23: Jonathan chooses David over his own father ( 1Samuel 20:1 – 42)

While Saul chose to oppose David despite recognizing that the Lord was with him, Jonathan chose to stand with David in a covenantal relationship, which brought persecution upon him.

👉 Read 1Samuel 20:1 - 42


Q1. (1 – 8) Because Jonathan saved David in chapter 19, Saul kept the assassination order from Jonathan. This explains why Jonathan initially refused to believe that his father intended to kill David (v.    ). In response, David asked Jonathan to verify for himself whether Saul had truly decided to kill him. He even went so far as to say that if he were guilty, he would rather have (        ) kill him than fall into Saul’s hands. Through this, David appealed to Jonathan’s faithfulness in their (          ) relationship.

Because Jonathan saved David in chapter 19, Saul kept the assassination order from Jonathan. This explains why Jonathan initially refused to believe that his father intended to kill David (v. 2). In response, David asked Jonathan to verify for himself whether Saul had truly decided to kill him. He even went so far as to say that if he were guilty, he would rather have ( Jonathan ) kill him than fall into Saul’s hands. Through this, David appealed to Jonathan’s faithfulness in their ( covenantal ) relationship.


Q2. (9 – 23) Jonathan grants David's request and asks for a favor from David. David had asked Jonathan to discern his father's intentions. Jonathan swore to inform David of the outcome (v. 13). Afterward, he requested a favor for his family (vv. 15–16). Why do you think Jonathan made this request, even though David’s life was in danger at that moment, not his own?

Jonathan knew God would cut off all David’s enemies. When David gets on the throne, he wants his favor for his descendants.


Q3. (24 – 34) Saul’s intense hostility was exposed. How did Saul respond when Jonathan tried to defend David before Saul? 

He threw a spear at his son.

When Jonathan stood with David, his life was threatened just as David's was. 

Also, he was very upset when his father humiliated David. This shows his love for David.



Q4. (35 – 42) Jonathan informed David of Saul's resolve to kill David and sent him away in God’s care. When they parted, they confirmed that their covenantal relationship would last through their (                ). “(           ) will be between me and you and between my (                ) and your (                 ) forever.”

When they parted, they confirmed that their covenantal relationship would last through their ( descendants ). “( The Lord ) will be between me and you and between my ( descendants ) and your ( descendants ) forever.”

When both seek the Lord wholeheartedly, their relationship will be secure even amid turbulent times.




This chapter emphasizes Jonathan’s love for David (3, 9, 13, 17, 30, 34). And their covenantal relationship anchored in the Lord. “The Lord is between you and me” (23, 42). Jonathan forsook his father and made covenant with the house of David (16, 42). 

Because Jonathan chose to stand with David, he also received the same threats as David received. (33)

Jonathan’s life shows a good example for us who have chosen to follow Jesus.


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