Focal Passage: I Samuel 18:1-4, 19:1-4, 23:15-18
David and Jonathan exemplify a close-knit friendship — as described in Proverbs 18:24 — in I Samuel. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, did not allow the animosity fostered by his father against David to spoil the devotion he had for his friend. Jonathan’s solidarity with the future king of Israel proved true regardless of the cultural and familial pressures surrounding him.
Don’t stumble over role expectations. The first four verses of I Samuel 18 introduce the reader to Jonathan. He was a prince of Israel, the son of King Saul. The king kept David close at hand in the palace and a friendship quickly blossomed between David and Jonathan. In verse 4, Jonathan removed all the trappings of his princely office and gave them to David as a symbol of the covenant between the two men.
Jonathan, the official heir to Israel’s throne, had no idea that David had been anointed by God to be the next king after Saul. Yet, he willingly gave David all his princely garb because of his love for his friend. Saul’s court officials would have been scandalized by such an overt disregard of protocol. Jonathan did not care. Jonathan knew that God was with David and he clung to his friend rather than acquiesce to the prevailing culture.
Moore
Correct unwarranted accusations. In the next chapter of the narrative Saul ordered all his servants to find and kill David. Jonathan knew David was innocent and did not deserve the hatred of his father. However, this moment placed Jonathan in an almost impossible situation.
He was forced to choose between two loyalties. How can you be a loyal son when your father wants to kill your best friend, one you know to be guiltless? Jonathan attempted to appeal to both allegiances by reporting what was going on to David and being by his father’s side during the search. In the midst of his father’s rage Jonathan defended his friend and reminded the king how faithful and loyal David had been in his service.
When we are faced with complicated and difficult decisions, we must always seek the path that is right in the eyes of God and stand up for those who are being wrongfully accused.
Jonathan had the courage to champion David’s honor while his father’s intention was to kill him. He faced the anger of his father and did what was right. In the end, he was able to achieve a reconciliation, even if it was temporary.
See your role from God’s perspective. By the time we get to I Samuel 23 King Saul had renewed his desire to kill David. Fleeing from town to town, David eventually entered the Wilderness of Ziph. From there he was able to observe the movements of Saul and his troops. Jonathan broke away from his father’s group to briefly meet with David. Jonathan gave his friend encouraging words of assurance.
He expressed his belief that God would protect David from his father. Jonathan perceived God’s will for David and welcomed it. Jonathan had every right from a worldly perspective to cling to his rights as Saul’s son and heir. However, he loved God and David more and wished to serve the Lord’s will. Always remember, it is more important for us to serve God’s will, not the schemes of this world. B&R
