35 In the morning, Jonathan went to the field for the appointment with David. He had his young servant with him. 36 He told the servant, "Run and get the arrows I'm about to shoot." The boy started running and Jonathan shot an arrow way beyond him. 37 As the boy came to the area where the arrow had been shot, Jonathan yelled out, "Isn't the arrow farther out?" 38 He yelled again, "Hurry! Quickly! Don't just stand there!" Jonathan's servant then picked up the arrow and brought it to his master. 39 The boy, of course, knew nothing of what was going on. Only Jonathan and David knew. 40 Jonathan gave his quiver and bow to the boy and sent him back to town. 41 After the servant was gone, David got up from his hiding place beside the boulder, then fell on his face to the ground - three times prostrating himself! And then they kissed one another and wept, friend over friend, David weeping especially hard. 42 Jonathan said, "Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God's name, saying, 'God will be the bond between me and you, and between my children and your children forever!'"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:35-42
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:35-42
(Read 1 Samuel 20:35-42)
The separation of two such faithful friends was grievous to both, but David's case was the more deplorable, for David was leaving all his comforts, even those of God's sanctuary. Christians need not sorrow, as men without hope; but being one with Christ, they are one with each other, and will meet in his presence ere long, to part no more; to meet where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes.