I Samuel 20
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I Samuel 20:30-33, Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”
“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.
In this chapter, Jonathan finally understands the extent of Saul’s hatred toward David. At first, David thinks maybe he had done something to bring on this treatment but Jonathan assures him that is not the case. Jonathan still doesn’t believe his father, King Saul, could truly want David dead. Jonathan appears to be deluded and a bit naïve, but his love for David is strong and genuine. They devise a plan to discern to what degree Saul is serious about his plan to kills David.
In today’s focus verses, we witness the interaction between Saul and Jonathan. Jonathan is a bit shocked that his father hated David with such intensity but he now understands the severity of the situation and that no logical argument will change Saul’s mind.
But Saul persists in trying to bring Jonathan back over to his side using three strong motivators: shame, guilt, and greed. Saul insists Jonathan is bringing shame on the family (remember this was and still is an honor/shame culture; family shame is a really serious thing.) He then tried to guilt him into turning against David. Finally, Saul tells Jonathan that his own kingdom will never be established as long as David is alive, trying to appeal to his sense of greed.
We don’t really know what was going on in Jonathan’s head; he may have been tempted to side with his dad, even for just a second, but he doesn’t. Jonathan stands firm. He is loyal to his friend and to his faith. He boldly questions his father, asking why David should be put to death. According to Torah, an innocent man should never be executed. We see again how selfish ambition and hatred have driven a deep wedge between Saul and God.
Let’s pray…Almighty God, Thank you for loyal friends who stand up for us and advocate for us when we can’t do it ourselves. Thank you for the Jonathans in our own lives. Help us be a Jonathan for someone else. In Your Name, Amen.