David and Jonathan

1After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. 3And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. (1 Samuel 17)
     4Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. 5He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”

6Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.” (1 Samuel 18)
     30Saul’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? 31As 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!”

32“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. 33But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David. (1 Samuel 20)

Thoughts: Jonathan and David had a kindred spirit.  They were about the same age, liked the same things.  They both were strong warriors.  They both loved their country.  David appeared to be more devoted in his faith.  David also married into Saul's family, marrying Michal, Saul's daughter and Jonathan's sister.  Jonathan defended David to Saul.  Saul was so jealous of David's ability and so afraid of losing his place he was willing to kill him even though he was loyal to Saul.  There are some that say this is all written after David was established to make David look good.  But the rest of Samuel lists David's sins and penalties.  There is no effort to sugar-coat David.  

Prayer: Lord, give me friends that will have my back. Use me to stand up for what is right even if a cost is to be paid.