Heroic faith

1 Samuel 14:1-14 (click the link to read the passages)

Jonathan was the oldest son of King Saul, and in human terms the heir apparent to Israel’s throne. He was endowed with great mental ability, high and noble morality, a handsome appearance and a heart of love. That God should have other plans than to bring Jonathan to the throne of Israel is accepted with grace by this man of great course, fidelity and unselfishness. These winsome characteristics all find their source in his unwavering faith in the God of Israel. Caught up in the perpetual skirmishing between the Israelites and the Philistines, Jonathan prepares to attack one of the enemy outposts, and says to his armour bearer: “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (v. 6, NIV). Although just two lonely fighters, they emerge unscathed from a fight in which twenty Philistines are killed.

For thought and contemplation:

Here’s an exercise that should do you a lot of spiritual good. Take Jonathan’s statement in the passage you have read today—“Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few”— and meditate upon it until you have drained it of every precious drop of spiritual refreshment. We’ll be surprised if it doesn’t change your day.

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” (Psa. 37:39, NIV)

Undaunted courage

1 Samuel 14:15-46

Having demonstrated his faith in God and his great physical courage, Jonathan’s standing is now high among the Israelites—but he must now demonstrate moral courage too, for he has to serve under a very unstable father.

A confusing battle follows Jonathan’s initial attack upon the Philistines, and again the Philistines are routed. Saul issues a rash order that none of his men should eat that day while pursuing the enemy.

Jonathan, unaware of this order, eats some of the honey which surrounds him. When told of Saul’s order that no food should pass their lips during the foray, he bravely speaks out against it. By the casting of lots, Jonathan is then singled out as the one who has disobeyed the king’s order, and Saul sentences him to death. Popular support for Jonathan, however, prevents the execution.

For thought and contemplation:

Why did Jonathan disapprove of his father’s order to fast? Quite simply, because he sensed that on this particular occasion it was not a divine command, and was therefore unnecessary. A lot of legalism would be emptied out of the Church if we could emulate Jonathan’s dedicated and sensitive spirit.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor. 3:17, NIV)

A covenant relationship

1 Samuel 18:1-15

Jonathan and David first meet in Saul’s presence when the shepherd boy is presented to the king after the conquest of Goliath. An immediate bond of love is forged between David and Jonathan—a love which endures right up to the moment of Jonathan’s untimely death in battle. Jonathan presents his robe, military dress and weapons to David as a public mark of honour and respect. David behaves wisely at court, and rises rapidly in the army and in popular esteem. This, as we have seen, causes Saul to become exceedingly jealous of him.

While David plays to him, Saul twice hurls his spear at him but David escapes unharmed. Jonathan quickly realises that he faces a conflict of loyalties, and that he will require all the skill and diplomacy of which he is capable to maintain his loyalty to his father and his friendship for David.

For thought and contemplation:

Not many can stand between two people who are distanced by strife, and retain a loyalty and love for both. But Jonathan was such a person. In New Testament language, he would be described as a ‘peacemaker’. Could this description be given of you?

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9, NIV)

A faithful friend

1 Samuel 19:1-7 and chapter 20

Saul instructs Jonathan and the courtiers to kill David, but Jonathan warns him to go into hiding while he reasons with his father. Jonathan points out to Saul that David has done nothing but good for the king, and that he had risked his life to kill Goliath. Saul heeds the words of his son and swears that David will not be put to death. Through Jonathan’s intercession, David is able to return to the court, but it is not long before Saul’s jealousy is aroused yet again, causing David to flee for his life. David seeks out Jonathan’s help in overcoming the problem, but Jonathan does not really believe that David’s life is in danger. He agrees to speak to his father once again, but Jonathan’s public defence of David at a feast results in Saul hurling a spear at his son also.

David and Jonathan decide with great sorrow that they must part, and together they reaffirm their oath of friendship.

For thought and contemplation:

The friendship of David and Jonathan is one of the most beautiful and pure relationships the world has ever seen. But how it pales beside the love of Christ for His redeemed people. Can you think of a few comparisons? Here’s one to start you off: their love had a beginning—His love is from everlasting. Now think up some more.

“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” (Eph. 3:17-19, NIV)

An encouraging word

1 Samuel 23:1-18

David is forced to become an outlaw, and gathers to himself in the cave of Adullam a band of faithful men. One of their exploits is to save Keilah from a Philistine attack. When Saul hears of this, he prepares to descend on Keilah, intending to trap David in the walled city. David, however, has enquired of the Lord, and has learned that the inhabitants of the city will hand him over if it is besieged. David and his men then take to a nomadic existence in the desert of Ziph, and Jonathan seeks him out to encourage him in the Lord.

The message that Jonathan gives to David is one that is very simple, but heartening: “Don’t be afraid… My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You shall be king of Israel…” (v. 17, NIV). David and Jonathan again renew their covenant of friendship as they part for the last time.

For thought and contemplation:

What a difference a word of encouragement makes when someone is caught up in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. Ask God to help you come in contact today with someone who needs a special word of encouragement. And when you meet them, be sure to pass it on. May God guide you to the right person at the right time.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Prov. 25:11, NIV)