This verse in 1 Samuel 20:35 describes a specific moment during a pre-arranged signal between Jonathan and David. Let's break down the meaning:
"In the morning, Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David...": This indicates that Jonathan and David had made a plan to meet in the field. This was likely a clandestine meeting, as their friendship and loyalty to each other was causing tension with King Saul (Jonathan's father and David's adversary). "At the time appointed" highlights the importance of timing in their scheme, as David was in hiding and needed to know if it was safe to return.
"...and a little boy with him.": The presence of the "little boy" is crucial. He is not just a random companion. He serves a specific purpose as part of their secret communication system. Jonathan would use the boy as a cover story for being in the field (appearing to be simply practicing archery) and as a messenger to deliver a pre-determined message to David about whether it was safe for David to return or whether he needed to flee further.
In summary, this verse sets the stage for the secret communication that is about to take place between Jonathan and David. Jonathan has arrived at the pre-arranged meeting place, accompanied by a boy who will be used as a plausible reason for Jonathan's presence and, more importantly, as an unwitting courier of a life-or-death message to David. The boy's innocence masks the serious nature of their meeting.
This verse in 1 Samuel 20:35 describes a specific moment during a pre-arranged signal between Jonathan and David. Let's break down the meaning:
"In the morning, Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David...": This indicates that Jonathan and David had made a plan to meet in the field. This was likely a clandestine meeting, as their friendship and loyalty to each other was causing tension with King Saul (Jonathan's father and David's adversary). "At the time appointed" highlights the importance of timing in their scheme, as David was in hiding and needed to know if it was safe to return.
"...and a little boy with him.": The presence of the "little boy" is crucial. He is not just a random companion. He serves a specific purpose as part of their secret communication system. Jonathan would use the boy as a cover story for being in the field (appearing to be simply practicing archery) and as a messenger to deliver a pre-determined message to David about whether it was safe for David to return or whether he needed to flee further.
In summary, this verse sets the stage for the secret communication that is about to take place between Jonathan and David. Jonathan has arrived at the pre-arranged meeting place, accompanied by a boy who will be used as a plausible reason for Jonathan's presence and, more importantly, as an unwitting courier of a life-or-death message to David. The boy's innocence masks the serious nature of their meeting.