INTRODUCTION: Christians ought to be the best friends someone can have (Proverbs 18:24). This lesson shows the value of true friendship. It also shows the qualities that make a good friend. Consider the friendship of Jonathan to David.
- It was stronger than personal desires (1 Samuel 20:4).
- It was stronger than family relationships (1 Samuel 20:9).
- It was stronger than ambition (1 Samuel 20:31).
- It was stronger than the fear of death (1 Samuel 20:3, 33).
- It was stronger than time (1 Samuel 20:15, 42).
- THE PLAN TO TEST SAUL (1 Samuel 20:1-9)
- The Fears of David (1 Samuel 20:1-3)
- Wondering why Saul seeks his life (1 Samuel 20:1)
- Fearing deception (1 Samuel 20:2-3)
- Jonathan does not yet believe it (1 Samuel 20:2).
- David believes Saul hides it (1 Samuel 20:3a).
- David fears that he is near death - there is but a step between me and death (1 Samuel 20:3b; Job 7:7; Psalm 88:3; Ecclesiastes 12:6-7).
- The Plan of David (1 Samuel 20:4-7)
- Jonathans willingness to help (1 Samuel 20:4); Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
- Davids absence at the time of the new moon (1 Samuel 20:5; see Numbers 28:11-15; Numbers 10:10; Colossians 2:16)
- Sauls reaction to Davids absence is the test (1 Samuel 20:6-7).
- If Saul asks of Davids whereabouts, Jonathan is to say he is gone to make a sacrifice (1 Samuel 20:6).
- Sauls reaction will indicate Davids security (1 Samuel 20:7).
- The Frustration of David (1 Samuel 20:8-9; cp. Acts 25:11)
- He reminds Jonathan of their covenant (1 Samuel 20:8a).
- He offers his life if he is guilty (1 Samuel 20:8b).
- Jonathan reaffirms his faithfulness to David (1 Samuel 20:9).
- THE COVENANT BETWEEN JONATHAN AND DAVID (1 Samuel 20:10-17)
- Jonathans Promise to David (1 Samuel 20:10-13)
- David asks how he will receive news of Sauls reaction (1 Samuel 20:10).
- David and Jonathan retreat into a field to plan (1 Samuel 20:11).
- Jonathan promises to get news to David (1 Samuel 20:12-13).
- If his life is safe (1 Samuel 20:12)
- If his life is in danger (1 Samuel 20:13)
- Jonathans Request of David (1 Samuel 20:14-15)
- That David spare his life (1 Samuel 20:14); this is an interesting request from a man whose father had the power and desire to take Davids life.
- That David not cut off his seed (1 Samuel 20:15; see 2 Samuel 9:1, 7-8)
- Jonathans Covenant with David (1 Samuel 20:16-17; cp. 1 Samuel 18:3-4)
- A covenant with the house of David (1 Samuel 20:16)
- A covenant of love (1 Samuel 20:17); for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
- THE PLAN TO INFORM DAVID (1 Samuel 20:18-23)
- At the Stone Ezel (1 Samuel 20:18-19)
- The next day was the new moon and was the time when it would be known that David was missing (1 Samuel 20:18).
- David would be in hiding for three days (1 Samuel 20:19).
- After the third day, David would go remain by the stone Ezel (1 Samuel 20:19).
- Shooting the Arrows (1 Samuel 20:20-23)
- Jonathan will shoot three arrows (1 Samuel 20:20).
- The sign of peace and safety (1 Samuel 20:21)
- If Jonathan tell the lad that the arrows are on this side of David
- David can return because there is peace for David in Sauls house.
- The warning of danger (1 Samuel 20:22-23)
- If Jonathan tells the lad that the arrows are beyond David
- David needs to leave because it is not safe.
- The reminder of the Lords involvement in the covenant between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:23)
- SAULS DETERMINATION TO KILL DAVID (1 Samuel 20:24-34)
- Silent the First Day (1 Samuel 20:24-26)
- Davids seat is empty (1 Samuel 20:24-25).
- David goes into hiding as planned (1 Samuel 20:24).
- Saul sits down to eat meat (1 Samuel 20:24-25).
- Abner sits by Sauls side (1 Samuel 20:25).
- Davids place is empty (1 Samuel 20:25).
- Saul thinks David is unclean (1 Samuel 20:26).
- Saul says nothing of Davids absence on the first day.
- Saul thinks something happened to David to keep him from the meal.
- Angry the Second Day (1 Samuel 20:27-34)
- Sauls inquiry (1 Samuel 20:27)
- Jonathan responds as planned (1 Samuel 20:28-29).
- Sauls accusation (1 Samuel 20:30-31)
- He accuses Jonathan of treachery (1 Samuel 20:30).
- He warns Jonathan of losing the kingdom (1 Samuel 20:31); this is Sauls real reason for hating David.
- Jonathans reaction (1 Samuel 20:32-34)
- Questions his fathers reasons (1 Samuel 20:32)
- Dodges his fathers javelin (1 Samuel 20:33)
- Leaves his father in anger (1 Samuel 20:34a)
- Grieves for Davids misfortune (1 Samuel 20:34b)
- JONATHANS MEETING WITH DAVID (1 Samuel 20:35-42)
- The Shooting of the Arrows (1 Samuel 20:35-39)
- Jonathan shoots the arrows beyond the lad (1 Samuel 20:35-38).
- Only Jonathan and David understand the meaning (1 Samuel 20:39).
- The Meeting of the Friends (1 Samuel 20:40-42)
- Jonathan sends the lad to the city (1 Samuel 20:40).
- Jonathan and David weep together (1 Samuel 20:41).
- Jonathan sends David on in peace (1 Samuel 20:42).
- NOTE: the LORD be between me and thee is the best formula for friendship that is possible on this earth.
CONCLUSION: God does not tell us to check out our friends and make sure they are being friendly toward us, but He does tell us to be the right kind of a friend to others. If we are to have friends, we are to show ourselves friendly. What makes the best kind of a friend? Are you that kind of friend to others?