Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 20 - Verse 38

20:38
And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

Meaning

In the verse "And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master," Jonathan is urging his young servant to quickly retrieve the arrows he had shot as a signal to David. This verse comes from the book of 1 Samuel, where Jonathan, the son of King Saul, has a close friendship with David, who is in danger due to Saul's jealousy. By calling out to his servant to hurry and not delay, Jonathan is expressing his urgency and concern for David's safety. The act of gathering the arrows and bringing them back to Jonathan shows the loyalty and dedication of the servant to his master's instructions. This verse highlights the importance of swift action and obedience in times of crisis, as well as the strength of loyalty and friendship.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, Jonathan is instructing his servant to quickly retrieve the arrows that he had shot as a sign to David. The urgency in Jonathan's voice is evident as he tells his servant to "Make speed, haste, stay not." This sense of urgency can be interpreted as a reflection of Jonathan's loyalty and commitment to David, as he is eagerly trying to ensure that David receives the message being communicated through the arrows.

Throughout the Bible, arrows are often used as symbols of God's protection, guidance, and judgment. In this particular instance, the arrows are being used by Jonathan to communicate a message to David, possibly signaling the outcome of a situation or providing guidance on what actions to take next. The obedience and quick response of Jonathan's servant in gathering up the arrows and returning them to his master also highlights the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's commands.

Overall, this verse showcases the themes of loyalty, quick obedience, and the use of symbolic gestures in communication within biblical narratives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to God's guidance and acting promptly on His instructions.

American Standard Version

And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
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