The Epic of First Samuel
Teachers
Class Materials
Lesson Summary
The class examined 1 Samuel 20-22, focusing on David's exile and his profound friendship with Jonathan. The teacher explained that Bible chronologists estimate a 25-28 year age difference between Jonathan and David, yet they became devoted friends because they recognized in each other a shared heart of faith and military commitment. The central narrative involved Jonathan and David's secret plan to determine Saul's true intentions toward David. After Saul broke his promise to Jonathan not to kill David (chapter 19), David sought reassurance from his friend. The two made a covenant—remarkably undocumented by sacrifice or formal witness, relying instead on the strength of their relationship—whereby Jonathan promised to reveal whether Saul intended David's death. Their communication plan involved Jonathan shooting arrows in a field and using coded messages to his armor bearer to signal David either to flee or return safely. The teacher emphasized that this covenant carried significant political implications, as Jonathan essentially offered to serve under David's future rule, and the complicated succession issues involving David's marriage to Saul's daughter Michal. The passage demonstrated how David and Jonathan relied on God's guidance through observable circumstances and human actions to discern the right course of action, reflecting a pattern of faith-driven decision-making evident throughout their relationship.
Key Scriptures
Then David arose, and fled that day from Saul, and went to the king, and he came to the king in the presence of the Philistines at Gath. And Jonathan said to David, What has the king done to you? And why do you think he has done this to you? And David said to Jonathan, Know surely that he has done this to me, because the king has said, David will now be the king's son-in-law. But he has given me a command to pursue him. Therefore, I have no right to stay with the king. And if I do not go, I will be delivered up to the king's hand, and be put to death. And Jonathan said to David, Fear not, for I will deliver you. And I will go with you. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, It is not good for me to go before the king in the presence of the Philistines. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I know that the king has done this to you, and I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you. And David said to Jonathan, I will not do this, for the king is my father, and I cannot do this. And Jonathan said to David, I will deliver you, and I will go with you.