Saul Tries to Kill David

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

In chapter 19, we see King Saul working out his previous decision, that Saul would be “David’s enemy continually” (18:29b). Let’s see how that works out for the King.

1 Samuel 19:1-7
1 And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David.
2 And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.
3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you.”
4 And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.
5 For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?”
6 And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death.”
7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.

It is somewhat incredible that the crown prince would fight to have David come back in his inner circle. We must remember that David seemed to be destined for the throne, at least in the eyes of the populace. They loved him. Couldn’t say enough about him!

Saul saw the writing on the wall, especially since Samuel had told him that his time on the throne was over.

Yet Jonathon did not hold onto his opportunity for a regal life, but gave up his standing in order for David to ascend. Whether Jonathon understood all the machinations that were working in the background or not, he sought the best for his friend, even to the point of entering a dangerous area with his father.

It was common knowledge that Saul had it in for David. Everyone in the royal circle knew it. By the time Saul had left the scene, he had sought to kill David, by his own hand, by supreme command, or by using those around him, like a daughter, to trap him, a total of 12 times. Twelve times my friend!

Check out the list of verses below, to get a handle on the frustration Saul must have felt and the protection God provided. Truly amazing!

By the time we get to this instance, where Saul is sending out his servants to kill David, Saul’s intent and heart towards David is clearly revealed. Jonathon must surely have recognized this, and confronts his father with the argument that he is sinning by seeking David’s life.

How bold for a young man to approach his father, the king of Israel no less, a man who has proven himself to be somewhat unbalanced, and to claim the king is in sin!

And yet the tenor of Jonathon’s approach seems to be tempered with Saul’s potential sins, with Jonathon not claiming a superior, judging attitude, but with a respect that surely must have made it easier for the king to accept. He didn’t shy away from the potential sin his father was going to commit, but logically argued that David had only done good for the kingdom, and that he risked his life for Saul.

No matter how Saul was to react, and we know he relented at this time, Jonathon proved himself to be a true ally to his friend David. He risked his standing with his father, and given Saul’s previous outbursts, opened himself up to anything from a tongue lashing to a physical confrontation.

Let’s remember that, not long before, Saul would have sacrificed Jonathon due to him eating some honey? How fragile a relationship they must have experienced. In the midst of a fragile relationship, Jonathon exercised a calmness, might I describe it as gentleness, and a fearless boldness defending his friend and confronting his father, that should impress us.

Jonathon was truly an image of the Savior in this instance. May we also carry a bold gentleness for those we need to confront.

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