So Jonathan made a [covenant] with the house of David, [saying], “May the Lord demand it from the hands of David’s enemies.” (verse 16)
Message: Jonathan's Covenant with David
Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
What the Lord is Saying: Saul continues to be on the prowl to end David's life. Jonathan and Michal at times are doing what they can to prevent this from happening as David flees from Saul.
David is in Ramah now (v. 1) asking Jonathan "what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?" Jonathan thinks he should know all about what his father is doing but David wonders if his father is hiding this from Jonathan (v. 2-3). David devises a plan. Verse 5 - "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I am obligated to sit down to eat with the king (Saul)." But instead David will go hid himself. If Saul states missing David, then tell him that I David have gone to Bethlehem for yearly sacrifices (verse 6). If he is angry, mention to Saul "you (David) have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you (Jonathan). (verse 8)" David states if their evil he has done, then he is accountable and Jonathan should kill him (verse 8).
Jonathan agrees with the covenant though he is willing to take his own life (in place of David) if Saul believes David has done something wrong. Jonathan makes this covenant with David (12-17). They mark a stone in Ezel and Jonathan will shoot 3 arrows. If the arrows are on the side of David "it is safe for you and there is nothing [to harm you], as the Lord lives (verse 21)." If on the other side, then David is to continue to flee.
On the first day, Saul not seeing David at his place he thought, "he is not clean. (verse 26)" On the 2nd day, Saul asked Jonathan why he has not come (verse 27). Jonathan explains why as he and David had agreed upon (v. 28-29).
Saul is angry (v. 30). In verse 31 states, "as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now then, send [men] and bring him to me, for he is doomed to die!” Saul threw a spear at Jonathan to show his anger. And Jonathan "was worried about David since his father had insulted him. (verse 34)" Jonathan then shot the arrow as they had agreed upon. Verse 42 - "Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So [David] set out and went on [his] way, while Jonathan went into the city."
Jonathan was very different from his father. He and Jonathan made a covenant which continued the covenant they had made earlier (18:1-5). Tabletalk mentions, "In the ancient Near East, when a new king came to power, he would wipe out the family of the preceding monarch in order to get rid of anyone who might be a threat to his rule. David’s covenant promise assured Jonathan that his family would not be annihilated when David replaced Saul as king." Here there is covenantal love or hesed. It speaks of faithfulness and an unwavering commitment. In this covenant they each sought good for one another.
Summary: As David continues to flee from Saul, Jonathan and David make a covenant of mutual friendship and protection. Saul still wants David dead, but David is able to get away.
Promise: We should always be seeking one another's good.
Prayer: God, thank you for friendships. I am deeply moved by the people in my life and there love for me and the bond that we have with one another, seeking one another's good. I am so thankful for the people in my life. It is what keeps me going I feel. I admit sometimes getting impatient. But thank you for good friends and the time we can be together, talking and sharing, praying and thinking and doing life together.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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