Sworn Friendship

1 Samuel 20:1-42

Key Verse: 42 

“Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.”

Read verses 20:1-10. What is David’s desperate plea to Jonathan concerning his innocence? (1) What is Jonathan’s response to David? (2)  How does David explain to Jonathan that his life is truly in danger and how does Jonathan respond? (3-10)  

Read verses 20:11-23.  What does Jonathan do to reveal his father’s intention toward David?  (11-13)  What does he ask David? (14-15) What covenant does Jonathan make with the house of David? (16-17)  What is Jonathan’s plan to save David in the New Moon festival? (18-23)

Read verses 20:24-34. What happens at the New Moon Festival? (24-29) When Jonathan explains to Saul why David is not present, how does Saul respond? (30-31) How does Jonathan try to reason with Saul and what is Saul’s response? (32-33)  Why does not Jonathan eat at the second day of the festival? (34)

Read verses 20:35-42.  How does Jonathan inform David of Saul’s intention to kill him? (35-40)  How do Jonathan and David part ways? (41) What is Jonathan’s farewell to David? (42)  What is shown about David and Jonathan’s friendship?  What can we learn?