1 Samuel Chapter 20 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 20 Summary

David appeals to Jonathan to discover Saul's intentions; Jonathan devises a plan using the new moon feast absence and arrow signals. Saul notices David's empty seat; when Jonathan defends David, Saul hurls his spear at his own son, revealing murderous intent. Jonathan goes to the field, shoots arrows 'beyond' the boy as the signal of danger, then sends the boy away. David emerges from hiding; they weep together, kiss, and Jonathan sends David away in peace, having sworn mutual covenant love extending to their descendants forever; David departs while Jonathan returns to the city.

Original

Characters in This Chapter

Samuel

Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings

Saul

First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God

David

Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart

Jonathan

Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry

Hannah

Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God

Places in This Chapter

Shiloh

Location of the tabernacle where Hannah prayed and Samuel ministered

Gilgal

Site where Saul was confirmed king and later disobeyed God's command

Gibeah

Saul's hometown and capital during his reign

Bethlehem

David's hometown where Samuel anointed him king

Ramah

Ramah (also Ramathaim-zophim) was the hometown of Samuel the prophet. He lived here, judged Israel from here, and was buried here. It was a center for the prophets and the school of prophets. Saul first met Samuel here when searching for his father's donkeys.

Position in Book

Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7

Saul's ReignChapters 8-15

David's RiseChapters 16-31

David anointed, defeats Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, flees from Saul, Saul's death in battle.