Jonathan, Saul's son, is an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin. Like David, Jonathan trusted
God, was courageous and a fierce warrior. Jonathan and his armor-bearer had just won a battle against the
Philistines.
Jonathan
would remain with his father until the end despite Saul’s evil ways. He died
with his father on the battlefield. Before doing so, Jonathan turned the kingdom over to David,
God’s chosen, anointed one, and made a covenant with him before God. No doubt Jonathan, who
was in the palace with David, heard some of David’s psalms (songs) that expressed
David’s heart toward God and His people. Jonathan not only learned more about
David in the palace, he probably learned more about God through David. David
had a close and abiding relationship with the Lord. Jonathan also saw David’s
actions in the palace and heard his words. These things made Jonathan love David all the more. Eventually, David and Jonathan made a covenant oath before God to each other. An oath before God is not to be broken. Neither
of them will renege on that oath.
Jonathan had
the most to lose, yet he knew that David was God’s choice to take over the
kingdom, so he gave up his right to the throne to David. Jonathan took off his
royal robe, his armor and his weapons and gave them to David saying, “You will be the next king of Israel………God’s
hand is upon you and these are rightfully yours.” Because Jonathan was
surrendered to God, he saw God’s hand on David. It was Jonathan’s deep faith and trust in God
like David that motivated him. Jonathan and David’s relationship with God and deep
friendship were stronger than any jealousy, envy and ambition. Jonathan and
David were friends who stuck closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:34) Jonathan and David’s love for God far surpassed the
throne of Israel because they loved the Lord and God’s people far more than the
throne. 1 Samuel 18:1 says, “….Jonathan
became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” The Apostle
Paul said it this way – “having the same
love, being one in Spirit, and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or
vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of
you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of
others.” Philippians 2:2-4 David and
Jonathan understood this long before Jesus came to earth.
David will not Return
Evil for Evil
The Bible says that David did “whatever Saul sent him to do and did it
successfully.” David was submitted to authority and successful in all that
Saul asked him to do. This caused Saul to give David a high rank in the army of
Israel. This pleased all the people, and
Saul’s officers as well.” 1 Samuel 18:5b
When Christians are faced with unjust
treatment by someone, we must not only consider ourselves but also the honor of
God. The action we take should bring honor to God as well as the Body of
Christ. Even though Saul mistreated David, David dealt with Saul with respect. Despite
Saul’s treatment of David, he continued to minister to Saul until the threat
became so great that David had to flee.
But “all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them into victory in
their battles.” Love casts out fear! Instead of fearing David, Saul should
have feared God. God’s people saw David’s courage and that God was with him. David quickly became popular both among the
people and among the leaders (Saul’s servants). David had military valor and success. The women
rejoiced and celebrated and gave David more honor than Saul. Anger and jealousy
rose up in Saul. He feared David because God was with him.18:12
David's esteem among the people was not because David was a yes-man or people-pleaser. David did not seek this popularity and did not depend on popularity and adoration to get God's peoples' love. David became popular because he was a “man after God’s own heart” and people could see the courage, love, wisdom and peace of God in him.
David's esteem among the people was not because David was a yes-man or people-pleaser. David did not seek this popularity and did not depend on popularity and adoration to get God's peoples' love. David became popular because he was a “man after God’s own heart” and people could see the courage, love, wisdom and peace of God in him.
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