1 Samuel 20:35-42
35 Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out to the field at the time agreed upon with David, and a little boy was with him.
36 He said to his boy, “Run, find now the arrows which I am about to shoot.” The boy ran, and he shot an arrow past him.
37 When the boy reached the location of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, “Is the arrow not beyond you?”
38 Then Jonathan called after the boy, “Hurry, be quick, do not stay!” And Jonathan’s boy picked up the arrow and came to his master.
39 But the boy was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter.
40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go, bring them to the city.”
41 When the boy was gone, David got up from the south side, then he fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed each other and wept together, until David wept immeasurably.
42 Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’ ” So David set out and went on his way, while Jonathan went into the city.
Parting of David and Jonathan
Tearful parting
The next morning, Jonathan went to the place agreed upon to inform David that Saul indeed harbored intentions to kill him. (1) The method of communication was as previously arranged. Jonathan shot the arrows beyond the boy, which meant that Saul intended to kill David. This was bad news for David. (2) After Jonathan sent the boy away, David appeared from the south side of the stone, and the two of them exchanged farewells, weeping together. This was truly a painful parting for both of them. (3) Lastly, Jonathan said, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Jonathan sacrificed his kingdom out of his love for David. What will you learn from Jonathan’s selfless love? What are you sacrificing out of your love for the Lord Jesus?
The content of the covenant
Let’s take a moment to review the contents of the covenant between David and Jonathan. (1) This covenant is a covenant of friendship. (2) Jonathan promises never to betray David. This promise was kept until the end. (3) David promises not to cut off Jonathan’s house even when he becomes king. David, too, kept this promise until the end. We live in a generation where words and promises are often treated lightly. And for that, many are unable to understand the promises written in the Bible and the weight they hold. We must know, however, that promise (covenant) is a very serious matter. Through the covenant between David and Jonathan, let’s understand the weight of God’s covenant. The covenant God made with Abraham (the Abrahamic Covenant) and the covenant given to us through Jesus Christ (the New Covenant) will never be annulled. Today, let’s continue to forth into the world seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, being protected by the hands of the Lord Jesus.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, Your promises are true and will never change. Please allow me to live boldly today again. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.