The moment of truth for the rescue plan finally arrives, requiring a careful balance between urgent action and total secrecy. On the morning of the third day of the month, Jonathan goes out to the field to deliver the fateful message to David. Choosing the morning hours is a deliberate strategy to mask his true purpose. Leaving in the middle of the night would easily arouse suspicion and prompt questions about his destination, whereas a daytime excursion appears perfectly natural and hides any hint of a secret meeting [חומת אנך]. Furthermore, morning is the standard time for royals and princes to take walks, hunt, and practice shooting arrows [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Conversely, this early departure can also be seen as an expression of Jonathan's deep connection with David. While kings and nobles typically sleep late, David was known to rise early. By breaking his royal habits and waking up at dawn, Jonathan aligns himself with his friend [אהבת יהונתן].
The exact nature of their scheduled meeting is understood in different ways. The primary approach among commentators is that their coordination refers to an agreed-upon time. Although their original plan was to meet in the evening, Jonathan goes out early in the morning because he has already discovered his father's true intentions and has no reason to delay [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Another perspective suggests that the arrangement refers not to a specific time, but to a designated place, pointing directly to the exact hiding spot in the field where David is waiting [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].
To assist him, Jonathan brings along a young boy. Choosing a child ensures that his companion will not grasp the gravity of the situation, raise any suspicions, or accidentally reveal the secret [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אהבת יהונתן]. The presence of this young boy also plays a role in a sudden, miraculous shift in the original plan. Although Jonathan initially intended to shoot three arrows as he had arranged with David, he ends up shooting only one. The boy quickly runs and unexpectedly reaches a point beyond where the arrow lands. This specific turn of events serves as a clear signal to both Jonathan and David that the danger is immediate. It becomes obvious that David must flee for his life instantly, without waiting for the rest of the arrows to be fired. While the young boy remains completely unaware of the drama unfolding around him, the two friends perfectly understand the life-saving message [אהבת יהונתן].