Jonathan’s commitment to David is being tested, and yet his covenant to David is rock solid. With this quite sure he advances a plan. It will reveal Saul’s thinking. The plan is simple, but effective. Everything hinges on king Saul’s attitude and approach concerning David.
“Then Jonathan told David, “I promise by the Lord, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know. 13 But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the Lord strike me and even kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live.” “May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father.”
1 Samuel 20:12-13
“May the Lord be with you as He used to be with my father.”
The foundation of this is that of covenant. Jonathan is “locked” into providing David’s next step—will it be restoration, or will it turn him into a fugitive? It amazes me that David is still holding on to hope. But remember that Saul’s hostility had already turned into attempted murder Twice he tried to kill David by throwing spears at David.
Saul had even ordered his men to snuff out David. (1 Sam. 19:1-2.)
“Saul now urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David. But Jonathan, because of his strong affection for David, told him what his father was planning.”
Perhaps this was a temporary phase, and just maybe it was just a short-term moment of passion. Despite Saul’s past anger, David remained loyal and true to his king. If it were me, I would have already left. I’m struck by David’s heart. And perhaps he’s aware of the challenges of the wilderness.
Jonathan’s plan is perfect, though.
It’s up to him to discern his father’s heart. Jonathan will “drop” David’s name, and watch Saul’s reaction. If it’s positive, David will stay. If it’s anger, then David will flee. Here, in this passage we see that all is contingent on this. It is quite simple actually.
It’s also a concern of David that Jonathan returns quickly. David needs to know this promptly. Minutes matter, and he knows it’s a matter of time before he’s discovered by Saul’s men.
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24
God has knitted these two together, and a covenant was made. That makes all the difference. Having this is a rarity; we seldom experience this today. That is a shame. How different our lives would be if such covenants could be made. A lot of pain might be elevated.
Jonathan understands that the Lord is no longer a real part of Saul’s life. A shift has been made. Jonathan acknowledges this and understands enough to speak it to David. I think that this would be difficult to put into words, but it is real and David now carries God’s presence and anointing.
Jonathan accepts this and understands.
Jonathan’s actions showed his commitment to their friendship, even when it meant putting David’s needs before his own family’s interests.
King David 101 