Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 20:38

"And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan`s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master." — 1 Samuel 20:38 (ASV)

Make speed, haste, stay not. —Although Jonathan, of course, trusted the youth (probably an armour-bearer) who was with him to a certain extent, he still hurried this attendant away, so that he might not see David, who was close by in hiding, and who, after the sign, would presently appear in sight. The next clause (1 Samuel 20:39) expressly tells us how this meeting was unknown and unwitnessed. The youth was sent to the city so that Jonathan might be alone once more with David.