1 Samuel

1 Samuel 20: The LORD is between us forever

Begin in prayer

Before we hear Jonathan and David swear a promise in the LORD's name, and learn that the LORD stands between them forever, let us pray together. Ask Him to make us faithful, and to show us Jesus.

He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of Yahweh.

Psalm 33:5

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You hear every promise made in Your name, and help us to be faithful to those we love. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David asked Jonathan what he had done, and Jonathan said his father would not harm him. David swore that his life was only a step from death, and Jonathan promised to do whatever David asked. They made a plan. David would hide in the field during the new moon feast, and Jonathan would test Saul’s anger. They swore a covenant in the name of the LORD, saying the LORD would be between them and their families forever. Jonathan shot three arrows as a sign, and his boy was sent to find them. Saul was angry with Jonathan and tried to strike him with a spear, so Jonathan went out grieving for David.

As you read 1 Samuel 20, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD is the witness to a promise made in His name, and He stands between Jonathan and David forever.

David fled from Naioth to Jonathan and asked what he had done to deserve Saul's hatred (verse 1). Jonathan doubted his father meant to kill David, so they made a plan around the new moon feast (verses 2 to 5). At the feast the king sat to eat, and David's seat was empty (verses 24 and 25). Jonathan asked David to show kindness to his house forever, and he made a covenant with David's house (verses 14 to 16). He said the LORD would be between them forever (verse 23). Saul grew angry with Jonathan, said David must die, and threw his spear at his own son (verses 30 to 33). Jonathan shot arrows as a signal, and the two friends parted in tears (verses 35 to 41). They said again that the LORD was between them and their children forever (verse 42). Years later David kept this promise to Jonathan's son (2 Samuel 9 verse 1).

How does 1 Samuel 20 show us that the LORD is the witness to a promise made in His name, and stands between Jonathan and David forever?

Jonathan keeps his promise to David.

Jonathan said he would do whatever David asked (verse 4). He promised to tell David if his father meant evil, and to send him away in peace (verses 12 and 13). He made a covenant with David's house, and he loved David as his own soul (verses 16 and 17). Jesus loved His own who were in the world, and He loved them to the end (John 13 verse 1).

The LORD stands between them forever.

Jonathan asked David to show the LORD's loving kindness to his house forever (verses 14 and 15). Jonathan told David that the LORD was between them forever (verse 23). A promise made in the LORD's name is made before Him as witness. Years later David asked if any of Saul's house was left, to show kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9 verse 1).

Saul’s anger brings grief.

Saul saw David's empty place and asked where he was (verse 27). Jonathan answered that David had asked leave to go to Bethlehem (verse 28). Saul's anger burned, and he threw his spear at his own son (verses 30 and 33). Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and was grieved for David (verse 34).

Memorise

Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever

1 Samuel 20:42

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I keep my promises, and do I trust the faithful LORD?

Jonathan said, “Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.” Two friends parted in tears, and the LORD stood as witness to their promise.

People break promises, and so do we. Every sin breaks faith with God, and it deserves His judgment. Yet God made a promise that He cannot break. He sent His Son, and Jesus kept it all the way to the cross, where He died for His people. The Father raised Him on the third day, and the promise is fully kept.

God stands behind every promise He makes. Turn from your sin, and put your trust in Jesus. The God who kept His promise forgives everyone who trusts His Son.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD keeps His promises forever, and that Jesus loves His people to the end. Parents, you may want to explain verses 30 to 33 in your own words. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He is the witness to every promise made in His name, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

I will keep my loving kindness for him forever more. My covenant will stand firm with him.

Psalm 89:28

Father, You hear every promise made in Your name, and You stand between us and those we love. Thank You that Jesus loves His people to the end. Make us faithful to You and to those we have promised to love, and help us to trust You. Keep us close to You this week. Amen.