Sunday School Lesson
August 4
Lesson 10 (KJV)
A Covenant Between Friends
Devotional Reading: John 15:12–17
Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 18–20
1 Samuel 18:1–5
- And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
- And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
- Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
- And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
- And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
1 Samuel 19:1–7
- And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
- But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
- And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.
- And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
- For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
- And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain.
- And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
Key Verse
The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
—1 Samuel 18:1
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
- Retell the story of the friendship between Jonathan and David.
- Describe the significance of the covenant between Jonathan and David.
- Make a plan to be a better Christ-honoring friend to another person.
HOW TO SAY IT
Abraham | Ay-bruh-ham. |
Bethlehem | Beth-lih-hem. |
Deuteronomy | Due-ter-ahn-uh-me. |
Ecclesiastes | Ik-leez-ee-as–teez. |
Goliath | Go-lye-uth. |
Leviticus | Leh-vit-ih-kus. |
Philistines | Fuh-liss-teenz or Fill-us-teenz. |
Introduction
- Promise Keepers
In the 1990s, the Promise Keepers organization took Christian men by storm in the U.S. Tens of thousands from many backgrounds—different denominations, different races and ethnicities, even non-Christians—would drive hundreds of miles to fill football stadiums to praise God together in song, prayer, and preaching. The key theme of the movement was integrity. A Christian man should be a man of his word: a promise keeper to God, family, friends, acquaintances, and everyone else.
Of course, this directive is not just for men. All God’s people need to be promise keepers. Spouses need to keep commitments to each other. Children and parents must build trust by keeping their word. Employers and employees must act in accordance with hiring agreements. We can learn from those who went before us how to keep faith in our relationships.
- Lesson Context
In the Christian arrangement of the books of the Old Testament, 1 and 2 Samuel are included with the historical books (Joshua–Esther). They record the transition from theocracy (being governed by the Lord) to monarchy (being governed by an earthly king). The books of 1 and 2 Samuel can be divided into these sections:
- The end of the period of the judges (1 Samuel 1–8)
- The Lord’s selection and rejection of Saul, Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 9–15)
- The Lord’s selection of David and the fall of Saul (1 Samuel 16–31)
- The establishment of David’s throne (2 Samuel 1–10)
- The sin of David and consequent flight from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 11–18)
- The reestablishment of David in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19, 20)
- The legacy of David (2 Samuel 21–24)
Samuel is a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, being the last of the judges and the first of the prophets (see Acts 3:24; 13:20). The Israelites, tired of the abuses of Samuel’s sons, demanded that Samuel give them an earthly king “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:1–5). This flew in the face of God’s desire for Israel to be a priestly, holy nation under His rule (Exodus 19:6; 1 Samuel 12:12–16).
The Lord required Samuel to proclaim the negative consequences of becoming like the nations by having an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:11–18), but He still chose to grant their request. The Lord selected Saul, but Saul did not faithfully carry out the Lord’s commands (13:7–14; 15). Thus the Lord instructed Samuel to tell Saul of His rejection and then to anoint David to be Saul’s heir even while Saul still lived (13:14; 16:1).
- A Covenant Made
(1 Samuel 18:1–5)
King Saul met David for the first time during a confrontation with the Philistines. Young David killed the giant Goliath, leading to a rout of Israel’s enemies (1 Samuel 17:1–54). After this great victory, Saul met with David, who formally identified himself as the son of Jesse from Bethlehem (17:55–58). Jonathan, son of Saul, also had seen David’s victory over Goliath and presumably was present when David appeared before the king.
- United in Friendship (v. 1)
- And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
And it came to pass often marks the beginning of a new story or a new scene in a larger story. Here it marks the shift from the scene in Saul’s court following the death of Goliath to the friendship and covenant between Jonathan and David.
The word translated soul occurs three times in this verse. Though it has a relatively wide range of meaning, here it most nearly means “self,” one’s whole being. With so many nuances, however, there is no reason that the writer could not also intend the reader to note other meanings. For instance, soulcan also be used to contrast with body to include the will and emotions (Isaiah 10:18). This would suggest that Jonathan loves David with his innermost being. The word soul can also refer to the life of a creature, suggesting that Jonathan loves David forcefully, as though his life depends on it (Deuteronomy 19:21; Isaiah 56:11). In short, Jonathan loves David as he loves himself.
The word knit is the same verb that is translated “bound up in” in Genesis 44:30, describing the relationship between Jacob and his youngest son, Benjamin. Similarly, Jonathan’s soul, both will and emotion, is bound to David’s soul. This speaks to the commitment of one to the other. Their allegiance is not created merely out of a sense of duty but out of deep emotional and even spiritual attachment.
Together these two Hebrew words soul and knit demonstrate the genuineness and intensity of the bond between the two men. Though this verse focuses on Jonathan’s affection for David, other texts make clear that the feeling is mutual (see 1 Samuel 20:42; 2 Samuel 1:26; 21:7).
BFFs
In the shorthand lingo of modern social media, BFF stands for “best friends forever.” Earlier generations talked about “soul mates.” Both terms refer to pairs of people who seem so perfectly matched psychologically and emotionally that they understand each other almost intuitively. Though many examples are fictional, taken especially from love stories, BFFs can also be found in the real world. Some marriages are examples of this; others find their BFF in lifelong friendship.
David and Jonathan seem to have been BFFs. They were united in spirit more deeply than just enjoying each other’s presence; they were united in what they knew to be best for God’s people. Jonathan was the heir apparent of King Saul, but he later comes to accept that God had chosen another man to put on the throne. The best BFFs, like Jonathan and David, are united in wanting what God wants. How does your BFF relationship spur you on to serving the Lord?
—C. R. B.
What Do You Think?
How can we ensure that our friendships are genuine and not simply founded in a desire for gain of some sort? Digging Deeper Under what circumstances, if any, would it be appropriate to draw up a general rule of friendships that is based on a single bad experience with a “fair-weather friend”? Why? |
- Bound in Service (v. 2)
- And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
This verse interrupts the story of Jonathan and David to briefly resume the story of Saul’s action regarding David. The Hebrew word translated took can suggest choosing or selecting—as in Isaiah 44:14, in which certain trees were selected but not removed. This is the idea here; Saul selects David for a place in his court.
The second clause elaborates on what it means for Saul to take David. The king values David’s contributions in his court and military and so requires him to remain by the king’s side. This marks the end of David’s career as a shepherd (but see 2 Samuel 24:17; Ezekiel 34:20–24 regarding David as a shepherd of God’s people).
- Formed in Love (vv. 3, 4)
- Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
There are two types of formal covenants: those between equals and those between a superior and an inferior. The most significant covenants in the Old Testament are made between people and the Lord (examples: Genesis 9:17; 17:1–22; 2 Samuel 7:1–16). Covenants between various people also occur: states and their representatives, kings and their subjects, military leaders and their soldiers, and individuals. Within the last category we see marriage portrayed as a covenant between a husband and a wife.
The covenant between Jonathan and David can be argued as one of power imbalance because Jonathan is the son of the king. A strong case can also be made that this covenant is made between equals. Jonathan and David clearly share mutual love (see commentary on 1 Samuel 18:1).
- And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
Formal covenants in the ancient Near East are comprised of distinct parts. These may be enumerated as follows: (1) identification of the giver; (2) the historical prologue; (3) stipulations of the participants; (4) storing and public reading; (5) witnesses of the covenant; (6) blessings for keeping and curses for violating the covenant terms; (7) a ceremony for ratification including a verbal affirmation; and (8) sanctions pronounced on a violator of the covenant terms.
Our passage describes only one of the elements of a covenant, the ceremonial act: Jonathan’s giving David garments (see a similar act in Genesis 41:41–43). These probably represent various aspects of his royal status. The Hebrew word translated robe is an outer garment worn by people of status. That Hebrew word is also translated variously as “mantle” as we see wearing it such people as priests (Exodus 28:4), prophets (1 Samuel 15:27), royalty (1 Samuel 24:4; 2 Samuel 13:18), the wealthy (Job 1:20), and government officials (Ezra 9:3).
The sword and bow are weapons of warfare. The girdle is used to bind up the tunic so that one can be ready for freer movement, especially in battle (Psalm 45:3), and to carry the sheath for the sword (2 Samuel 20:8). Giving these items is more than a symbol of friendship; it is a pledge of Jonathan’s military loyalty to David.
The Meaning of Gifts
Gifts can take on many different meanings based on any number of different circumstances. Sometimes gifts express gratitude, as when dinner guests bring flowers in appreciation for the invitation they have received. Other gifts are meant to manipulate, like when merchandisers offer free items to entice us to buy something. Then there are Christmas and birthday gifts which may be genuine gifts of love or, in some cases, merely offered because it is customary to give something on those occasions even though the giver has no significant connection to the recipient. Sometimes gifts are used to confirm a relationship. The presentation of a diamond engagement ring confirms the love a couple has for one another and the commitment to continue growing in love together.
Jonathan’s gifts to David confirmed his loving commitment. Jonathan saw in David a true friend. By his gifts, Jonathan was saying, “I pledge my friendship and loyalty to you.” Like Jonathan, we can and should give gifts that honor our promises to our loved ones. What gifts will you give to honor yours?
—C. R. B.
What Do You Think?
What could be some modern equivalents of the way Jonathan expressed friendship with David? Why? Digging Deeper Think of nonmaterial things as well as tangible objects. Be prepared to explain the nature of the equivalence. |
- Sent in Service (v. 5)
- And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
This verse concludes the scene between Jonathan and David and summarizes the information that follows (1 Samuel 18:6, 7, not in today’s text). David’s wise behavior shows that the Lord has blessed him. Wisdom is frequently contrasted with foolishness in the Bible—with the assumption that God both gives wisdom and blesses those who demonstrate it (1 Samuel 13:13; Proverbs 1:7; 3:35; Matthew 7:24–27; etc.). as long as he acts wisely, David can expect to continue to be successful in his service not only to the king but also to the Lord.
The people accept David and approve of Saul’s decision to send him out to fight their battles. David’s forays habitually result in success (1 Samuel 18:30; 2 Samuel 5:2). Emphasizing that everyone, even Saul and his court, accepts David foreshadows the conflict to come.
- A Covenant Observed
(1 Samuel 19:1–7)
After the events in 1 Samuel 18:1–5, all seems well. The situation begins to fall apart as Saul grows jealous of David due to the adoration of the nation (1 Samuel 18:7, 8) and as an evil spirit torments Saul (18:10). The king twice attempts to kill David (18:11). But no matter how Saul schemes, the Lord is with David and keeps him safe (18:12–30).
- A Plot (v. 1)
- And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
We see again the nature of Saul’s fear and jealousy. Notice the progression. First, Saul personally tried to end David’s life (1 Samuel 18:10, 11). Then Saul tried to achieve the same result by stealth (18:17). Now Saul openly tells his son and all his servants that they should kill David.
- A Plan (vv. 2, 3)
2, 3. But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: and I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.
This verse emphasizes Jonathan’s positive regard for David, in spite of all the paranoia evident in King Saul, Jonathan’s father. The covenant that Jonathan has made with David prevents him from obeying his father’s orders to kill David. This puts Jonathan in a difficult situation. In order to save his friend, he has to disobey his father. And the king can certainly punish his son any way he sees fit for such an act of rebellion!
Jonathan chooses to honor his covenant with David and makes a plan to protect him. David is told to hide himself in a secret place in a certain field, presumably where Saul commonly goes (see 1 Samuel 20:5, 19). Then Jonathan will do two things. First, he will go out with his father, and then he will commune with Saul about David. This is to gauge Saul’s reaction to the conversation in order to report it to David (see 20:12).
- A Defense (vv. 4, 5)
4a. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David;
Jonathan’s gives his exhortation in the third person (let not the king), which is meant to be deferential rather than commanding. He begins by exhorting his father not to sin against … David (see 1 Samuel 20:32). Though sin is usually understood as an offense against God alone, those sins against God are frequently also sins against other people (Genesis 42:22; Exodus 10:16; 1 Corinthians 8:12; etc.). Sinning against David would mean bringing him to harm. Jonathan emphasizes his earnest plea using forms of the word sin three times in short order while speaking to his father (see 1 Samuel 19:5).
Jonathan’s address of his father as the king speaks also to the honor and responsibility of that position. The king must do what is right in the eyes of the Lord (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). Jonathan fulfills the command to argue for justice that the king should fulfill (Proverbs 21:8; Jeremiah 18:20).
Referring to David as the king’s servant makes clear the difference in power and status between those two. But even though the king has the power to do as he pleases with and to his servant, the king must honor the Lord in all decisions. David is loyal to the king, and it would be evil to harm a loyal servant (see 1 Samuel 22:14; 25:21; Proverbs 17:13).
4b, 5a. Because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice:
Jonathan gives an insurmountable reason for not harming David: David has done no wrong to King Saul—quite the opposite, in fact! Evidence of David’s very good work is recounted in that he risked his life in killing the Philistine giant Goliath (17:50, 51). The result from the Lord was a great salvation for all Israel (17:52, 53). Jonathan then reminds his father, who was an eyewitness to all this, that he didst rejoice when it all happened.
5b. Wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
Jonathan concludes his argument by returning to his beginning exhortation and turning it into the rhetorical question we see here. A rhetorical question is designed to make a point rather than get an answer.
The answer itself is obvious: the king should not slay David without a cause because then the king himself would become guilty and deserving of death (Deuteronomy 19:10–13). The term blood is often used metaphorically of the life force (compare Genesis 9:4 for “life” and 42:22 for “death”). Here blood refers to David’s manner of living. Jonathan describes David’s blood, or actions, as innocentbecause David has acted faithfully as a servant in the court of Saul. David has never given Saul any reason for Saul’s anger.
What Do You Think?
What are some ways we can act to defend an innocent friend without jeopardizing our own credibility in the process? Digging Deeper What types of situations might call us not to defend a friend, either to protect ourselves or to do what is ultimately best for the friend in question? And if there are limits to loyalty, what are they? |
- A Promise (v. 6)
- And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain.
Jonathan’s argument has the desired effect. Hearkened unto means both to hear and to act in accordance with what is heard, as when the Lord told Abraham to “hearken unto [Sarah’s] voice” (Genesis 21:12). Similarly, the exodus from Egypt was initiated because God not only heard but acted on the groaning of the children of Israel (Exodus 2:24, 25).
Saul’s obedience to the voice of Jonathan culminates in making a vow in the name of the Lord: David shall not be slain. Making vows is equivalent to making a covenant (Deuteronomy 4:31). The Lord expects the king to keep his vow (Numbers 30:2; see also Matthew 5:33–37). Deuteronomy 23:21–23 declares that vows must be kept, while Ecclesiastes 5:4–6 reminds the reader that breaking a vow angers the Lord. By swearing that David will live, Saul binds himself to do all in his power to protect David.
What Do You Think?
What are some techniques to keep a vouching-for situation from resulting in more emotional “heat” than the “light” of facts and reason? Digging Deeper Should you focus on reducing emotional “heat” (and run the risk of appearing defensive) or on increasing the “light” of reason (and run the risk of allowing emotional characterizations to stick)? |
- A Reunion (v. 7)
- And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
David emerges from his prearranged hiding place after hearing the proper signal. Jonathan informs him of Saul’s change of heart and as a result David is in Saul’s presence as in times past. This phrase calls back to mind how well David and Saul had worked together initially. David’s service in Saul’s court is no less valuable than his military service (1 Samuel 16:14–23; 18:13; 19:8). At least for the time being, Saul desires that David live and thrive in the king’s court as before (but contrast 19:9–15; 20:31, 33).
What Do You Think?
If a church were to have a ministry to reconcile conflicts between friends and family members, what would such a ministry look like? Digging Deeper Consider further how churches in a given area could band together to do this. |
Conclusion
- Covenant Keepers
His covenant with David put Jonathan in a difficult situation. When he learned of the king’s unjust plot on his closest friend, he risked (at best) alienation from his father and (at worst) death. Nevertheless, Jonathan was true to his covenant with David without being disloyal to his father, reconciling Saul and David. The Lord is pleased when we are covenant-keepers. That’s true for simple promises, such as being on time for dinner, or major ones, such as honoring marriage vows.
- Prayer
Dear Lord, help us follow Jonathan’s example of keeping covenant as we are faithful to the promises we make. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Thought to Remember
Honoring covenants, commitments, and contracts honors the Lord.
KID’S CORNER
Courageous and Sacrificial Friendship
August 4, 2019
1 Samuel 18:1-5 & 19:1-7
1 Samuel 18:1-5 & 19:1-7
(1 Samuel 18:1) Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
King Saul recruited the young man David into his army after David killed the giant Goliath and the Philistines fled in fear before Saul’s army. Jonathan and David had a like faith in and love for the LORD. With the help of the LORD, but single-handedly, Jonathan had defeated a Philistine garrison and had given his father the courage to enter the battle with his army. Through faith in the LORD, but single-handedly, David had defeated Goliath, and had given the Israelites the courage to attack and defeat the Philistines. They were probably close to the same age and each one found in the other a courageous man after God’s own heart which brought them into a lasting and protective friendship.
(1 Samuel 18:2) Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.
Saul lived in fear instead of in faith in the LORD; so, he desperately needed courageous leaders and soldiers like David to defeat the enemies of Israel. Saul also knew that whenever an evil spirit came upon him that only David could bring him comfort when David played the lyre. The prophet Samuel had warned the Israelites that if they wanted a king the king would compel whomever he chose to serve him, and Saul compelled David to serve him and would not let David go home.
(1 Samuel 18:3) Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
The Bible commands us to love one another and to love our neighbors as ourselves: Jonathan and David loved each other with a “soul love” as the LORD has commanded us to love others. They were “soul brothers.” Jesus expressed this type of love for us, but an infinitely greater and divine type of love for us, when He died sacrificially on the cross to save us from our sins. Jonathan knew that because of his father’s faithless rebellion against the LORD that his kingdom would come to an end and he would never be king after his father. Instead, the LORD would begin a new dynasty with a man after God’s own heart, and Jonathan believed that king would be David. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14, we read, “Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which he commanded you. The LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever, but now your kingdom will not continue; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart; and the LORD has appointed him to be ruler over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.’” In David, Jonathan recognized a man with a deep faith in the LORD like himself, a man after God’s own heart, so he made a covenant with David that committed him to protect David whenever possible and David would protect him and his family. We learn more about the covenant they made in 1 Samuel 20:13-17, Jonathan said, “‘But if my father intends to do you harm, the LORD do so to Jonathan, and more also, if I do not disclose it to you, and send you away, so that you may go in safety. May the LORD be with you, as he has been with my father. If I am still alive, show me the faithful love of the LORD; but if I die, never cut off your faithful love from my house, even if the LORD were to cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.’ Thus Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘May the LORD seek out the enemies of David.’ Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him; for he loved him as he loved his own life.” Jonathan knew that David would be the next king, and he wanted David to have the presence and protection of the LORD as his father once had before he became a rebellious king. After Jonathan died, David kept the covenant for as long as he wisely could.
(1 Samuel 18:4) Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.
Jonathan and David were such loyal friends that Jonathan also committed himself to helping David achieve the future God planned for him no matter the personal cost. In John 15:13, Jesus described the kind of love this “band of brothers” had for one another, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jonathan gave up his claim to be the king and showed that he believed David should follow his father as king. To seal the covenant between them, Jonathan gave David the royal symbols that showed he was transferring his right to be king to David. Jonathan knew in his heart and from what the LORD had said to his father about the end of his dynasty that David would be the next king after his father. Therefore, Jonathan sacrificially gave David the royal symbols and weapons that David would need to lead the Israelites as their king and defeat their enemies. Of course, Jonathan also knew that he could easily get more armor and swords for future battles from defeated Philistines—but Philistine armor would not be the royal armor of a king or the son of a king. Eventually, King Saul came to believe that David was a threat to his dynasty for in 1 Samuel 20:31, he said to Jonathan, “For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.”
(1 Samuel 18:5) So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
In the beginning of their relationship, King Saul thought David would enhance and strengthen his rule over Israel by defeating Israel’s enemies. When David succeeded, Saul set him over the whole army, to lead them into battle instead of leading the army himself. Because the LORD was with him, David succeeded, and all the people approved of Saul’s choice of David. When an evil spirit entered Saul, and Saul became jealous, Saul wanted to kill David. But true to his covenant promise, Jonathan sought to save David from his father’s wrath. And David’s wife, Michal, also loved David; so she saved David from being murdered by Saul, her father.
(1 Samuel 19:1) Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.
As we study the relationship between King Saul and David, an evil spirit sometimes came upon Saul and moved him to try to kill David, but the evil spirit never succeeded in harming David. Through these experiences, David learned about the spiritual and physical protection that the LORD would provide for him if he remained faithful to the LORD. No matter what evil spirits attacked David through their influence over King Saul, the LORD ultimately protected David through many hardships and David became the king of Israel after Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle.
(1 Samuel 19:2) So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself.
In keeping with their covenant, no doubt inspired by the LORD through the work of His Spirit, Jonathan warned David about his father’s plans and how David should hide until he could tell David about the results of his efforts to persuade his father not to harm David. Jonathan did this believing that David was the most qualified person to succeed his father as king, but he probably did not know he would need to die in battle to make David’s ascension to the throne politically possible.
(1 Samuel 19:3) “I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you; if I find out anything, then I will tell you.”
Jonathan somehow persuaded his father to accompany him to the field where David hid and where he could talk to his father about David. No evil spirit was upon Saul at that time, so Jonathan could reason with him.
(1 Samuel 19:4) Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you.
In trying to reason with his father, Jonathan gave his father the most important reason, “It would be a sin” to murder David. Second, David was his servant and David had never sinned against him. Third, not only had David never done anything against Saul, but David had been of good service to Saul. Notice how Jonathan had to finally appeal to the selfish nature of his father—he reminded him of the benefits that he had received from David as his servant. If Saul killed David, he would lose all these benefits. Since Saul was a selfish sinful person, if the moral arguments of Jonathan and appealing to the law of God would not work to save David, then an appeal to his sinful selfish nature surely would. Many people will do what is good when they see it benefits their selfish nature, but this is not the goodness that comes from a good heart, a heart that seeks after God.
(1 Samuel 19:5) “For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?”
Next, Jonathan listed some of the personal benefits Saul had received from David. At the risk of David’s own life, when everyone else was afraid, David had risked his life to help secure Saul’s reign over Israel when David killed Goliath and Saul had then defeated the Philistine army in a great battle. Since Saul was king, even though the LORD brought the great victory through David, Saul was honored for being victorious and not dishonored by a sure defeat if David had not killed Goliath. Jonathan reminded his father how he had rejoiced over David’s victory. Then, Jonathan gave King Saul a moral argument: David was innocent because he had never sinned against Saul; Saul had no justifiable reason to kill David for David had done nothing wrong against the kingdom of Israel or King Saul’s dynasty. David had never rebelled against God or the Kingdom of Israel.
(1 Samuel 19:6) Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death.”
Without the misleading of an evil spirit upon him, King Saul responded to his son’s arguments and made an oath before God that he would not put David to death; however, King Saul did try to kill David several times (and even tried to kill his own son, Jonathan) after he made this oath, but the LORD protected David and David never raised his hand against his king to protect himself. David trusted in the LORD and His promise that he would be king. David patiently waited on the LORD’s timing to be king—for the time when the LORD had fully prepared him to reign as king of Israel.
(1 Samuel 19:7) Then Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these words. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as formerly.
After telling David what had happened, Jonathan personally took David to his father, and David again served as a military leader over Saul’s army and as a player of the lyre to bring Saul peace of mind and heart.
Courageous and Sacrificial Friendship
August 4, 2019
1 Samuel 18:1-5 & 19:1-7
“Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt” (1 Samuel 18:4).
Under Israel’s first king, only King Saul and his son Jonathan had armor and swords. King Saul reigned in fear, because he had rebelled against the LORD and the LORD had departed from him. Through Samuel, the LORD told Saul his dynasty would end. Then, Samuel anointed David as the future king. When the Philistines oppressed the Israelites, Jonathan rallied the army to defeat them. Jonathan led the way because he acted with faith in the LORD. Before the battle, Jonathan stood with only his armor bearer and said, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will act for us; for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). The LORD was with Jonathan, and the garrison fell. Jonathan’s success gave his father the courage to fight the Philistines, and Israel won a great victory. Before David became king he fought the giant Goliath, telling him, “This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand….that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.” (1 Samuel 17:46- 47). After David killed Goliath, the Philistines fled in fear. Both Jonathan and David were men after God’s own heart. As kindred spirits, their faithfulness to and love for the LORD drew them into a courageous and sacrificial friendship; therefore, Jonathan gave David what he would need to lead all Israel and someday reign as king.
Thinking Further
Courageous and Sacrificial Friendship
August 4, 2019
1 Samuel 18:1-5 & 19:1-7
Name ___________________________________
- Why do you think King Saul wanted David in his army? See 1 Samuel 17.
- Why do you think Jonathan and David were kindred spirits?
- Do you think Jonathan came to understand that David should become king instead of him?
- Why do you think Jonathan gave David his battle dress?
- Why do you think King Saul wanted to kill David?
Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further
- Why do you think King Saul wanted David in his army? See 1 Samuel 17. David had killed Goliath, which enabled King Saul to gain a victory over the Philistines. He wanted valiant soldiers.
- Why do you think Jonathan and David were kindred spirits? The LORD was with both. The LORD drew them together. They were courageous and victorious soldiers who loved the LORD. They trusted in the LORD to give them victory over their enemies. The LORD bonded their souls together in love; therefore, Jonathan sacrificially gave up his desire to become king and did not fight David for the throne. David became his brother-in-law when he married Michal, Jonathan’s sister, so David became a part of the family. Probably they were both about the same age. The were both about the same size, for Jonathan’s armor fit David while King Saul’s did not.
- Do you think Jonathan came to understand that David should become king instead of him? Yes. I think he knew that because of his father’s sin he would not succeed his father as king, and he knew what the prophet Samuel foretold his father. Furthermore, he probably saw that David was more suited to be king than he was, for all the people loved David and said he was greater than King Saul. They both loved the LORD and would have different destinies according to the will of God, and I believe Jonathan understood that fact and accepted that fact and retained his friendship with David.
- Why do you think Jonathan gave David his battle dress? He knew that it would help David in his battles and perhaps save his life. Jonathan and the army could get other armor and swords as the Philistines were defeated. By doing this, he showed David and the LORD that he had accepted the fact that David would become king instead of him, and as king David would need royal armor. The people would see David in Jonathan’s armor and learn that Jonathan had given his claim to be king to David.
- Why do you think King Saul wanted to kill David? He was fearful and jealous of David, who showed that he was a better person and soldier than Saul. He may have wanted his dynasty to continue even though the LORD had told him it would not. Because of his rebellion, the LORD had left him, and the LORD sent an evil spirit to enter him and influence him to do try to kill David whom the LORD would always save. In David, Saul saw what he could have been if he had not rebelled against the LORD, and he became angry.
Courageous and Sacrificial Friendship
August 4, 2019
1 Samuel 18:1-5 & 19:1-7
Name ___________________________________
K D T H G I L E D D Z I G P A
B F O E N U G Z S I C A Y N S
S A X O Q I C Q T V Q N I O F
W V D C G Y N W R A I S U T N
O C O V E N A N T D B L R V J
R F S M Z T J R O Y V S A B A
D I P F G Q I Q N C E J Q F R
C Z X W O B Y G B R E Z V L M
N A H T A N O J V G I N Y I O
K R M J C R M A H A Y L T D R
O L A K V D N W E V M I K G E
T D G Y M T C T O Q R F P O M
E N I T S I L I H P A D Z R Y
F K L U A S H Y N T J E S U S
I R T I X K I L L I N G Z Y Q
David
Saul
Jonathan
Soul
Covenant
Armor
Sword
Bow
Army
Servants
Killing
Delight
Good
Innocent
Philistine
True and False Test
Courageous and Sacrificial Friendship
August 4, 2019
1 Samuel 18:1-5 & 19:1-7
Name ___________________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
- 1. Saul convinced his son, Jonathan, to show love for David so he could spy on David and keep him from becoming king of Israel. True or False
- Jonathan and David both trusted in the LORD to help them win their battles, and the LORD helped them both. True or False
- Jonathan loved David as his own soul, and Jesus commanded us to love others as we loved themselves (see Matthew 22:39). True or False
- Because King Saul had rebelled against the LORD, Jonathan most probably knew he could never become king of Israel. True or False
- King Saul told David to go home and pack his bags and then come and serve him. True or False
- Jonathan and David made a covenant to protect each other and their families. True or False
- After King Saul set David over his army, all the people and Saul’s servants approved. True or False
- Sometimes King Saul wanted to kill David. True or False
- Jonathan told David that he would learn from his father what he wanted to do to David, kill him or not. True or False
- Because his father told him to, Jonathan tried to kill David in a field with a bow and arrow. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
10.False
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us follow Jonathan’s example of keeping covenant as we are faithful to the promises we make. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.