 Samuel 20:6 mean?
"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." - 1 Samuel 20:6
1 Samuel 20:6 (KJV) states, "If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family."
In this verse, we find David speaking to his friend Jonathan, the son of King Saul, as they plan for David's safety in light of Saul's increasing hostility towards him. The context of this verse is important to understand its full implications. David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel, had gained favor with the people for his valor in battle against Goliath and the Philistines. However, this favor had sparked jealousy and fear in the heart of King Saul, who sought to kill David out of insecurity and paranoia.
In this passage, David is conferring with his dear friend Jonathan, seeking assurance that Jonathan will come to his aid and protect him from Saul's wrath. David devises a plan for Jonathan to assess Saul's true intentions towards him on the pretext of his absence from a feast the following day. In the event that Saul shows no concern for David's absence, it would prove to Jonathan that his father truly seeks to harm David, reinforcing their need for a plan of escape.
Now, let us delve into the themes and symbolism present in this verse. One of the central themes in this passage is the loyalty and friendship between David and Jonathan. Their bond transcends the machinations of politics and power, as they seek to honor their commitment to each other despite the difficult circumstances. Their deep friendship serves as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of betrayal and intrigue that surrounds them.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of divine providence and the sovereignty of God. Despite the danger and uncertainty that David faces, he is able to strategize and seek refuge in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control of his destiny. This extends to the theme of faith and reliance on God in the face of adversity, as David displays his trust in God to guide and protect him through the trials that lie ahead.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. David's connection to Bethlehem, his city of birth, serves as a symbolic representation of his lineage and future kingship. Bethlehem is also the birthplace of Jesus Christ, who would later be heralded as the true and eternal King of Israel. This connection foreshadows the legacy that David will leave behind and the eventual fulfillment of God's promise through the lineage of David, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20:6 captures a pivotal moment in the lives of David and Jonathan, shedding light on their unwavering friendship and their unwavering trust in God's providence. The verse intertwines themes of loyalty, divine providence, and symbolism to convey a deeper message about the enduring nature of true friendship and the fulfillment of God's promises. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of standing by those we love, the power of faith in trying times, and the sovereignty of God in directing the courses of our lives.
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1 Samuel 20:6 - "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 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." - 1 Samuel 20:6
1 Samuel 6:20 - "And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?"
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 14:6
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 8:6 - "¶ But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD."
1 Samuel 6:1 - "And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months."
2 Samuel 6:14
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."
2 Samuel 20:6 - "And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us."
1 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."
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 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Samuel 12:6 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."
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."
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."