First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Twenty

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. JONATHAN QUESTIONS HIS FATHER'S INTENTIONS CONCERNING DAVID - (1-10)

II. THE COVENANT BETWEEN JONATHAN AND DAVID - (11-23)
III. SAUL'S ANGER IS KINDLED AGAINST JONATHAN - (24-34)
IV. JONATHAN AND DAVID PART COMPANY - (35-42)

 

I. JONATHAN QUESTIONS HIS FATHER'S INTENTIONS CONCERNING DAVID - (1-10)

As noted before, Jonathan had an excellent relationship with his father. Jonathan is convinced that his father would do nothing without first consulting him. David sees Saul in a different light. He has been on the receiving end of Saul's wrath. He believes that Jonathan might be just a little naive at this point.

"...There is but a step between me and death." The verse states an universal truth; for all practical purposes, every man has "one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel." See (Jas. 4:14; Psa. 78:39; 89:48; 144:4; 102:3; Prov. 27:1; 1 Chron. 29:15).

For the Jew, the new moon designates the beginning of the month. (Num. 28:11; Isa. 1:13,14; 66:23; Neh. 10:33). It was a time of sacrifice and worship.

Here we approach a very interesting question, "Is it ever right to lie?" David fabricates a story that he asks Jonathan to relate to his father, Saul. Little, if anything at all, is truthful in the story. Should Jonathan lie for David? The question parallels this problem; is it ever right to disobey civil or human authority? There are certainly some exceptions to our second question, let's look at the first. The Hebrew midwives lie to Pharaoh in (Ex. 1:19) and God rewards them in (vs. 20). Rahab, the harlot, lied to protect the two Jericho spies, (Josh. 2:5). The wise men deceived Herod, (Matt. 2:12). The Lord creates a secondary situation for Samuel in (1 Sam. 16:1-5), so that Samuel does not have to tell the whole truth. The principle is: "we ought to obey God rather than man." When a man opposes the revealed will of God, he loses his right to hear the truth. One ought to be very careful when invoking this special exception.

David tells Jonathan that if he has done anything worthy of death, he would gladly submit to the punishment, 'capital punishment', (Gen. 9:5; Acts 25:11).

 

II. THE COVENANT BETWEEN JONATHAN AND DAVID - (11-23)

"And Jonathan said unto David, 0 Lord God of Israel...." The prayer mixes Jonathan's conversation with David, and conversation with God, It is said of some of the old saints that they would "unceasingly" pray in everyday conversation. One would not be certain who was being addressed God was that real ... that close.

God is asked to witness the covenant agreement that is made. He will hold both parties responsible.

The particular conditions of (vss. 15,16) find fulfillment in a man called Mephibosheth, found in (2 Sam. 9). As will be seen Mephibosheth pictures the lost man, "dead in trespasses and sins," invited to sit at the dinner table of the king, based on a promise made to one Jonathan; in this case, a type of Christ. We'll explore this further in (2 Sam. 9).

"...When the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David." Jonathan prophesies of David's final victory, even though it may well be at the expense of his own (Jonathan's) father. The stone 'Ezel' is fittingly named (vs. 19). The word means a pile of stones set as a mark or marker; literally, "that sheweth the way."

 

III. SAUL'S ANGER IS KINDLED AGAINST JONATHAN - (24-34)

David doesn't show for dinner as planned. Saul makes no comment, but immediately, mentally, he has condemned David ("he is not clean" vs. 26) for some wickedness. Again a tremendous insight into the human nature We are always willing to think the worst of our enemies in any given situation. This is part of the self-justification mechanism of the human 'psyche'. This elevates us ... in our own eyes. "Hope for the worst!"

David has well predicted the reaction of his adversary (vs. 7,30), "if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him."

Saul turns on Jonathan! Saul detects that Jonathan's sympathies lie with his friend. Saul instructs Jonathan to fetch David and escort him to his execution; Jonathan questions, "wherefore shall he be slain?" (32), and the next javelin is headed in his direction. Saul is "one brick short of a full load." As one brother put it, "all the lights are on, but nobody's home." He's crazy, "to smite him." The word "smite" is often biblically interchangeable with the word "kill." Jonathan is in a quandary.

 

IV. JONATHAN AND DAVID PART COMPANY - (35-42)

Jonathan is faced with a difficult choice. Run with David or stay with his father. As they say, "blood is thicker than water." Jonathan chooses to support his 'dad'. In supporting his father, he is not opposing David. Neither man gives us the idea that Jonathan's choice is wrong. It is a matter of priority and parental respect.

Jonathan and David meet as planned. The news is bad, the men have a crisis on their hands. David does not attempt to lure his friend from his father's 'stables', the next step is obvious. David must run. The farewell words are brief and to the point, I suppose as they ought to be. Tears are shed, embraces are exchanged and the two part company, never again to enjoy the fellowship and companionship of one another on this side of Heaven. David departed "and Jonathan went into the city."

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