1 Samuel 20 · Grade 5
Yahweh Is Between Me and You
Read and Think
Chapter 20 is a portrait of covenant friendship under pressure. David came to Jonathan in fear, saying there was but a step between him and death. Jonathan, still hoping the best of his father, pledged to do whatever David desired. They arranged a test: David would be absent from the new moon feast, and Saul's reaction would reveal his intent.
Jonathan's words in the field look to the future. He asked David not only to show him the loving kindness of Yahweh while he lived, but never to cut off that kindness from his house forever, even when Yahweh had cut off David's enemies. Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David and caused David to swear again, for the love that he had for him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
At the feast, Saul's rage exposed his heart. He insulted Jonathan and argued that David's survival threatened Jonathan's kingdom. When Jonathan asked, Why should he be put to death? What has he done? Saul cast his spear at him. The arrows sent beyond the boy carried the message: David must go. Their parting was full of grief, but Jonathan sent David away with the covenant words: Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.
Show What You Know
What test did David and Jonathan arrange?
What did Jonathan ask David never to cut off?
What did Jonathan ask when he defended David?
What were the covenant words at their parting?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- David came to in fear, saying there was but a step between him and death.
- Jonathan, still hoping the best of his father, pledged to do whatever desired.
- The sent beyond the boy carried the message: David must go.
Think About It
Jonathan put God at the center of his friendship. How can God be at the center of your friendships?
Jonathan gave up a throne out of love and faith. What might God be asking you to give up?
Memory Verse
“Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in Yahweh’s name, saying, ‘Yahweh is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.”
1 Samuel 20:42 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for loyal friends. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What does it mean that Yahweh is between two friends?
- How does trusting God's plan help you let go of your own wants?
- What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.