Events in David's life have been moving fast. From a lowly shepherd to champion warrior, David is now publicly noticed in all Israel. Saul places him in a position over men of war. When he returns from a victorious expedition against the Philistines, he is greeted with dancing and rejoicing, the popular song being, "Saul has struck down his thousands and David his tens of thousands.." (1Sam 18:5-7) Yes, all of Israel and Judah were lovers of David.
This popularity stirred up envy in Saul. Instead of rejoicing over the victory, Saul in his heart thinks, "They have given David tens of thousands, but to me they have given the thousands, and there is yet only the kingship to give him!" Twice when David was playing the harp before him, as he had done before, Saul hurls a spear with the intent of pinning David to the wall, both times Jehovah delivers him. (1Sam 18:11-16)
Saul, finally offers his daughter, Merab as a wife to David. However, David, a humble man answers,"Who am I and who are my kinfolk, my father's family in Israel, so that I should become son-in-law of the king?" In the meantime, Merab is given to another man. But it comes to Saul's attention that his younger daughter, Michal is in love with David. So, Saul hatches up a scheme to rid himself of David. Saul says, " I shall give her to him that she may serve as a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may come to be upon him." David though is still hesitate to agree to marry a daughter of the king, since he is but a lowly one, having nothing to offer a bride. Saul's servants encourage David to grasp this opportunity. David's answer to the servants, "Is it an easy thing in your eyes to form a marriage alliance with the king, when I am a man of little means and lightly esteemed?" When this answer is reported back to Saul, he instructs his servants what to say to David, "The king has delight, not in marriage money, but in a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to avenge himself on the enemies of the king." But this was Sauls' scheme to have David fall by the hand of the Philistines. So, David went out with his men and struck down two hundred Philistines and brought their foreskins to Saul. Saul was obliged to give David, Michal as wife. Saul's wicked scheme did not work and worse for him is now two of his own children love David and entered into covenants with him. (1Sam 18:17-30)
Sometime later, Saul speaks to Jonathan his son and to all his servants of putting David to death. How do you think Jonathan reacts to this plan? Can you imagine his heartbreak? Jonathan remembers his formative years when he was influenced by his father who, up until the time of being chosen as king, displayed modesty, obedience, and a respect for Jehovah and his arrangements. Jonathan must be in a state of shock to hear this plan. Would Jonathan's close relationship with his father overshadow his zeal for God and loyalty to his friend, David?
When you read chapter 19 of 1 Samuel the love and loyalty Jonathan displays in trying to be a peacemaker is very endearing to me. You will read how Jonathan immediately warns David and tells him to hide while Jonathan pleads David's case before Saul. Saul then swears he will not kill David. David then returns home. Later on, David even plays his harp for the king, but again Saul throws his spear at David, who than flees to his home. His wife, Michal helps him escape during the night convinced that David will be murdered if he stays. So David, escapes into the night and finds his way to the prophet Samuel where Jehovah protects him from his enemies for now. So begins the fugitive years of David. (Read 1Sam 19 for details of this real life experience)
Will he ever see his friend Jonathan again? What about his young wife he must leave behind? How do you feel about the injustice David has been subjected to? Why do you suppose David continues to endure this unjust treatment? He is after all the anointed king designate. What can we learn from the actions of these three faithful servants of God? Will these three continue to be steadfast in loyalty to their God and to His arrangements?
