INTRODUCTION: Christians ought to be the best friends someone can have (Proverbs 18:24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
See All...). This lesson shows the value of true friendship. It also shows the qualities that make a good friend. Consider the friendship of Jonathan to David.

• It was stronger than personal desires (1 Samuel 20:4Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
  See All...).
• It was stronger than family relationships (1 Samuel 20:9And 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?
  See All...).
• It was stronger than ambition (1 Samuel 20:31For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
  See All...).
• It was stronger than the fear of death (1 Samuel 20:3And 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.
  See All..., 33).
• It was stronger than time (1 Samuel 20:15But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  See All..., 42).

1. THE PLAN TO TEST SAUL (1 Samuel 20:1-9 [1] 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? [2] 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. [3] 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. [4] Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee. [5] 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. [6] 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. [7] 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. [8] 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? [9] 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?
   See All...)
1. The Fears of David (1 Samuel 20:1-3 [1] 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? [2] 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. [3] 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.
   See All...)
1. Wondering why Saul seeks his life (1 Samuel 20:1And 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?
   See All...)
2. Fearing deception (1 Samuel 20:2-3 [2] 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. [3] 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.
   See All...)
1. Jonathan does not yet believe it (1 Samuel 20:2And 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.
   See All...).
2. David believes Saul hides it (1 Samuel 20:3And 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.
   See All...a).
3. David fears that he is near death - “there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3And 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.
   See All...b; Job 7:7O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
   See All...; Psalm 88:3For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
   See All...; Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 [6] Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. [7] Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
   See All...).
2. The Plan of David (1 Samuel 20:4-7 [4] Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee. [5] 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. [6] 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. [7] 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.
   See All...)
1. Jonathan’s willingness to help (1 Samuel 20:4Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
   See All...); “Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.”
2. David’s absence at the time of the new moon (1 Samuel 20:5And 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.
   See All...; see Numbers 28:11-15 [11] And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot; [12] And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram; [13] And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD. [14] And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year. [15] And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
   See All...; Numbers 10:10Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.
   See All...; Colossians 2:16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
   See All...)
3. Saul’s reaction to David’s absence is the test (1 Samuel 20:6-7 [6] 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. [7] 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.
   See All...).
1. If Saul asks of David’s whereabouts, Jonathan is to say he is gone to make a sacrifice (1 Samuel 20:6If 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.
   See All...).
2. Saul’s reaction will indicate David’s security (1 Samuel 20:7If 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.
   See All...).
3. The Frustration of David (1 Samuel 20:8-9 [8] 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? [9] 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?
   See All...; cp. Acts 25:11For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
   See All...)
1. He reminds Jonathan of their covenant (1 Samuel 20:8Therefore 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?
   See All...a).
2. He offers his life if he is guilty (1 Samuel 20:8Therefore 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?
   See All...b).
3. Jonathan reaffirms his faithfulness to David (1 Samuel 20:9And 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?
   See All...).
2. THE COVENANT BETWEEN JONATHAN AND DAVID (1 Samuel 20:10-17 [10] Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly? [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. [12] And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; [13] The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father. [14] And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: [15] But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. [16] So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. [17] And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
   See All...)
1. Jonathan’s Promise to David (1 Samuel 20:10-13 [10] Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly? [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. [12] And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; [13] The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
   See All...)
1. David asks how he will receive news of Saul’s reaction (1 Samuel 20:10Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
   See All...).
2. David and Jonathan retreat into a field to plan (1 Samuel 20:11And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
   See All...).
3. Jonathan promises to get news to David (1 Samuel 20:12-13 [12] And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; [13] The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
   See All...).
1. If his life is safe (1 Samuel 20:12And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
   See All...)
2. If his life is in danger (1 Samuel 20:13The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
   See All...)
2. Jonathan’s Request of David (1 Samuel 20:14-15 [14] And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: [15] But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
   See All...)
1. That David spare his life (1 Samuel 20:14And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:
   See All...); this is an interesting request from a man whose father had the “power” and desire to take David’s life.
2. That David not cut off his seed (1 Samuel 20:15But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
   See All...; see 2 Samuel 9:1And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?
   See All..., 7-8)
3. Jonathan’s Covenant with David (1 Samuel 20:16-17 [16] So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies. [17] And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
   See All...; cp. 1 Samuel 18:3-4 [3] Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. [4] And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
   See All...)
1. A covenant with the house of David (1 Samuel 20:16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
   See All...)
2. A covenant of love (1 Samuel 20:17And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
   See All...); “for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”
3. THE PLAN TO INFORM DAVID (1 Samuel 20:18-23 [18] Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. [19] And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. [20] And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. [21] And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth. [22] But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away. [23] And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
   See All...)
1. At the Stone Ezel (1 Samuel 20:18-19 [18] Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. [19] And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
   See All...)
1. The next day was the new moon and was the time when it would be known that David was missing (1 Samuel 20:18Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
   See All...).
2. David would be in hiding for three days (1 Samuel 20:19And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
   See All...).
3. After the third day, David would go remain by the stone Ezel (1 Samuel 20:19And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
   See All...).
2. Shooting the Arrows (1 Samuel 20:20-23 [20] And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. [21] And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth. [22] But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away. [23] And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
   See All...)
1. Jonathan will shoot three arrows (1 Samuel 20:20And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
   See All...).
2. The sign of peace and safety (1 Samuel 20:21And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.
   See All...)
1. If Jonathan tell the lad that the arrows are on this side of David
2. David can return because there is peace for David in Saul’s house.
3. The warning of danger (1 Samuel 20:22-23 [22] But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away. [23] And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
   See All...)
1. If Jonathan tells the lad that the arrows are beyond David
2. David needs to leave because it is not safe.
4. The reminder of the Lord’s involvement in the covenant between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:23And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
   See All...)
4. SAUL’S DETERMINATION TO KILL DAVID (1 Samuel 20:24-34 [24] So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. [25] And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. [26] Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean. [27] And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day? [28] And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: [29] And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table. [30] Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? [31] For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. [32] And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? [33] And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. [34] So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
   See All...)
1. Silent the First Day (1 Samuel 20:24-26 [24] So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. [25] And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. [26] Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
   See All...)
1. David’s seat is empty (1 Samuel 20:24-25 [24] So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. [25] And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.
   See All...).
1. David goes into hiding as planned (1 Samuel 20:24So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.
   See All...).
2. Saul sits down to eat meat (1 Samuel 20:24-25 [24] So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. [25] And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.
   See All...).
3. Abner sits by Saul’s side (1 Samuel 20:25And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.
   See All...).
4. David’s place is empty (1 Samuel 20:25And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.
   See All...).
2. Saul thinks David is unclean (1 Samuel 20:26Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
   See All...).
1. Saul says nothing of David’s absence on the first day.
2. Saul thinks something happened to David to keep him from the meal.
2. Angry the Second Day (1 Samuel 20:27-34 [27] And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day? [28] And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: [29] And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table. [30] Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? [31] For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. [32] And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? [33] And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. [34] So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
   See All...)
1. Saul’s inquiry (1 Samuel 20:27And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?
   See All...)
2. Jonathan responds as planned (1 Samuel 20:28-29 [28] And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: [29] And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
   See All...).
3. Saul’s accusation (1 Samuel 20:30-31 [30] Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? [31] For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
   See All...)
1. He accuses Jonathan of treachery (1 Samuel 20:30Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
   See All...).
2. He warns Jonathan of losing the kingdom (1 Samuel 20:31For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
   See All...); this is Saul’s real reason for hating David.
4. Jonathan’s reaction (1 Samuel 20:32-34 [32] And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? [33] And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. [34] So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
   See All...)
1. Questions his father’s reasons (1 Samuel 20:32And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
   See All...)
2. Dodges his father’s javelin (1 Samuel 20:33And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.
   See All...)
3. Leaves his father in anger (1 Samuel 20:34So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
   See All...a)
4. Grieves for David’s misfortune (1 Samuel 20:34So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
   See All...b)
5. JONATHAN’S MEETING WITH DAVID (1 Samuel 20:35-42 [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. [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. [37] And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee? [38] And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. [39] But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. [40] And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. [41] And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. [42] And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
   See All...)
1. The Shooting of the Arrows (1 Samuel 20:35-39 [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. [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. [37] And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee? [38] And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. [39] But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
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1. Jonathan shoots the arrows beyond the lad (1 Samuel 20:35-38 [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. [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. [37] And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee? [38] And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
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2. Only Jonathan and David understand the meaning (1 Samuel 20:39But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
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2. The Meeting of the Friends (1 Samuel 20:40-42 [40] And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. [41] And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. [42] And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
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1. Jonathan sends the lad to the city (1 Samuel 20:40And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.
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2. Jonathan and David weep together (1 Samuel 20:41And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.
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3. Jonathan sends David on in peace (1 Samuel 20:42And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
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4. NOTE:  “the LORD be between me and thee” is the best formula for friendship that is possible on this earth.

CONCLUSION: God does not tell us to check out our friends and make sure they are being friendly toward us, but He does tell us to be the right kind of a friend to others. If we are to have friends, we are to show ourselves friendly. What makes the best kind of a friend? Are you that kind of friend to others?