1 Samuel 20:19
And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
Original Language Analysis
וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
And when thou hast stayed three days
H8027
וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
And when thou hast stayed three days
Strong's:
H8027
Word #:
1 of 15
to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)
תֵּרֵ֣ד
then thou shalt go down
H3381
תֵּרֵ֣ד
then thou shalt go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
2 of 15
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
מְאֹ֔ד
quickly
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
quickly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
הַמָּק֔וֹם
to the place
H4725
הַמָּק֔וֹם
to the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִסְתַּ֥רְתָּ
where thou didst hide
H5641
נִסְתַּ֥רְתָּ
where thou didst hide
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
8 of 15
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
שָּׁ֖ם
H8033
בְּי֣וֹם
thyself when
H3117
בְּי֣וֹם
thyself when
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
10 of 15
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
the business
H4639
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
the business
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
11 of 15
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
Historical Context
Landmarks like large stones served as meeting points before modern navigation. The name 'Ezel' may have commemorated earlier departure or carried significance now lost. Previous hiding locations provided tested security for dangerous meetings.
Questions for Reflection
- What physical locations hold spiritual significance from important events in your life?
- How does careful planning complement trust in God's protection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
Jonathan's instructions reference 'the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand' - a familiar location from a previous crisis. The 'stone Ezel' (possibly meaning 'departure' or 'stone of parting') served as the agreed meeting point. The three-day waiting period allowed events to unfold fully. Jonathan's detailed planning shows that faith does not preclude careful preparation. The stone would witness their final farewell - landmarks often acquire significance from the events that occur there.