Jonathan and David make a Covenant

I Samuel 18:1–16
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In addition to this favored position, Jonathan, Saul’s oldest son, becomes David’s closest friend (vv. 1-2). In fact, this friendship develops to the point that Jonathan, who was apparent heir to the throne (I Sam. 20:31) strips himself of his own regalia and places it on David (vv. 3-4). Their friendship is one of the deepest and closest in the Bible and this remained to the end. Not being able to tolerate the presence of the one whom the Spirit of God rested, Saul brings David into the palace and makes him commander of his army (v. 5). This appointment was considered by the people as a high honor (I Sam. 13:2) and they no doubt believed that David had earned such a promotion. Saul however hoped the new inexperienced general would be killed by the Philistines.

David was providentially prepared by the Lord in the palace to undertake his royal responsibilities some 15 years later. However, his education was not always pleasant. When David returned from the slaughter of the Philistines, the women came out to Saul singing and dancing that Saul had slain his thousand but David had slain his ten thousand (vv. 6-7). Saul became very jealous and angry and it says that from that day forward he kept his eye on David (vv. 8-9). At this time in Israel’s history no one knew who David was. He unwittingly captivated the imagination of the people and was given what Saul wanted most; praise and affirmation. Realizing what was happening Saul became very jealous and an evil spirit came mightily upon him, and he raved in the midst of his house (v. 10). David quite unaffected by his newly acquired popularity, played his harp in hopes of quieting the tormented spirit of the king. Saul having lost control of his mind, emotions, and will, in a fit of rage, hurled two spears at David but missed (v. 11).

Saul was afraid of David. He saw that God was with the Bethlehemite. Saul himself no longer sensed the direction of God’s Spirit. Therefore Saul made David a captain of a thousand to get him out of the court. Yet with Yahweh’s blessing, David continued to prosper. This only fueled Saul’s resentment. Yet the people of both Israel and Judah loved David (vv. 12-16). Jealousy may not seem to be a major sin, but in reality it is one step short of murder. Jealousy starts as you resent a rival, it leads to your wishing he or she were removed, then it manifests itself in your seeking ways to harm that person in word or action.

Application

Jealousy and anger has ruined many good people. If it isn’t dealt with it may even lead to murder.  God’s advice to me is to “not let the sun go down on (my) your wrath (Eph. 4:26).”