Old Testament

New Testament

1 Samuel 20:29-40 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

29. He said, ‘Let me go, because our family has a sacrifice in the town. And my brother has ordered me to be there. Now if I am your friend, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.”

30. Then Saul became very angry with Jonathan. He said, “You son of an evil and disobedient woman! I know you are on the side of David son of Jesse! You bring shame on yourself and on your mother who gave birth to you.

31. As long as Jesse’s son lives, you’ll never be king or have a kingdom. Now send for David and bring him to me. He must die!”

32. Jonathan asked his father, “Why should David be killed? What wrong has he done?”

33. Then Saul threw his spear at Jonathan, trying to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father really wanted to kill David.

34. Jonathan was very angry and left the table. That second day of the month he refused to eat. He was upset about what his father wanted to do to David.

35. The next morning Jonathan went out to the field. He went to meet David as they had agreed. He had a young boy with him.

36. Jonathan said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” When he ran, Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him.

37. The boy ran to the place where Jonathan’s arrow fell. But Jonathan called, “The arrow is beyond you!”

38. Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and brought it back to his master.

39. (The boy knew nothing about what this meant. Only Jonathan and David knew.)

40. Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy. He told him, “Go back to town.”

Read complete chapter 1 Samuel 20