David and Jonathan - Devoted, Biblical Friends
Old Testament's Israelite Heroes Dodging the Wrath of King Saul
Jonathan was no slouch as King Saul's son. He was actively involved with his father's military endeavors. Even so, he, too, felt the wrath of his volatile father. Jonathan's relationship with David only set King Saul's ire over the boiling point, like a geyser spewing from the earth.
Israel Asked for a King
The nation of Israel asked God for a king. Though God was not particularly thrilled with this idea, He obliged and chose Saul. In the beginning, Saul was humble and decided to be a good king, adhering to God's directives. However, over time, he lost his humility and chose to run the kingdom his way, ignoring God. Consequently, for his disobedience, a spirit was sent by God to afflict him.
King Saul's moods were unpredictable. He fell into fits of rage and depression. His servants suggested music to quiet him. As it so happened, they knew about David, an accomplished singer and musician of his day. David was brought into Saul's court to soothe the King's troubled spirit with his music.
As a member now of Saul's household, David was introduced to Jonathan, "...the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself...Then Jonathan made a covenant with David..." 1 Samuel 18:1-3.
Additionally, Jonathan gave David his royal armor. Perhaps, this was a physical foreshadowing of David's ultimate rise to the throne, the throne Jonathan would never see.
David's Military Success
Merely a shepherd boy, David killed the Philistines' giant, Goliath. This feat plunged him into King Saul's military campaigns.
Victory after victory, David's campaigns were, at first, hailed by King Saul, until the king heard the women singing David's praises, "Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands." Thereafter, Saul turned on David, breathing murder. 1Samuel 18:7.
King Saul sent David into risky military campaigns hoping to kill him. However, David returned each time alive and successful, further infuriating the king. Additionally, King Saul observed that David had become God's favorite - fear of David added to his mix of fury.
Jonathan
Jonathan, the heir to his father's throne, stood in the gap between David and his father. Eventually, David was forced to flee from Saul's court and hide. Hiding did not prevent the king from pursuing him. Jonathan protected David from his father's fury (informing David of his father's plans).
"Why should he [David] be put to death? What has he done? [Jonathan asked his father]. Then Saul hurled his spear at him [Jonathan] to strike him down...." 1Samuel 20:33.
Deaths of King Saul and Jonathan
Jonathan and King Saul were killed defending Israel against the Philistines. King Saul was wounded by arrows. He asked his armor bearer to kill him, however, because King Saul was the Lord's anointed, the armor bearer refused to. Falling on his own sword, the king killed himself.
When David heard the news, he wept and sang an honoring song for Jonathan and the fallen king, "...I am distressed for you, my brother, Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women." 2 Samuel 1:26.
As a final tribute to Jonathan, when David became king he sought out Jonathan's crippled son and cared for him.
Their commonalities:
- Servants of country;
- Lovers of country;
- Served their king;
- Courageous;
- Skilled military abilities;
- Leaders; and,
- Demonstrated deep faith in God.
No wonder they were the best of friends.
Other biblical love stories, see: Eve and Magi.
Source
New American Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee 37234, no date of publication, pgs. 299-300,303,316.
David Playing Music to K. Saul
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