35 Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David , and a little lad was with him. 36 He said to his lad , " Run , find now the arrows which I am about to shoot ." As the lad was running , he shot an arrow past him. 37 When the lad reached the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot , Jonathan called after the lad and said , " Is not the arrow beyond e you?" 38 And Jonathan called after the lad , "Hurry , be quick , do not stay !" And Jonathan's lad picked up the arrow and came to his master . 39 But the lad was not aware of anything ; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter . 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his lad and said to him, "Go , bring them to the city ." 41 When the lad was gone , David rose from the south side and fell on his face to the ground , and bowed three times . And they kissed each other and wept together e , but David wept the more . 42 Jonathan said to David , " Go in safety , inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord , saying , ' The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever e .' " Then he rose and departed , while Jonathan went into the city .
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.