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JONATHAN SAVED DAVID’S LIFE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
1 Samuel 19

Galatians 5:19-21

 

“Now the works of the flesh

are manifest…”

 

JONATHAN SAVED DAVID’S LIFE
 
Saul knew that David was destined to be king after him. However, he had a carnal outlook and refused to see David ascend to the throne. He gave orders to his son and his servants to kill David. When his attempts failed, he looked for another convenient occasion. He sent messengers to his house to slay him there, but David’s wife assisted in his escape. David then fled to Samuel’s house to seek refuge there. God protected him all the way as the king tried every means to see that he died. The Lord continued to use the friendship of David and Jonathan to secure his life. Both Samuel and Jonathan knew that David would be king, and King Saul had seen it coming and that became a cause for his hatred for David.
 
Saul spoke outrightly to his son Jonathan and his servants to kill David. He came up with that idea because he feared losing the throne. At the same time, he wanted the future king of Israel to come from his lineage. Saul’s intention was what is known as political assassination. It came out of ambition and jealousy. In scripture, such acts are classified as works of the flesh. The king was driven by such depravity in his heart as to shed innocent blood. He should have known that the privilege to lead a nation was a favour of God. He himself was not born into a royal family, but God picked him out of nowhere and told Samuel to anoint him king. It was his own misconduct that led to his rejection.
 
While Saul struggled to deal with David, Jonathan loved David and acted to protect him from his father. He spoke well of David before the king, imploring his father not to sin against his servant because he had not sinned against him. David had risked his life to protect the nation and he had killed Goliath. The Lord had used him to bring salvation to Israel. Even the king himself had rejoiced over that victory. Jonathan told him that he would be sinning against innocent blood if he slew David. These words of Jonathan were able to persuade the king to rethink his earlier order, for Saul hearkened to the voice of Jonathan. He swore by the Lord that David would not be slain. Jonathan kept David informed, and their friendship remained.
 
THOUGHT: One needs to be bold in defending the truth.

PRAYER: Father, may Thy truth be seen in all my relationships.

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