What does 1 Samuel 20:40 mean?
"And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city." - 1 Samuel 20:40
The verse 1 Samuel 20:40 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city." This verse comes at a pivotal moment in the narrative of the relationship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who would become Saul's successor as king of Israel.
To fully understand the significance of this verse, it is important to consider the wider context of the story. Jonathan and David had formed a deep and loyal friendship, despite the enmity between Jonathan's father, King Saul, and David. In the preceding chapters of 1 Samuel, Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s growing influence had led him to attempt to kill David on multiple occasions. However, Jonathan remained loyal to David and sought to protect him.
In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan and David made a covenant with each other, solidifying their friendship and loyalty in the face of Saul's hostility. In this chapter, Jonathan had warned David of Saul's intent to kill him, and they devised a plan to test Saul's true intentions. During a feast in the king's court, David's absence was noticeable to Saul, and Jonathan's explanation for David's absence confirmed Saul's wrath towards David.
As the chapter progresses, Jonathan and David meet in secret to confirm Saul's intentions. They devise a plan for David to hide in the field while Jonathan speaks to his father about David's absence. In verse 40, Jonathan gives his "artillery" – that is, his weapons or equipment – to his lad, instructing him to carry them to the city.
This act carries significant symbolism and meaning. Jonathan's decision to give his weaponry to his attendant can be seen as a gesture of trust and commitment to the plan he and David had devised. By relinquishing his arms, Jonathan exposes himself to potential danger, as he is left without the means to defend himself if his actions are discovered. This selfless act exemplifies Jonathan's steadfast loyalty to David and his willingness to put himself at risk in order to protect his friend.
The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and friendship are central to the narrative of Jonathan and David. Their bond serves as a powerful example of unwavering loyalty and love between friends, even in the face of adversity. Jonathan's actions in this verse demonstrate the depth of his commitment to David and the lengths to which he is willing to go to ensure his friend's safety.
Furthermore, the broader context of the verse also speaks to the theme of obedience and trust in God's plan. Jonathan's actions are driven by his faith in God's sovereignty, as he trusts that God will protect and guide them through the perilous circumstances they face.
In summary, 1 Samuel 20:40 captures a moment of profound selflessness and loyalty in the relationship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan's act of giving his weapons to his attendant symbolizes his unwavering commitment to David, and his willingness to put himself at risk in order to protect his friend. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the enduring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and friendship that run throughout the biblical narrative.
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1 Samuel 20:40 Artwork
1 Samuel 20:40 - "And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city."
"And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city." - 1 Samuel 20:40
1 Samuel 17:38-40
1 Samuel 20:27-29
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
Ezekiel 20:40
Ezekiel 20:40
Ezekiel 20:40
1 Samuel 28:15-20
1 Samuel 20:27-30
Ezekiel 20:40
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Kings 20:40 - "And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."
1 Samuel 25:40 - "And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 14:40 - "Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee."
1 Samuel 1:20 - "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
1 Samuel 19:20 - "And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied."
Luke 20:40 - "And after that they durst not ask him any question at all."
1 Samuel 28:20 - "Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night."
1 Samuel 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
1 Samuel 12:20 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;"
1 Samuel 20:4 - "Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."
1 Samuel 20:33 - "And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."
1 Samuel 20:35 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
1 Samuel 20:18 - "Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty."