What does 1 Samuel 20:11 mean?
"¶ And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field." - 1 Samuel 20:11
The verse 1 Samuel 20:11 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field." This verse is part of a larger passage in the Old Testament that describes the deep friendship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who would later become King of Israel.
In the context of the larger story, David is a young and brave warrior who has gained favor with King Saul for his victory over the giant Goliath. However, this favor quickly turns to jealousy as Saul becomes increasingly threatened by David's rising popularity and military prowess. David finds a loyal friend and ally in Jonathan, who forms a deep and abiding friendship with David, despite the enmity that exists between David and Saul.
In 1 Samuel 20:11, Jonathan invites David to meet him in the field, away from the prying eyes and ears of the palace. This meeting is significant because it demonstrates the depth of their friendship and their commitment to one another. It also highlights the intense political and personal pressures that both men are facing. Jonathan's invitation to meet in the field is a gesture of trust and solidarity, a way for him to demonstrate his loyalty to David in the face of his father's hostility.
The verse also alludes to the theme of loyalty and sacrifice. Both Jonathan and David are willing to risk their lives and reputations in order to maintain their bond. Jonathan's willingness to defy his father and meet with David in secret speaks to the strength of their relationship and his commitment to standing by David's side, even at great personal cost.
Symbolism is also present in this verse. The field can be understood as a symbol of freedom and authenticity. In the field, away from the constraints of the court and the demands of royalty, Jonathan and David can be their true selves and express their true feelings. The field represents a space of honesty and vulnerability, where the two friends can speak openly and honestly with one another.
The verse also underscores the larger biblical theme of divine providence. Throughout the story of David and Jonathan, we see the hand of God at work, orchestrating events and relationships to bring about his purposes. Despite the political machinations and personal struggles, God's plan for David's rise to the throne is always in motion. The friendship between David and Jonathan is an integral part of this plan, as it provides David with the support and encouragement he needs to fulfill his destiny.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 20:11 is a powerful and poignant verse that captures the depth of the friendship between Jonathan and David. It speaks to the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and divine providence, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of true friendship in the face of adversity. This verse continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the enduring power of authentic relationships and the role they play in God's larger plan for our lives.
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1 Samuel 20:11 - "¶ And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field."
"¶ And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field." - 1 Samuel 20:11
2 Samuel 20:11 - "And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab."
Acts 20:11
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 11:14 - "Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there."
1 Samuel 22:11-13
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 28:11 - "Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel."
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 3:11 - "¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle."
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 12:11 - "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe."
1 Samuel 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
1 Samuel 11:12 - "¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death."
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 31:11 - "¶ And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;"
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."
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."