1 Samuel 20:40
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֵּלָ֔יו
his artillery
H3627
כֵּלָ֔יו
his artillery
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
4 of 13
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַנַּ֖עַר
unto his lad
H5288
הַנַּ֖עַר
unto his lad
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
6 of 13
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֵ֖ךְ
H1980
לֵ֖ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
11 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
The Hebrew term translated 'artillery' refers to bow and arrows. Servants typically carried equipment for their masters. Sending the boy to the city removed him from the field, creating isolation for the friends' parting.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you create space for significant private moments with close friends?
- What does Jonathan's deliberate dismissal of the servant teach about the importance of unwitnessed farewell?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.
Jonathan dismissed the servant - 'Go, carry them to the city' - creating privacy for his farewell with David. The term 'artillery' (bow and arrows) represented the tools of communication that had served their purpose. Sending the boy away removed the witness, allowing the friends to meet directly despite the danger. Jonathan's instruction was simple but decisive, ending the coded communication phase and beginning their final private moments. Sometimes we must create space for grief and farewell by dismissing others.