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David and Jonathan: 1 Samuel 18-20
Jonathan, the son of Saul, became a very close friend to David. At first, even Saul liked David very much and put him in charge over his armies. But Saul became jealous of David and began to be suspicious of him. It was so bad that Saul tried to kill David. Yet, through all of this, Jonathan and David remained very close.
Because of their friendship, Jonathan refused to try to kill David, even though Saul had given the order to do so. Instead, Jonathan helped David escape from Saul, and spoke highly of David in Saul’s presence. It even appeared as though Jonathan persuaded his father, but it did not last. Saul was determined to kill David.
David had also married Michal, Saul’s daughter. She also aided David in escaping from Saul as he tried to kill him. Jonathan came to David’s side again, vowing to do anything that David asked. They worked out a plan to determine Saul’s intentions. As it unfolded, it was shown that Saul continued in his intentions to kill David. Saul even threw a spear at Jonathan. So because of Jonathan’s help, David was able to escape.
The friendship that existed between David and Jonathan is expressed again in 1 Samuel 20:17. “Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.” It was this brotherly love that they had for one another that caused Jonathan to act against his father’s evil intentions. Jonathan later died in battle with his father, but it was his love for David that helped pave the way for David’s own kingdom.
Discussion
1. At first, how did Saul treat David? What turned Saul against David? How did Saul attempt to kill David?
2. Describe the relationship between David and Jonathan.
3. How did Jonathan try to convince Saul that David did not deserve death? Did it work?
4. What plan did David and Jonathan work out to determine Saul’s intentions? What was the outcome?
5. How important do you think Jonathan was to the life and reign of David?