Study 31: 1 Samuel 21: 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. Setting the Context: God’s Ongoing Protection (00:05–04:48)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 19; 1 Samuel 20:1

• God uses multiple “agencies” of protection—Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, and His own Spirit.

• Even when human instruments are involved, God is the true facilitator of comfort and deliverance.

• David’s flight from Naioth in Ramah follows Saul’s loss of control under the Spirit’s power.

  
  

2. David’s Question and the Reality of Death (05:41–10:29)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:1–3

• David asks Jonathan, “What have I done?”—a cry of confusion and self-examination.

• David’s statement, “There is but a step between me and death,” becomes a spiritual truth for all humanity.

• Reflection: Death is certain; safety is only in Christ.

• Near-death studies (Maurice Rawlins) emphasize the urgency of knowing one’s eternal destiny.

  
  

3. A Covenant Tested by Fear (10:29–13:22)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:4–9

• Jonathan offers full loyalty: “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.”

• David’s fear of betrayal shows how past wounds shape current trust.

• True covenant love requires both honesty and surrender before God.

  
  

4. Discerning Saul’s Heart (14:18–16:53)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:5–11

• David proposes the New Moon feast test to reveal Saul’s intent.

• Saul’s anger will not be caused by David’s plan but revealed through it.

• Key insight: “You bring out the worst in me” exposes the truth that the worst already resides in the heart.

• God uses confrontation to expose hidden motives.

  
  

5. The Covenant Renewed (17:50–23:48)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:8–17

• David appeals to the covenant: “Show kindness to your servant.”

• Jonathan reaffirms loyalty and calls on God as witness.

• This is a picture of divine covenant grace—loyalty despite fear and uncertainty.

• Themes of distrust, projection, and reconciliation within godly relationships.

  
  

6. Kindness Beyond the Throne (23:48–26:50)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:14–17

• Jonathan foresees David’s kingship and asks mercy for his family.

• Insight: He surrenders his right to succession because he recognizes God’s will.

• The covenant’s ripple effect later fulfills in David’s mercy to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).

  
  

7. Testing and Revelation: Saul’s Rage (30:45–44:09)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:24–34

• Saul’s bitterness is revealed as he insults Jonathan and hurls his spear.

• Contrast between Jonathan’s loving speech (“David”) and Saul’s degrading title (“son of Jesse”).

• Application: God gives new identity—2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:17.

• Bitterness and jealousy are progressive sins that harden the heart.

  
  

8. The Signal and the Separation (45:26–49:43)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:35–42

• Jonathan shoots arrows “beyond” David—a signal that Saul’s intent to kill is confirmed.

• Emotional farewell: both men weep, but David weeps the most.

• David loses wife, mentor, and friend; yet this stripping leads to deeper dependence on God.

• The “running years” begin—David’s season of spiritual formation in exile.

  
  

9. Dependence in the Running Years (53:36–55:23)

Scripture: Psalm reflections; 1 Samuel 20:42

• God remains when all else is stripped away.

• True faith matures in seasons of isolation and loss.

• Every godly “agency” (friend, family, mentor) ultimately points back to the cross of Christ.

  
  

10. Strengthened in God Alone (56:26–57:57)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:16–18

• Jonathan’s final act: “He helped David find strength in God.”

• Covenant friendship’s purpose is to point others to divine strength, not self.

• Application: Encourage one another to keep eyes fixed on Jesus in every season.

• Closing Prayer: Dependence, unity, and trust in God’s sustaining presence.

Scripture References

1. 1 Samuel 19:18–24 — God’s protection through multiple agencies

Timestamp: 00:05–04:48

Used to show how God orchestrated protection for David through Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, and ultimately His Spirit. Emphasizes that while God may use human means, He alone is the source of deliverance and comfort.

2. 1 Samuel 20:1 — David’s flight to Jonathan

Timestamp: 05:41–06:39

Marks the transition from divine intervention (chapter 19) to personal relationship (chapter 20). David’s question, “What have I done?” reveals both confusion and humility in the face of persecution.

3. 1 Samuel 19:6–8 — Saul’s temporary oath of restraint

Timestamp: 07:00–08:00

Recalls Saul’s earlier promise, “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.” Used to highlight Jonathan’s misunderstanding of his father’s true intentions toward David.

4. 1 Samuel 20:3 — “There is but a step between me and death.”

Timestamp: 09:35–10:29

Central reflection point: David’s recognition of life’s fragility. The pastor uses this to discuss mortality and the need for salvation in Christ, citing the certainty of death (Hebrews 9:27 implied).

5. Proverbs / Ecclesiastes (Implied) — Mortality and human frailty

Timestamp: 10:29–12:22

While not directly quoted, the idea reflects biblical wisdom literature on life’s brevity (Ecclesiastes 9:12; Proverbs 27:1). The preacher connects it to modern testimony from Dr. Maurice Rawlins, reinforcing that it is not safe to die without Christ.

6. 1 Samuel 20:4–9 — Jonathan’s loyalty and David’s vulnerability

Timestamp: 13:22–17:50

Jonathan promises, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do.” David’s plea for mercy underscores trust strained by fear. The pastor connects this to the reality of relational wounds and spiritual testing.

7. 1 Samuel 20:5–11 — The New Moon feast test

Timestamp: 15:13–16:53

David sets a plan to test Saul’s reaction. The pastor explains how anger does not create sin but reveals what already resides in the heart (cf. Matthew 15:19 implied).

8. 1 Samuel 20:8–17 — Covenant reaffirmed between David and Jonathan

Timestamp: 17:50–23:48

Focus on the covenant’s divine nature: “You have brought him into a covenant with you before the Lord.” Demonstrates godly loyalty, kindness (ḥesed), and faith rooted in divine promise.

9. 2 Samuel 9:1–13 (Implied) — David’s later fulfillment of covenant kindness

Timestamp: 23:48–25:26

Jonathan’s plea for mercy on his family foreshadows David’s later kindness to Mephibosheth. Highlights faithful remembrance of covenant vows.

10. 1 Samuel 20:24–34 — Saul’s anger and identity distortion

Timestamp: 30:45–41:16

Saul’s insults (“son of Jesse,” “son of a perverse woman”) expose his jealousy and bitterness. The preacher contrasts Saul’s degrading speech with Jonathan’s love, connecting this to spiritual identity in Christ.

11. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — New creation identity in Christ

Timestamp: 36:00–37:00

Used to teach believers to reject false identities others impose. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Reinforces transformation from past identity to redeemed purpose.

12. John 15:15 — We are friends of Jesus

Timestamp: 37:00–37:30

Supports the truth that believers are no longer defined by past failures but by relationship with Christ.

13. Ephesians 2:10 — God’s workmanship

Timestamp: 37:00–37:30

Shows that God defines purpose and worth. Used in a list of verses describing the believer’s identity.

14. Romans 8:17 — Heirs of God

Timestamp: 37:00–37:30

Included in the same list to affirm spiritual inheritance and belonging in Christ.

15. 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 3:20; 1 John 3:1 — Believer’s new identity (group reference)

Timestamp: 37:00–38:10

Used collectively to remind listeners that God defines identity, not past sin or human judgment.

16. 1 Samuel 20:35–42 — The arrows beyond you

Timestamp: 45:26–49:43

Jonathan’s signal fulfills the earlier sign. David’s heartbreak marks the start of his exile. Symbolic teaching: sometimes God’s answer (“beyond you”) calls us to trust and move forward into the unknown.

17. 1 Samuel 23:16–18 — Jonathan strengthens David in God

Timestamp: 55:23–57:57

Final reference in the sermon: “Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” Serves as a model for Christian fellowship—encouraging one another toward God, not self.

18. Psalm (Implied: e.g., Psalm 18, Psalm 57) — Formation during exile

Timestamp: 53:36–55:00

Mentioned conceptually as the fruit of David’s “running years,” when he learned dependence, worship, and trust through hardship.

19. Hebrews 10:24–25 (Implied) — Encouraging one another in the Lord

Timestamp: 57:57–59:29

Closing prayer and exhortation to the church: “May we be a people who encourage one another and point one another back to Jesus.” Reflects the New Testament command to strengthen the body in faith.

20. Summary Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42 — “The Lord is witness between you and me.”

Timestamp: 52:25–53:36

Climactic covenant verse emphasizing peace, loyalty, and eternal friendship under God’s witness.

Word Study

1. Covenant (בְּרִית – berith)

Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

Strong’s: H1285

Pronunciation: buh-REETH

Definition

• Simple: A binding agreement or promise between two parties, often ratified by sacrifice.

• Extended: In Scripture, berith describes a sacred, relational bond initiated and sustained by God. It implies commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness — whether between God and His people (Genesis 9:9; Exodus 19:5) or between individuals (1 Samuel 18:3; 20:8).

Synonyms / Antonyms

• Synonyms: Oath (shevuah, H7621), Promise (dabar, word spoken by God), Testimony (eduth).

• Antonyms: Treachery (bagad, betrayal), Unfaithfulness (maal).

Key Biblical Uses

• Genesis 9:9–13: God establishes His berith with Noah — a covenant of preservation.

• Genesis 15:18: God cuts a covenant with Abram, symbolizing divine commitment.

• 1 Samuel 18:3; 20:8: Jonathan and David enter a berith before the Lord — a sacred friendship under divine witness.

• Jeremiah 31:31: Prophecy of the new covenant, fulfilled in Christ.

Reflection

In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan and David’s berith mirrors God’s covenantal nature — loyal, sacrificial, and enduring. Their commitment goes beyond circumstance or self-interest, pointing to the steadfast love God offers His people. The sermon used this covenant to illustrate how true friendship, grounded in divine faithfulness, reflects God’s own character and points us toward Christ, the mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

2. Kindness (חֶסֶד – ḥesed)

Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

Strong’s: H2617

Pronunciation: KHEH-sed

Definition

• Simple: Lovingkindness, steadfast love, or covenant loyalty.

• Extended: Ḥesed expresses deep mercy and faithfulness born from covenant relationship — love that acts, not just feels. It is loyal devotion even when undeserved, a key aspect of God’s own nature (Exodus 34:6).

Synonyms / Antonyms

• Synonyms: Mercy (rachamim), Love (ahavah), Grace (chen).

• Antonyms: Cruelty (akhzariyuth), Betrayal (bagad).

Key Biblical Uses

• Ruth 3:10: Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi described as ḥesed.

• Psalm 136: “His steadfast love (ḥesed) endures forever.”

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

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

Reflection

The sermon centered on this concept when Jonathan appeals to David’s mercy — “show me kindness.” In that moment, ḥesed stands for covenant faithfulness that transcends political advantage. It is the same love God extends to His people and calls them to show one another. The preacher’s reminder that true friendship “points us back to the cross” echoes ḥesed perfectly: love expressed through self-giving faithfulness, fulfilled in Jesus (Titus 3:4–5).

3. Strength (חָזַק – ḥāzaq)

Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

Strong’s: H2388

Pronunciation: khaw-ZAK

Definition

• Simple: To be strong, firm, courageous.

• Extended: Refers to both physical might and spiritual resilience — to be strengthened by God’s presence or His word. Often used for divine empowerment in moments of fear, testing, or battle.

Synonyms / Antonyms

• Synonyms: Courage (ametz), Endurance (koach), Fortify (oz).

• Antonyms: Weakness (da’aph), Fear (pachad).

Key Biblical Uses

• Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong (ḥāzaq) and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.”

• Joshua 1:9: “Be strong (ḥāzaq) and courageous… the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

• 1 Samuel 23:16: “Jonathan… went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.”

• Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong (ḥāzaq) and take heart.”

Reflection

In the sermon’s closing moments, the pastor highlighted Jonathan’s final act: strengthening David in God (1 Samuel 23:16). This ḥāzaq is not human resilience but divine empowerment — the courage that comes from dependence on the Lord when every earthly support is gone. Through hardship and isolation, David learned ḥāzaq — the strength of faith forged in wilderness years. This word reinforces the sermon’s message that spiritual maturity grows in seasons when we are stripped of all but God Himself.

Questions for Deeper Study

1. Covenant Faithfulness

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 20:8; Jeremiah 31:31; Hebrews 8:6

“Show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the Lord.”Reflection:How does Jonathan and David’s covenant reflect the heart of God’s own covenant with His people?In what ways can you honor your commitments and relationships in a way that mirrors God’s faithfulness and integrity?

2. God’s Presence in the Running Years

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 23:16; Psalm 27:14; Deuteronomy 31:6

“Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.”Reflection:When life feels uncertain or stripped of support, what helps you “find strength in God” rather than in people or circumstances?How can hardship become a place where your dependence on the Lord deepens?

3. Identity and Grace

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 20:30–34; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10

“You are not the son of your past—you are a new creation in Christ.”Reflection:How does your identity in Christ free you from the names, labels, or failures of your past?What practical steps can you take to walk daily in the truth of who God says you are?