Study 30: 1 Samuel 20: Trent Evans

This sermon on 1 Samuel 20 traces David’s final days in Saul’s court and his covenantal friendship with Jonathan as a study in God’s protection, human loyalty, and dependence on divine strength. The message highlights how God uses various “agencies” of protection—people, prophets, and the Spirit Himself—to sustain His anointed servant. As David faces betrayal, fear, and separation from every earthly comfort, his bond with Jonathan models covenant faithfulness rooted in God’s promises rather than personal gain. The narrative reveals the cost of obedience, the danger of envy, and the refining work of suffering that shapes David into a king after God’s heart. Ultimately, even as David enters his “running years,” the sermon calls believers to rest in God’s unfailing presence, to encourage one another toward faithfulness, and to find strength in Him alone.

Sermon Outline

1. God’s Hand in Protection

Timestamp: 00:05–03:47Text: 1 Samuel 19:18–24

• God uses multiple agencies—Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, and the Spirit—to protect David.

• Every act of protection is ultimately God’s facilitation, not human coincidence.

• The Spirit of God arrests those who pursue David, showing divine sovereignty and mercy.

• Key Truth: God remains the source of every safeguard and comfort in our lives.

  
  

2. A Refuge in Friendship

Timestamp: 05:41–07:38

Text: 1 Samuel 20:1–2

• David flees from Naioth at Ramah to Jonathan’s side, questioning Saul’s intentions.

• True friendship is built in God and endures through fear, confusion, and danger.

• Key Idea: God often provides human relationships to reflect His covenant care.

  
  

3. A Step Between Life and Death

Timestamp: 09:35–12:22

Text: 1 Samuel 20:3

• “There is but a step between me and death.”

• Mortality is certain; preparedness for eternity is essential.

• Quote from Dr. Maurice Rawlins: “It is not safe to die if you don’t know what awaits you.”

• Reflection: Are you certain in Christ about what awaits you beyond this life?

  
  

4. Testing the Heart of Saul

Timestamp: 14:18–16:53

Text: 1 Samuel 20:5–9

• David’s plan (the new moon feast) would reveal Saul’s anger, not cause it.

• God uses testing moments to expose what truly resides in the heart.

• Principle: The reactions of others often reveal the spiritual state within them.

  
  

5. Covenant Loyalty in the Face of Death

Timestamp: 17:50–22:44

Text: 1 Samuel 20:8–15

• David asks Jonathan to deal honestly—even to kill him if guilty.

• Jonathan and David reaffirm their covenant before the Lord.

• Their bond mirrors covenant love and self-sacrifice that points toward Christ.

• Takeaway: True friendship in God seeks faithfulness over fear.

  
  

6. Jonathan’s Prophetic Faith

Timestamp: 23:48–26:50

Text: 1 Samuel 20:15–17

• Jonathan foresees David’s kingship and asks him to show kindness to his family.

• This foreshadows David’s mercy to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).

• Theme: Godly friends see and affirm God’s calling in each other.

  
  

7. The Feast and the Spear

Timestamp: 30:45–43:22

Text: 1 Samuel 20:24–33

• Saul’s jealousy grows to rage; he calls David “the son of Jesse.”

• Contrast: Saul defines David by his past, Jonathan by his calling.

• Saul’s envy progresses from spiritual unease to murderous hatred.

• Cross-References: 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 15:15, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 3:20.

• Lesson: When others define you by your past, remember your new identity in Christ.

  
  

8. Arrows Beyond You

Timestamp: 45:26–48:43

Text: 1 Samuel 20:35–40

• Jonathan’s coded message—“The arrow is beyond you”—signals David’s exile.

• This marks the beginning of David’s running years.

• Insight: Sometimes God’s direction to “go beyond” means a season of isolation for growth.

  
  

9. The Pain of Separation

Timestamp: 48:43–52:25

Text: 1 Samuel 20:41–42

• David loses his wife, mentor, and closest friend—all stripped away.

• Suffering produces dependence; God forms kings in wilderness seasons.

• Application: God’s stripping is preparation for spiritual maturity and leadership.

  
  

10. Strength in God Alone

Timestamp: 54:29–1:00:56

Texts: 1 Samuel 23:16–18; Philippians 4:13

• Jonathan later visits David at Horesh to help him “find strength in God.”

• Even in loss, friendship rooted in Christ points us back to Him.

• Final Charge:

“If we find ourselves in the running years, may it always be God—the One we run to.”

Scripture References

1. 1 Samuel 19:18–24

Timestamp: 02:46–04:48

Context: The sermon opens with a recap of God’s divine protection over David through various “agencies” — Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, and the Spirit of God. Each instance of deliverance demonstrates that while human agents are involved, God Himself is the true Facilitator of protection and comfort.

Theme: God’s sovereignty and protection of His chosen servant.

2. 1 Samuel 20:1–2

Timestamp: 05:41–07:38

Context: David flees to Jonathan and asks, “What have I done? What is my crime?” The preacher highlights David’s confusion and pain as he seeks truth and loyalty amid danger. This interaction sets the tone for the covenant friendship between David and Jonathan.

Theme: God provides comfort through relationships rooted in His covenant.

3. 1 Samuel 19:6–8 (recall)

Timestamp: 07:38–08:38

Context: Jonathan had earlier secured an oath from Saul promising not to harm David. David’s return with new danger creates tension—Jonathan believes his father’s promise; David knows better. The contrast shows the fragility of human assurances compared to divine protection.

4. 1 Samuel 20:3

Timestamp: 09:35–12:22

Key Phrase: “There is but a step between me and death.”

Context: The preacher uses David’s words to remind listeners of mortality. He references Dr. Maurice Rawlins’ studies on near-death experiences, emphasizing that it is not safe to die apart from Christ.

Theme: Eternal readiness and salvation assurance in Christ.

5. 1 Samuel 20:4–9

Timestamp: 13:22–16:53

Context: David and Jonathan devise a plan to discern Saul’s true intent through his reaction at the new moon feast. The sermon stresses that David’s plan would reveal Saul’s anger, not cause it—illustrating that trials often expose what is already in the heart.

Theme: Testing exposes hidden motives and reveals spiritual reality.

6. 1 Samuel 20:8–15

Timestamp: 17:50–22:44

Context: David appeals to their covenant and declares, “If I am guilty, then kill me yourself.” Jonathan, in return, renews their covenant in God’s name. The preacher connects this to Christ-like loyalty—friendship marked by truth, sacrifice, and covenant love.

Theme: Covenant faithfulness reflects divine loyalty.

7. 1 Samuel 20:15–17 / 2 Samuel 9 (cross-reference)

Timestamp: 23:48–26:50

Context: Jonathan asks David to show “unfailing kindness” (Hebrew hesed) to his family, anticipating David’s future kingship. The preacher points ahead to David’s kindness toward Mephibosheth as a fulfillment of this covenant.

Theme: God-honoring friendship and mercy outlasts circumstance.

8. 1 Samuel 20:24–33

Timestamp: 30:45–43:22

Context: Saul’s anger reveals itself during the feast. The preacher contrasts how Jonathan calls David by name, while Saul calls him “the son of Jesse”—a rejection of his God-given identity.

Theme: Envy distorts vision; God’s people must live from their new identity in Christ.

9. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Timestamp: 37:00

Verse: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Context: Used to emphasize that believers are not defined by their pasts, but by their identity in Christ.Theme: New creation identity in Jesus.

10. John 15:15

Timestamp: 37:00

Verse: “I have called you friends.”

Context: Referenced to affirm the believer’s relational identity as a friend of Jesus, contrasting Saul’s worldly labels with divine truth.Theme: Friendship with God replaces the shame of old labels.

11. Ephesians 2:10

Timestamp: 37:00

Verse: “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

Context: Supports the message that each believer is purposefully crafted by God, no longer “the son of Jesse” but an heir of grace.

Theme: Divine purpose replaces worldly definition.

12. Romans 8:17

Timestamp: 37:00

Verse: “We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”

Context: Reinforces the believer’s inheritance in Christ—security and belonging in God’s family, even when others reject or minimize us.

Theme: Spiritual inheritance and assurance in Christ.

13. 1 Corinthians 1:2 / 6:19 (implied)

Timestamp: 37:00–38:10

Context: The preacher refers to believers as “temples of the Holy Spirit” and “sanctified saints,” echoing Pauline language from 1 Corinthians.

Theme: The Holy Spirit dwells in God’s people, affirming their sanctified identity.

14. Philippians 3:20

Timestamp: 37:00–38:10

Verse: “Our citizenship is in heaven.”

Context: Used to underscore that our identity and belonging are not earthly but heavenly—distinct from Saul’s worldly identity projection.

Theme: Kingdom citizenship transcends earthly rejection.

15. 1 John 3:1

Timestamp: 37:00–38:10

Verse: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.”

Context: Culmination of the identity passage list—believers are defined by divine adoption.

Theme: The believer’s ultimate identity: beloved child of God.

16. 1 Samuel 20:35–40

Timestamp: 45:26–48:43

Context: Jonathan fires arrows “beyond” David, signaling that Saul intends to kill him. The preacher interprets this as the beginning of David’s wilderness season—his running years.

Theme: God sometimes leads us “beyond” for growth and dependence.

17. 1 Samuel 20:41–42

Timestamp: 48:43–52:25

Context: David and Jonathan weep and part in peace. The preacher notes this is the start of David’s decade-long exile, losing all earthly supports but finding deeper trust in God.

Theme: Separation and loss prepare the heart for spiritual maturity.

18. 1 Samuel 23:16–18

Timestamp: 55:23–57:57

Verse: “Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.”

Context: Recalled near the sermon’s close, showing Jonathan’s last meeting with David. His encouragement points David back to God alone as his strength.

Theme: Godly friendship always redirects us to divine strength.

19. Philippians 4:13 (implied)

Timestamp: 56:26–57:57

Context: Paralleled with Jonathan’s encouragement—strength found “in God,” not in self.

Theme: Dependence on God’s strength sustains believers through hardship.

20. Closing Benediction – Dependence on God

Timestamp: 59:29–1:00:56

Context: The sermon ends in prayer, echoing Psalm-like dependence: when all else is stripped away, God alone remains faithful.

Theme: God’s presence is the believer’s ultimate refuge and strength.

Word Study

1. COVENANT

Hebrew: בְּרִית (berît)

Strong’s: H1285

Pronunciation: buh-REETH

Definition

• Simple: A binding agreement or sacred promise between two parties.

• Extended: In Scripture, berît refers to a solemn, divinely witnessed agreement that defines a relationship—between God and humans or between humans in the presence of God. Covenants often include obligations, blessings, and signs.

Synonyms / Antonyms

• Synonyms: Oath (שְׁבוּעָה shevuah, H7621), Promise (epangelia, G1860).

• Antonym: Betrayal, treachery (bagad, H898).

Key Usages

• Genesis 9:9–17 – God’s covenant with Noah, marked by the rainbow.

• Genesis 15:18 – God’s covenant with Abraham.

• Exodus 19:5 – God calls Israel His covenant people.

• 1 Samuel 20:8, 16–17 – Jonathan and David reaffirm their covenant before the Lord.

• Jeremiah 31:31–33 – God promises a new covenant written on the heart.

• Luke 22:20 – Jesus calls His blood the “new covenant.”

Reflection

The covenant between David and Jonathan mirrors God’s faithfulness in relationship. Their loyalty transcends family conflict, showing how divine covenant love binds beyond circumstance. In this sermon, berît underscores that genuine friendship and protection flow from promises rooted in God’s character—just as God’s covenant secures His people even through seasons of loss and danger.

2. KINDNESS (HESED)

Hebrew: חֶסֶד (ḥesed)

Strong’s: H2617

Pronunciation: KHEH-sed

Definition

• Simple: Lovingkindness; steadfast love.

• Extended: Hesed describes loyal, covenantal love—compassionate faithfulness that endures beyond obligation. It blends mercy, loyalty, and love into one concept, often used of God’s unchanging favor toward His people.

Synonyms / Antonyms

• Synonyms: Mercy (rachamim, H7356), Faithfulness (emunah, H530), Grace (charis, G5485).

• Antonym: Hatred (sane, H8130), Treachery (bagad, H898).

Key Usages

• Exodus 34:6–7 – God describes Himself as “abounding in ḥesed.”

• Ruth 3:10 – Ruth shows hesed toward Naomi and Boaz.

• Psalm 136 – “His hesed endures forever.”

• 1 Samuel 20:14–15 – Jonathan asks David, “Show me unfailing kindness (hesed) like the Lord’s kindness.”

• Micah 6:8 – “Love mercy (hesed) and walk humbly with your God.”

Reflection

In the sermon, Jonathan’s plea for David’s hesed reveals his trust that David will mirror God’s covenant mercy. Hesed bridges human loyalty with divine love—it’s the reason David later spares Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9). Studying this word highlights that the heart of godly friendship and leadership is steadfast mercy—the same faithful love God shows to us in Christ.

3. STRENGTH

Hebrew: עֹז (ʿoz)

Strong’s: H5797

Pronunciation: oze

Definition

• Simple: Might, power, or refuge.

• Extended: ʿOz denotes strength derived from God—spiritual, moral, and physical fortitude granted by His presence. It is not mere human endurance but divine enablement rooted in faith and dependence.

Synonyms / Antonyms

• Synonyms: Power (koach, H3581), Refuge (maoz, H4581), Grace (charis, G5485).

• Antonym: Weakness (asthenes, G772), Fear (phobos, G5401).

Key Usages

• Exodus 15:2 – “The Lord is my strength (ʿoz) and my song.”

• Psalm 28:7–8 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield.”

• Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength.”

• 1 Samuel 23:16 – Jonathan “helped David find strength in God.”

• Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

Reflection

In this sermon’s closing scene, Jonathan strengthens David “in God” at Horesh. ʿOz captures the heart of that moment: divine power that sustains when human help fades. David’s decade of exile—the “running years”—was not weakness but formation. God’s strength grows in dependency. The message calls believers to anchor their courage, like David, not in people or circumstance but in the sustaining power of the Lord.

Questions for Deeper Study

1. God’s Protection and Presence

Throughout the sermon, the pastor emphasized that while God used different “agencies” (Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, the Spirit), it was always God Himself who protected David.

Reflection Question:When have you recognized God’s protection working through ordinary people or situations in your life? How can you grow in seeing God as the true facilitator behind His provision and care?

2. Friendship and Covenant Loyalty

David and Jonathan’s friendship was marked by honesty, vulnerability, and a covenant rooted in God. Both men trusted one another even when betrayal surrounded them.

Reflection Question:What does the friendship between David and Jonathan reveal about godly loyalty and accountability? In your relationships, how can you model covenant faithfulness that reflects God’s own steadfast love?

3. The Running Years and Dependence on God

The sermon closed by noting that David’s “running years” were the years God used to form him into a king—a season of stripping that led to deeper dependence.

Reflection Question:If you find yourself in a season of loss or uncertainty, how might God be using it to strengthen your faith and dependence on Him? What practices help you stay anchored in His presence when support systems fade?