When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel. When you have stayed three days,David’s absence from Saul’s New Moon feast would be tested over the appointed days. The third day would bring Jonathan’s answer concerning Saul’s intentions and determine whether David could remain near the court or must flee for his life. 2Ch 10:5 Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.”… hurry down to the place you hid David and Jonathan had arranged a secret meeting place because Saul’s hostility had made open communication impossible. David’s concealment reveals the seriousness of Saul’s determination to destroy the man God had chosen to succeed him. 1Sa 19:2 My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on guard… on the day this trouble began, Saul’s jealousy had grown after David’s victories and the people’s praise of him. What began as resentment had become murderous opposition, setting Saul against both David and the purpose of God. 2Ki 19:3 “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress,”… and remain beside the stone Ezel. The stone Ezel provided a known landmark where David could wait unseen for Jonathan’s signal. In a season of danger and uncertainty, the fixed location reflected the faithfulness and careful covenant loyalty that bound Jonathan and David together. Jos 4:6-7 to serve as a sign among you. In the future,… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul who seeks his life. David is in a covenant friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant with David. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 4. The Stone Ezel A specific location mentioned as a meeting point for David and Jonathan. The name "Ezel" can be translated from Hebrew as "departure" or "going away," symbolizing a place of separation or decision. 5. The Deed Refers to the previous event where David had to hide due to Saul's intent to kill him. This context is crucial for understanding the urgency and secrecy of the meeting. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly FriendshipsJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies a covenant friendship rooted in mutual respect and loyalty. In our lives, we should seek friendships that encourage us in our faith and align with God's purposes. Trusting God's Timing The instruction to wait until the "third day" signifies patience and trust in God's timing. We are reminded to wait on the Lord and trust His plans, even when circumstances seem dire. The Role of Faith in Uncertainty David's situation was precarious, yet he relied on God's guidance through Jonathan. In times of uncertainty, we should seek God's direction and trust His provision. The Significance of Symbolic Places The stone Ezel represents a place of decision and separation. In our spiritual journey, we encounter "Ezel" moments where we must make choices that align with God's will. Courage in the Face of Adversity Both David and Jonathan displayed courage in their actions. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges or opposition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the friendship between David and Jonathan challenge or inspire your own relationships? Reflect on Proverbs 17:17 in your response.2. In what ways can you practice patience and trust in God's timing in your current life situation, as David did by waiting for the third day? 3. Consider a time when you faced uncertainty. How did your faith guide you, and what can you learn from David's reliance on God during his trials? 4. Reflect on a symbolic "Ezel" moment in your life where you had to make a significant decision. How did your faith influence your choice? 5. How can you demonstrate courage in your faith journey, especially when facing adversity or opposition, as seen in the lives of David and Jonathan? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 18-19Provides background on the relationship between David and Jonathan, and Saul's growing animosity towards David. Proverbs 17:17 Highlights the theme of friendship and loyalty, which is central to the relationship between David and Jonathan. Psalm 59 A psalm attributed to David during his time of fleeing from Saul, reflecting his trust in God amidst danger.
People Abner, David, Jesse, Jonathan, SaulPlaces Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Naioth, RamahTopics Abide, Beside, Business, Certainly, Cover, Evening, Eventful, Ezel, Greatly, Hast, Heap, Hid, Hidden, Hide, Hill, Matter, Missed, Noted, Quickly, Specially, Stayed, Stone, Third, Thyself, Trouble, Wait, Waiting, Wast, YonderDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 20:19Library Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship'And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? 2. And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so. 3. And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Word for the Persecuted How to Make Use of Christ for Steadfastness, in a Time when Truth is Oppressed and Borne Down. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 20:19 NIV1 Samuel 20:19 NLT 1 Samuel 20:19 ESV 1 Samuel 20:19 NASB 1 Samuel 20:19 KJV 1 Samuel 20:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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