Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 11, 59.
David and Jonathan’s friendship is one of the well-known relationships in the Bible (1 Samuel 18:1-3). Their friendship was not one of convenience (as it may have been if they just happened to know each other and were forced to spend time together); but the text says their souls were “knit” together (1 Samuel 18:1).
This bond would be tested, though, as Jonathan’s father, King Saul, wanted David killed. Jonathan had to make a choice. Would he be loyal to his father, the king, or his friend? He chose to be loyal to his friend and tried to protect him in the presence of the king.
“Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, ‘You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die.’
“But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, ‘Why should he be put to death? What has he done?’ Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father decided to put David to death” (1 Samuel 20:30-33).
Not only did Jonathan need to make a choice between his father and his friend, but he also had to make a choice between ascending to the throne or aiding an innocent and righteous man. Jonathan decided that defending the innocent David before the king was more important than gaining some position of power.
As we often observe political candidates who seem willing to do or say anything in order to reach or retain a certain office, it is refreshing to read of one like Jonathan who recognized that justice and righteousness were more important than his personal political success.
If only we had more leaders who were more interested in what was right than with what was politically advantageous to them.
Tomorrow’s reading: 1 Samuel 21-24
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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