Jonathan and David make a Covenant
December 1, 2019
Commentary
In addition to this favored position, Jonathan, Saul’s oldest son, becomes David’s closest friend (vv. 1-2). In fact, this friendship develops to the point that Jonathan, who was apparent heir to the throne (I Sam. 20:31) strips himself of his own regalia and places it on David (vv. 3-4). Their friendship is one of the deepest and closest in the Bible and this remained to the end. Not being able to tolerate the presence of the one whom the Spirit of God rested, Saul brings David into the palace and makes him commander of his army (v. 5). This appointment was considered by the people as a high honor (I Sam. 13:2) and they no doubt believed that David had earned such a promotion. Saul however hoped the new inexperienced general would be killed by the Philistines.
David was providentially prepared by the Lord in the palace to undertake his royal responsibilities some 15 years later. However, his education was not always pleasant. When David returned from the slaughter of the Philistines, the women came out to Saul singing and dancing that Saul had slain his thousand but David had slain his ten thousand (vv. 6-7). Saul became very jealous and angry and it says that from that day forward he kept his eye on David (vv. 8-9). At this time in Israel’s history no one knew who David was. He unwittingly captivated the imagination of the people and was given what Saul wanted most; praise and affirmation. Realizing what was happening Saul became very jealous and an evil spirit came mightily upon him, and he raved in the midst of his house (v. 10). David quite unaffected by his newly acquired popularity, played his harp in hopes of quieting the tormented spirit of the king. Saul having lost control of his mind, emotions, and will, in a fit of rage, hurled two spears at David but missed (v. 11).
Saul was afraid of David. He saw that God was with the Bethlehemite. Saul himself no longer sensed the direction of God’s Spirit. Therefore Saul made David a captain of a thousand to get him out of the court. Yet with Yahweh’s blessing, David continued to prosper. This only fueled Saul’s resentment. Yet the people of both Israel and Judah loved David (vv. 12-16). Jealousy may not seem to be a major sin, but in reality it is one step short of murder. Jealousy starts as you resent a rival, it leads to your wishing he or she were removed, then it manifests itself in your seeking ways to harm that person in word or action.
Application
Jealousy and anger has ruined many good people. If it isn’t dealt with it may even lead to murder. God’s advice to me is to “not let the sun go down on (my) your wrath (Eph. 4:26).”
1 Samuel 18:1– 16 (NET)
1 When David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan and David became bound together in close friendship. Jonathan loved David as much as he did his own life. 2 Saul retained David on that day and did not allow him to return to his father’s house. 3 Jonathan made a covenant with David, for he loved him as much as he did his own life. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with the rest of his gear including his sword, his bow, and even his belt.
5 On every mission on which Saul sent him, David achieved success. So Saul appointed him over the men of war. This pleased not only all the army, but also Saul’s servants.
6 When the men arrived after David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women from all the cities of Israel came out singing and dancing to meet King Saul. They were happy as they played their tambourines and three-stringed instruments. 7 The women who were playing the music sang, “Saul has struck down his thousands, but David his tens of thousands!”
8 This made Saul very angry. The statement displeased him and he thought, “They have attributed to David tens of thousands, but to me they have attributed only thousands. What does he lack, except the kingdom?” 9 So Saul was keeping an eye on David from that day onward.
10 The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul and he prophesied within his house. Now David was playing the lyre as usual. There was a spear in Saul’s hand, 11 and Saul threw the spear, thinking, “I’ll nail David to the wall!” But David escaped from him on two different occasions.
12 So Saul feared David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. 13 Saul removed David from his presence and made him a commanding officer. David led the army out to battle and back. 14 Now David achieved success in all he did, for the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul saw how very successful he was, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back.