1 samuel 20:21 - Behold, I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ If I tell the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you. Take them;’ then come; for there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives.
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What does "1 samuel 20:21" mean?
This verse is part of a prearranged signal between Jonathan and David, designed to warn David about King Saul's intentions. Let's break it down:
"Behold, I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows!’" This is Jonathan explaining his plan. He will send a young servant to retrieve arrows that he will shoot. The servant is unaware of the true purpose of the exercise.
"If I tell the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you. Take them;’ then come; for there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives." This is the crucial part of the signal. If Jonathan tells the boy the arrows are close by ("on this side of you"), it means the situation is safe for David to return. Saul is not actively seeking to harm him. The phrase "there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives" is an oath reinforcing the truth of the signal and the assurance of David's safety. The reference to "Yahweh" emphasizes the solemnity and divine guarantee of the agreement.
In essence, this verse is a code:
"Arrows on this side" = Safe for David to return.
(The opposite signal in the following verse implies) "Arrows beyond you" = David should flee, he is in danger.
The entire plan is based on a hunting scenario to conceal the true message from others, particularly Saul. It demonstrates Jonathan's loyalty and determination to protect David, even at risk to himself. It highlights the tense and dangerous situation caused by Saul's increasing paranoia and jealousy towards David.
1 samuel 20:21 - Behold, I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ If I tell the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you. Take them;’ then come; for there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives.
What does "1 samuel 20:21" mean?
This verse is part of a prearranged signal between Jonathan and David, designed to warn David about King Saul's intentions. Let's break it down:
"Behold, I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows!’" This is Jonathan explaining his plan. He will send a young servant to retrieve arrows that he will shoot. The servant is unaware of the true purpose of the exercise.
"If I tell the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you. Take them;’ then come; for there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives." This is the crucial part of the signal. If Jonathan tells the boy the arrows are close by ("on this side of you"), it means the situation is safe for David to return. Saul is not actively seeking to harm him. The phrase "there is peace to you and no danger, as Yahweh lives" is an oath reinforcing the truth of the signal and the assurance of David's safety. The reference to "Yahweh" emphasizes the solemnity and divine guarantee of the agreement.
In essence, this verse is a code:
"Arrows on this side" = Safe for David to return.
(The opposite signal in the following verse implies) "Arrows beyond you" = David should flee, he is in danger.
The entire plan is based on a hunting scenario to conceal the true message from others, particularly Saul. It demonstrates Jonathan's loyalty and determination to protect David, even at risk to himself. It highlights the tense and dangerous situation caused by Saul's increasing paranoia and jealousy towards David.