Jonathan and
David were friends because they walked together in agreement. They were of like
character and purpose as Christians are to be with Christ. Like David, Jonathan
was full of faith in God, courageous in battle, a loyal friend, tender and
capable of deep love. Even though Jonathan was torn between devotion to his
father Saul, he offered love and encouragement to his friend David. No doubt,
Jonathan never gave up hope that one day his father would return to the Lord.
He stayed with Saul to the end, fighting beside him even to his death. Jonathan gave
his life for David. The death of Saul and Jonathan opened the door for David to
sit on the throne, just as Jesus’ death opened the door for all who love and
follow Him to be seated on the throne with Him. God’s last will and testament
is the New Covenant of salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ, which gives us
our inheritance with the Father and Him.
Covenant Oath between
David and Jonathan – 1 Samuel 18:2
David and
Jonathan made a covenant oath between them before God. Neither of them will renege
on that oath. After making his covenant with David, Jonathan remained faithful
and true to his friend David. He was a peacemaker. He tried to bring
reconciliation between Saul and David when Saul’s jealousy and rage against
David brought division. He warned David to flee because his father was trying
to kill him. Jonathan risked repercussions from Saul on his own life by
vindicating his friend David. Ultimately, Jonathan’s final gift to David was
his life. He laid down his life for his friend. Unselfish love is the root of
noble and courageous character. Jonathan’s heart was so knitted together with
David’s that they became one heart in the Lord. Jonathan loved David more than his own soul
as Jesus loves us more than our own soul. Jesus proved this in His willingness
to die on the cross for us. He laid down His life for us – His friends – and gave
us all the inheritance that is rightfully His through His Father. In type and
shadow Jonathan’s love for David, God’s anointed king, was a picture of what
Christ the King of kings did for all who receive Him.
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. David was a good
and faithful servant! 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 David would not allow his heart to
be hardened against Saul. David had served Saul unconditionally, but Saul wants
to kill David!
When Christians are faced by 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 victory. The women
rejoiced and celebrated and gave David more honor than Saul. This caused anger
and jealousy to rise up in Saul. He feared David because God was with him.18:12
Saul also saw his own inadequacy next to David.
The celebration of David’s
victory 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 Saul’s appointment
of a high rank in the army. 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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