1 Samuel 20:35
And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
And it came to pass in the morning
H1242
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
And it came to pass in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַיֵּצֵ֧א
went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֧א
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לְמוֹעֵ֣ד
at the time appointed
H4150
לְמוֹעֵ֣ד
at the time appointed
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְנַ֥עַר
lad
H5288
וְנַ֥עַר
lad
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
8 of 10
(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
Historical Context
Morning timing allowed normal activity as cover. Young servants were commonly used for menial tasks like retrieving arrows. The specific appointment time demonstrates the precision of their planning despite emotional turmoil.
Questions for Reflection
- How important is keeping commitments even when circumstances become painful?
- What does Jonathan's punctual arrival teach about reliability in friendship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.
Jonathan fulfilled his commitment: 'in the morning...at the time appointed' - precise obedience to the agreed plan. The 'little lad' (na'ar qaton) served as unwitting instrument. His youth and small size emphasized his innocence about the momentous communication he would help convey. The field that had been designated for meeting now became site of farewell. Faithful friends keep appointments even when the news to be delivered is painful. Jonathan came prepared to deliver whatever message the events required.