20. On the third day I will go to that hill and shoot three arrows as if I am shooting at a target.
21. Then I will tell the boy to go find the arrows. If everything is fine, I will tell the boy, ‘You went too far! The arrows are closer to me. Come back and get them.’ If I say that, you can come out of hiding. I promise, as surely as the Lord lives, you are safe. There is no danger.
22. But if there is trouble, I will say to the boy, ‘The arrows are farther away. Go get them.’ If I say that, you must leave. The Lord is sending you away.
23. Remember this agreement between you and me. The Lord is our witness forever.”
24. Then David hid in the field. The time for the New Moon celebration came, and the king sat down to eat.