By Kevin Blackwell, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute/Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University
JONATHAN
1 Samuel 18:1–4; 19:1–4; 23:15–18
As David stood before the king after his defeat of Goliath and the Philistines, he was not only welcomed in the king’s court but was essentially adopted into Saul’s family (18:2). This status is further emphasized when Saul gives his daughter Michal to David as his wife later in the chapter, though he does this for a deceitful purpose.
Saul’s son Jonathan was present as David presented himself to the king, and it immediately seemed that there was a covenantal bond of friendship between the two.
Don’t stumble over role expectations. (18:1–4)
As Saul’s firstborn son, Jonathan was the rightful heir to the king’s throne. His actions in these verses, however, reveals his immediate understanding that David — not he — would be the next king of Israel. Jonathan gives David his robe, his armor, his sword and belt as their souls are knit in friendship. The giving of the robe symbolizes the handing over of Jonathan’s rights to the kingdom.
Though this is the first time Jonathan has seen or met David, he sees him as Israel’s future. His giving away of all his royal items reveals not only Jonathan’s commitment to David but also his spiritual understanding of God’s plans for Israel.
He is to be commended because although he was the rightful heir, he chose humility and acceptance of God’s plan for David’s life.
Correct unwarranted accusations. (19:1–4)
Saul had bad intentions toward David because he “was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had left Saul” (18:12). Saul tried to murder David with a spear (18:11) and developed a deceitful plot against him (18:22). When these plans failed, his anger became more direct. “Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David” (19:1).
Saul’s words to his son placed Jonathan in a difficult position. Does he obey his father and remain loyal to his family, or does he warn his best friend of the murderous plot? Jonathan decided to stand for what was right and warned David of his father’s plans against him.
Not only did Jonathan warn David and seek more information from Saul to better protect David in the future, but he also began to speak well of David to his father.
In verse 4, he urges Saul to reconsider his plans toward David and reminds him of David’s innocence, helpfulness and loyalty to Saul and eventually warns him of potential sin against God.
See your role from God’s perspective. (23:15–18)
As David was hiding from Saul in the Wilderness of Ziph, his soul must have been greatly troubled. In times when life is uncertain, God is faithful to send us encouragers. For David, God sent Jonathan to be a blessing to him through close friendship.
“Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God” (v. 16). He encouraged David by reminding him of the promise that God had made: “You yourself will be king over Israel” (v. 17).
May we all be like Jonathan today and find a discouraged friend to remind them of God’s promises to them.
There are more than 7,000 promises toward believers found in Scripture, and each assists a follower of God to overcome fear, doubt and frustration.
While the enemy seeks to discourage, God has a better plan. Jonathan knew it, David was reminded of it and you can follow their example.
Share with others: