Then Jonathan gave his equipment to the boy and said, “Go, take it back to the city.”
Here is, 1. Jonathan's faithful performance of his promise to give David notice of the success of his dangerous experiment. He went at the time and to the place appointed (Sa1 20:35), within sight of which he knew David lay hid, sent his footboy to fetch his arrows, which he would shoot at random (Sa1 20:36), and gave David the fatal signal by shooting an...
Commenting on 1 Samuel 20:35-42
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad,.... "His vessels" (l) or instruments; his arms, as the Targum, his quiver, bow, and arrows: and said unto him, go, carry them to the city; to Gibeah, to Jonathan's house, or to his apartments at court there. (l) "vasa sua", Montanus; "instrumenta sua", Piscator; "arma sua", V. L. Tigurine version.
Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad--that is, his missive weapons. The French word artillerie, signifies "archery." The term is still used in England, in the designation of the "artillery company of London," the association of archers, though they have long disused bows and arrows. Jonathan's boy being despatched out of the way, the friends enjoyed the satisfaction of a final meeting.