In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Samuel 20:35
What does 1 Samuel 20:35 mean?
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1 Samuel 20:35
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It's easy to overlook that "little boy" – this wasn't just a casual outing for Jonathan, but a meticulously planned rendezvous, and he brought a child along as a witness or messenger. This detail quietly underscores the gravity and secrecy of their meeting, hinting at how deep the conspiracy against David, and thus Jonathan's own complicity, had become.
In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David and Jonathan have just forged a life-or-death pact, with David fleeing for his life from King Saul, Jonathan's own father. This verse marks the tense beginning of their plan to confirm Saul's murderous intent through a pre-arranged signal, setting the stage for David's desperate escape and the deep sorrow of their parting.
David and Jonathan's friendship was legendary, but this verse reminds us it wasn't just born in moments of triumph. It was tested and proved in the quiet, dangerous moments.
The Weight of Loyalty
This verse, seemingly mundane, is packed with tension. Jonathan is heading to meet David, knowing full well that his father, King Saul, is hunting David to kill him. The 'appointment' isn't a casual coffee date; it's a clandestine meeting fraught with peril.
This wasn't just about sentiment; it was about profound commitment in the face of death.
Every great story has its background players. This verse mentions a 'little boy' – a seemingly minor detail that underscores the practicalities and hidden support in critical moments.
More Than Just Two
While the focus is often on David and Jonathan, the presence of the 'little boy' is significant. He's not just an errand runner; he's a witness, a messenger, and a part of the operational security for their meeting.
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This reminds us that even the most intense moments of decision and loyalty often rely on a network of unseen help and practical arrangements.
Understand the original words
mo'ed · Hebrew Noun
A prearranged meeting or a place where two or more parties agree to convene; in a biblical context, it often refers to a solemn covenantal encounter.
This verse captures a moment of deep personal risk within a wider political upheaval. David is a fugitive, hunted by his own king, while Jonathan, the king's son, risks treason to maintain a covenant friendship with him.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift in Israel's governance from judges to monarchy.
c. 1050 BC
David Anointed King
David, a young shepherd, is secretly anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel, while Saul is still reigning.
c. 1040 BC
David Defeats Goliath
David's victory over the Philistine giant Goliath propels him to national fame, increasing his popularity and placing him in King Saul's service.
c. 1035 BC
Saul's Jealousy and Persecution
King Saul becomes consumed by jealousy of David's success and popularity, seeing him as a threat to his throne. He begins actively pursuing David to kill him.
c. 1035 BC
Jonathan's Friendship with David
Despite his father's hatred, Jonathan, Saul's son, develops a deep and loyal friendship with David, even protecting him from Saul on multiple occasions.
c. 1035 BC— this verse
David Flees from Saul
David is forced to flee from Saul's court and goes into hiding, constantly on the run from the king's assassins. This period of intense pressure leads to the events in this chapter.
This passage highlights the deep, covenantal friendship between David and Jonathan that was so profound it symbolized a spiritual union, giving context to the secrecy and danger of their meetings.
1 Samuel 23:16Here, Jonathan risks his own standing with his father, King Saul, to seek out David and strengthen his hand in God, demonstrating the unwavering support that led to their secret meetings.
Proverbs 17:17This proverb speaks to the nature of true friendship, which is like a brother who is there in times of trouble, echoing the loyalty and steadfastness seen in Jonathan's commitment to David, even when it was dangerous.
John 15:13Jesus' teaching that 'greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends' powerfully frames the extraordinary sacrifice and risk Jonathan took for David, a risk that ultimately cost him his life.
It's easy to overlook that "little boy" – this wasn't just a casual outing for Jonathan, but a meticulously planned rendezvous, and he brought a child along as a witness or messenger. This detail quietly underscores the gravity and secrecy of their meeting, hinting at how deep the conspiracy against David, and thus Jonathan's own complicity, had become.
David and Jonathan have just forged a life-or-death pact, with David fleeing for his life from King Saul, Jonathan's own father. This verse marks the tense beginning of their plan to confirm Saul's murderous intent through a pre-arranged signal, setting the stage for David's desperate escape and the deep sorrow of their parting.
David and Jonathan have just forged a life-or-death pact, with David fleeing for his life from King Saul, Jonathan's own father. This verse marks the tense beginning of their plan to confirm Saul's murderous intent through a pre-arranged signal, setting the stage for David's desperate escape and the deep sorrow of their parting.
"In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy." — It's easy to overlook that "little boy" – this wasn't just a casual outing for Jonathan, but a meticulously planned rendezvous, and he brought a child along as a witness or messenger. This detail qui…
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Last reviewed October 2026