Day 42 – 1 Samuel 20:2-6

Scripture Review

1 Samuel 20:2-6

"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."

(1 Samuel 20:2)

"God forbid; thou shalt not die." Jonathan's strong denial is not mild language. It is an emphatic refusal to believe Saul would do this. Jonathan is speaking from what he thinks he knows.

Jonathan believes he has full access to Saul's plans. He assumes

relationship equals full truth. Jonathan is not wicked here, he is trusting what he has always known. But danger can still be real even when a friend says, "it is not so."

"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."

(1 Samuel 20:3)

David has lived through spear throws, watched houses, and narrow escapes. His words are not theory. David's explanation, Saul "certainly" knows the bond, "I have found grace in thine eyes." David believes Saul is hiding the plan precisely because Jonathan loves David.

Then I see the scripture, "there is but a step between me and death." I observe how close death sounds. One pace. One wrong move. One moment. Life can be fragile, and danger can be nearer than people realize. Live honest before God. When our heart feels squeezed, don't pretend you are fine.

"Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."

(1 Samuel 20:4)

Here I see covenant loyalty again in plain words, "Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee." Jonathan doesn't answer with a lecture. He answers with commitment. Jonathan is saying, "Tell me what you need, and I will do it." God often protects His servant through faithful relationships.

"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."

(1 Samuel 20:5)

Here David's plan begins with an obligation, "I should not fail to sit with the king at meat." David knows what is expected. He is not careless about duty or order.

Then I see wisdom: "but let me go...hide myself in the field." David is not trying to provoke Saul. He is trying to test Saul safely.

"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."

(1 Samuel 20:6)

David's test for King Saul is simple, absence will reveal the heart. "If thy father at all miss me" means Saul will notice and respond. David provides a cover reason tied to family worship habits, "a yearly sacrifice...for all the family." This plan lets Saul's reaction speak without David standing there as an easy target.

Sometimes the truth of a situation is revealed not by arguments, but by reactions. Saul's response to David's absence will show what is really in his heart.

God can bring hidden hatred into the open, and He can do it without me forcing a fight.

David is not acting proud, and he is not acting reckless. He is seeking truth, leaning on a faithful friend, and taking wise steps so he can keep serving the Lord.

"Leaning on the everlasting arms."