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“The Help of a Friend”

1 Samuel 20

What's the purpose of 1 Samuel 20?

1. General purpose

2. Specific purpose

I. Scene #1: Jonathan & David (1-23)

A. They talk.

B. They plan (4-10).

1. The plan reveals Saul's true intent (7).

2. The plan reveals the nature of David's

friendship with Jonathan (8-9).

C. They reaffirm their covenant (11-17).

1. Their friendship was based on the Lord (16).

2. Their friendship was based on selflessness (17).

D. They plan their rendezvous (18-23).

1. David will be by the stone Ezel (19).

2. Jonathan will give a "secret" message by

shooting arrows (20).

II. Scene #2: Jonathan & Saul (24-34)

A. They eat together at the New Moon festival (24-29).

B. Saul unleashes his anger at Jonathan (30-34).

1. With cutting words (30-31)

2. With cutting action (33)

C. Jonathan's response

1. He defends David (32).

2. He leaves in fierce anger (34).

3. He grieves and doesn't eat (34).

III. Scene #3: Jonathan & David (35-42)

A. They meet as prearranged (35-40).

1. Jonathan shoots the arrow (36).

2. Jonathan shouts the message to David (38).

3. Jonathan sends the messenger boy home (40).

B. They meet spontaneously (41-42).

Lessons:

1. Saul lived for the here and now. Jonathan lived with the future in mind. So must we (see vv 15, 23, 42).

2. The Lord was real in David's friendship with Jonathan. This is the basis for true friendship (see vv 3, 12, 13, 42). Key phrase in v 42: "name of the LORD."

3. If we are to be true friends, we must love the other person as we love ourselves (17).