I have been studying King Saul and David in 1 Samuel. Now, as you recall, David came and did many things for Saul. He played the lyre to soothe him, killed Goliath to defeat the Philistines, then led men into battle killing 10's of thousands. Oops, did you say 10's of thousands? Yep! That is when his troubles began.
King Saul heard the women singing Saul has killed thousands - and at this he took pride. BUT, when they continued singing that David had killed 10's of thousands Saul's pride was struck and he became jealous, envious, angry and totally upset at this.
So, now Saul is wanting to rid himself of David, who has done nothing but be obedient and loyal to Saul. Again, you think you have problems----the highest power in the land, the king, is after you and determined to kill you. When I look at this my knee ache, bad ache, disagreement with the spouse, car repairs, or whatever pale in comparison to what David is going through.
In Chapter 20 David has to meet with Saul on the monthly meeting and if he fails to attend Saul has more reason to attack him. He talks to Jonathan and devise a plan to not eat with the king at the new moon with the excuse he had to go to Bethlehem on family business. Saul was enraged and Saul said to Jonathan: "Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou has chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me for he shall surely die."
Jonathan asked Saul why David should die. This is when Saul threw the javelin at Jonathan with the intent to smite him. Jonathan left the table, not eating on the second day of the month as he grieved for David and his father had shamed him.
Now he goes to the field with arrows to complete the plan he and David had set in motion to know if it was safe for David or danger was lurking. Danger was lurking via Saul, David and Jonathan prayed and wept together then separated with Jonathan telling David to "go in peace; forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, the LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever." David left and Jonathan returned to the city.
Wow! What a dilemma for both men. And I think I have troubles. No king is out to kill me, but satan is always out to tarnish our reputation and belief. Stand strong with the full armor of God my friend. Love you all.
In Christ's love and grace,
Johnny
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