The Arrows of Yonaton \ King David
King Shaul perceived King David as his nemesis, and attempted to harm him on several occasions. Yonaton, the son of King Shaul, was a loyal friend of King David. In fact, our Sages cite the relationship between Yonaton and King David as the paradigm of mutual affection.
Yonaton spoke to his father’s heart and convinced him that King David was faithful and devoted. Nevertheless, after this conversation King Shaul made an effort to attack King David.
King David devised a plan to test King Shaul’s real feelings and shared it with Yonaton, “Tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh and your father will expect me to join him for a meal. I will not attend. If your father notices my absence, tell him that I had to join my annual family offering. Observe your father's reaction and let me know what to do.”
Yonaton replied, “Hide in the field and I will shoot three arrows. If the arrows fall at your side, it is a sign that my father is at peace with you. However, if the arrows fall beyond you, then you must flee for you life.”
King Shaul perceived that King David did not join the Rosh Chodesh meal. Yonaton explained to his father that King David’s brother had summoned him for a family gathering. King Shaul’s anger flared and he demanded that King David be brought to the palace “for he is deserving of death.” Yonaton went to the field and shot three arrows that went beyond King David.
Yonaton and King David met in the field after shooting the arrows. If so, what was the purpose of using the arrows as a "hint" to King David whether he should stay or flee?
Yonaton was very careful to avoid all "Loshon Horah" — derogatory speech. The arrows symbolized "Loshon Horah" because once the arrow is released it cannot be withdrawn and they strike their target with mortal wounds. Yonaton would not allow himself to utter negative words about his father, even though it was a life-saving message for King David.
Let us learn from Yonaton, how scrupulous we must be to never say a word of "Loshon Horah"!
(As heard from "Pi HaShamuah")
