Misinterpretations often isolate this verse from its context in 1 Samuel 20, portraying it as endorsing secretive evasion or deceit without recognizing it as a righteous strategy born of covenant love and necessity against unjust pursuit by Saul; others erroneously attribute mystical or pagan significance to the stone Ezel, ignoring its role as a mere landmark for the signal, or apply it modernly to justify conspiracy or hiding from legitimate authority rather than protecting the innocent.
I Samuel 20:19
King James Version (1769)
19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
This verse details Jonathan's instructions to David as part of their covenantal plan to discern Saul's intentions toward David, directing him to hide near the stone Ezel on the third day where Jonathan would shoot arrows as a predetermined signal of safety or danger, highlighting profound themes of loyal friendship, self-sacrifice, and trust in God's sovereignty amid persecution, as Jonathan risks his life to protect his friend whom he believes is anointed for kingship.