Saul – King David 101

“You Shall Be King”

KingDavid101.com

“David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. ¹⁶ And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” ¹⁸ And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.”

1 Samuel 23:15-18

Somehow I think that if a hitman was actively following me, I would become fearful and a bit paranoid. I would see everyone through these fallen filters. I don’t know what I would do, and fear would consume everything.

Jonathan finds David hiding in the wilderness. Saul’s son, a man who could be king himself rejects the throne himself. Jonathan correctly sees the good in David: the anointing by Samuel, Goliath, the psalms David wrote, and all the victories over the Philistines.

There is no doubt in Jonathan’s heart. He believes in David and humbly steps aside. There is no bluster and no prideful desire for taking Saul’s throne. He understands that David will be the next king of Israel.

Jonathan’s presence to the wilderness of David was significant and timely. It’s written in verse 16 that he “strengthened his hand in God.” The word in Hebrew is somewhat broad, but it often means “to restore to strength” or “to make hard.” This is exactly what David needed to hear.

We all desperately need encouragement from someone else.

And we must be an encouragement to God’s people who are in a deep wilderness.

Sure, the Word, worship, and communion are places of encouragement for me. The “home groups” and my elders build me up (or edify).

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV

Jonathan become God’s agent to support and reassure David who hides from King Saul in a difficult place in the wilderness. What a powerful ministry. To come along the side of another and remind someone else of God’s calling, and to strengthen them of God’s purpose and work.

This passage should bless both the “would be king,” and those 600 men who have attached to David. What a blessing Jonathan is to David.

We are called to do what Jonathan did for David.

“I’ll lift you and you lift me, and we’ll both ascend together.”

John Greenleaf Whittier

Being Betrayed

⁷ Saul soon learned that David was at Keilah. “Good!” he exclaimed. “We’ve got him now! God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself in a walled town!” ⁸ So Saul mobilized his entire army to march to Keilah and besiege David and his men.

⁹ But David learned of Saul’s plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the Lord what he should do. ¹⁰ Then David prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, I have heard that Saul is planning to come and destroy Keilah because I am here. ¹¹ Will the leaders of Keilah betray me to him? And will Saul actually come as I have heard? O Lord, God of Israel, please tell me.”

And the Lord said, “He will come.”

¹² Again David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?”

And the Lord replied, “Yes, they will betray you.”

1 Samuel 23:7-12, NLT

This passage reveals three details that are especially important to the reader.

Saul still believes that he has God’s approval and blessing.

David is still seeking the Father’s will and wisdom

Keilah, freed from attack by the Philistines by David, will turn right around and betray David.

Saul still believes.

It’s odd how someone like King Saul can still believe that the Lord is guiding him. His heart is honeycombed with jealousy and murder, and yet he doesn’t see it. He still thinks that wearing a crown gives him the automatic privileges of divine kingship and blessing.

What self-deception, Saul has not had God’s approval for a very long time, (see 1 Samuel 15:10-30). Obedience is far better than any sacrifice. Saul has been living outside of the presence for a long time.

“As the salt flavors every drop in the Atlantic, so does sin affect every atom of our nature. It is so sad there, so abundantly there, that if you cannot detect it, you are deceived.”

Charles Spurgeon

David is still seeking.

Hearing the desperation of Keilah, and then seeking the Lord of what to do, he directs his men to protect the city. He makes no strategic decision that could possibly put him outside of God’s will. He will not do this.

“The greatest mistake any Christian can make is to substitute his own will for the will of God.”

Harry Ironside

Keilah, will betray David.

This is so treacherous, it can hardly be believed or understood. The hearts of lost men only seek their own benefit. The elders of Keilah turn around and sell out those who had just delivered them. David seeks again God’s will and finds out that they will be betrayed. What should have been a celebration of joy only discloses lies and falsehoods.

Ironic, isn’t it. David and his 400 men escape the town they had just saved.

“Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me.”

Psalm 17:9

David Hood & His Merry Men

“Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” ²Therefore David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” ³But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more than if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?”

⁴Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” ⁵And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So, David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.”

1 Samuel 23: 1-5

(BTW, Keilah is pronounced “kee-EYE-luh.”)

David can’t shake off the desperation of the Keilahites. Their plight becomes a passionate purpose for David. He hears of the need, and understands the injustice of these Philistine raiders. He knows deep down that they must be stopped.

Spiritual “wealth” is found here in this passage. Gold nuggets, and flawless diamonds for the taking. Let’s get started.

But here’s a few things that might be helpful.

It seems that David is quite approachable. He listens to the guidance of his men. He listens and then responds. David never diminishes their concerns, they’re depending upon him.

David seeks the guidance and will of the Lord twice because of their caution.

David is going to do what King Saúl was supposed to do; to protect and defend the city of Keilah. It seems Saul had abdicated his call as king in his desperate pursuit of David.

There seems to be a real risk involved. This was not a summer stroll.

David knows in his heart what he has to do. Since Saul didn’t come to defend Keilah, he must do what is needed.

God does not chide David for asking twice. There seems that there were several men in the Old Testament that required another ‘conversation’ with God.

Can we do what is right when the situation demands it? Sometimes we see a need that others have neglected to meet. Can we step into what is needed at that moment?

What if the “detours” and the interruptions are really the path we were meant to take?

These are good questions to ask ourselves. Our compassion should not be rigid. I remember a time when the Lord asked me to be interruptible. That is, to set aside what I thought was essential, to take up something that made little sense, but did matter to the one asking.

When I learned to be interrupted, it ended up giving me a blessing that came out of nowhere. Hitting the pause button is rarely a mistake if you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you.

War Crime

“Why did you give him food and a sword? Why have you consulted God for him?

Why have you encouraged him to kill me, as he is trying to do this very day?”

¹⁴ “But sir,” Ahimelech replied, “is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household! ¹⁵ This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him! May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you.”

¹⁶ “You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!” the king shouted. ¹⁷ And he ordered his bodyguards, “Kill these priests of the Lord, for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn’t tell me!” But Saul’s men refused to kill the Lord’s priests.

¹⁸ Then the king said to Doeg, “You do it.” So, Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. ¹⁹ Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests’ families—men and women, children and babies—and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats.

²⁰ Only Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, escaped and fled to David. ²¹ When he told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord, ²² David exclaimed, “I knew it! When I saw Doeg the Edomite there that day, I knew he was sure to tell Saul. Now I have caused the death of all your father’s family. ²³ Stay here with me, and don’t be afraid. I will protect you with my own life, for the same person wants to kill us both.”

1 Samuel 22:12-23, NLT

The deeply paranoid king is desperate; he must capture David. Saul needs information and intelligence; at times like this he must rely on his network of spies. Most leaders depend on that. Especially bad ones.

King Saul is trying hard to find David.

Saul’s consumed. He’s insane. When at last he gets a lead, he takes his army to the priestly city of Nob. Doeg the Edomite gives Saul the tip, he had seen David there, consulting with the Lord, and taking bread and a sword from Abimelech, the high priest.

Simply based on Doeg’s singular witness, Saul will order the deaths of 85 priests and the entire town of Nob, a city populated with the Levitical priesthood and their families. When Saul orders the murder, his own men refused to carry it out. They simply refused, and so he must rely on the Edomite, Doeg.

This passage is terrible and reveals all of Saul’s depraved brutality.

One by one, systematically Doeg murders each priest. The bodies keep stacking up. It’s a massacre. Doeg now begins to slaughter their families. And then to all the livestock, until the entire town is one bloody graveyard.

I admit I don’t understand exactly why?

But there is one priest who escapes. Just one man and he flees to David and carries the horrific news of the wholesale slaughter of Nob. Saul and Doeg have completely decimated the city to punish them for aiding David.

And David remembers seeing Doeg there. He also has a moment of truth as he understands his own guilt in this massacre. I suspect he now understands Saul’s cruelty, and David learns a lesson he will never ever forget.

“This is one of the worst acts in the life of Saul; his malice was implacable, and his wrath was cruel, and there is no motive of justice or policy by which such a barbarous act can be justified.”

EnduringWord.com

The Cave of Adullam

“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. ²And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.”

1 Samuel 22:1-2, NKJV. (Background: Psalm 57 and Psalms 142.)

The cave of Abdullam is now a national park in Israel. It’s part of a system of caves, but this is the biggest and most well-known. Thousands visit it every year; it’s on the list that tourists want to visit.

Our passage today tells us that immediately after the “insane” David skedaddled from Gath, he travelled to this cave. I suspect that Saul had spied everywhere, so the king had a general idea where David was. But the cave of Adullam was very close to the Philistine border.

A state of war between Israel and Philistia existed, and king Saul could not risk any appearance of violating that without causing an incident. Perhaps Saul was somewhat content that David was isolated in a “hole in the ground,” and everyone would simply forget him.

But the was not the case.

First, it was family, then others came. I suspect David’s brothers may have realized that they now were on Saul’s “list.”

The others had other reasons. Most knew of David’s prowess as a warband leader; some may have served with him. They may have known of his anointing by the prophet to be the next king.

Now these I call the “three Ds.” The distressed, the debtors, the discontented, sought out David. Our text tells us there was 400 men (plus their families). If David thought, he was hidden and alone he was mistaken.

Logistically, I’m not sure how that works out. Where did their support come from? And again, what was Saul thinking?

I suspect that some of these would develop and become the “mighty men” of David, and they would become some of his generals that David would rely on when he became king.

Verse 3 tell us that “he became captain over them.” They submitted to David and meshed themselves into whatever destiny may come.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.“

Psalm 57:1, from a song written by David while in the cave of Adullum.

David Pretends Madness

¹⁰And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. ¹¹And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances,

‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”

¹²And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. ¹³So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. ¹⁴Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? ¹⁵Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”

1 Samuel 21:10-15, ESV

David is now carrying Goliath’s sword, given to him by Abimelech the high priest. That sword was special, for David used it to cut off the head of the renown Philistine champion. I’m sure that David’s memories flooded back to him as he held it.

David was now carrying that sword into Goliath’s hometown. That was foolish and dangerous. He seems to move from the crisis of Saul to the crisis of seeking refuge with the Philistines. The risk was great, and yet David told himself that he had “no choice.”

Is David still “a man after God’s own heart?”

Sometimes as believers, we do very foolish things. God has a path for us, and instead of seeking Him we turn to our own understanding. When I think through this account, I come to the realization that I seldom look to the Lord for His wise direction.

“When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” Proverb 29:18

On his arrival in Gath, David hears the murmuring of the crowd. Interestingly, they call David “the king of the land.” They recognized this before Saul did. This is the first time David has heard that they have known him. That song comes up, and it seems again (like always) it just creates even more problems.

David thought he could find anonymity or sympathy from the Philistines.

Our passage tells us that David is now “much afraid.” I think he realizes then he has made a very stupid decision by going to Gath, (carrying Goliath’s sword for all to see). His reputation has proceeded with him, and yet David has another plan.

He feigns insanity. I suspect that this was just a split-second decision, something rash and impulsive. He knew that acting insane was the only way to escape. He attacked the doors, scratching them. He foamed at the mouth with his saliva dripping down his beard.

One look at David acting crazy we see that king Achish dismissed David and his antics as beneath his deliberation. He sees David as a madman, and apparently the king has had his fill of madmen. Some have said that the very presence of an insane person was an evil omen. And to kill them was forbidden.

The question I have is this. Was David walking in the Spirit or in the flesh? Was David outside of God’s will while he was in Gath?

David would write Psalms 34 and 56 as a response to this event.

The title of Psalm 34 reads: “A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away.”

The title of Psalm 56 reads: “A psalm of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized him in Gath.”

Now these are beautiful psalms, and they describe David’s experience in the very heart of the Philistines’ stronghold. Things are getting strange, but David’s heart is still in God’s hand.

What happened here has given believers hope and guidance for centuries.

David Deceives the High Priest

⁷Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul’s herdsmen.

Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.” ⁹And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.”

1 Samuel 21:7-9, ESV

Mark my words; Doeg the Edomite was an evil man. Evil men do very evil things. He is immortalized forever in the pages of 1 Samuel as terribly wicked. Doeg is not a Hebrew, and he is called a chief shepherd overseeing other shepherds, and he was in the service of King Saul.

Was he a captive? Was he a traitor? And what about this phrase, “detained before the Lord?” I got curious so I looked up the word, “detained.” The Hebrew word is pretty broad and I didn’t get any real insight. It’s used 46x and has several meanings, but the general sense is “restrained, halted, or stopped.” Why?

(If you want, you can jump ahead to 1 Sam. 22:19 to understand Doeg’s heart.)

In vv. 7-8 the spotlight is turned back on David and Ahimelech. David continues the charade. His deception lies continue as he presses his need to the high priest of Israel. David takes the holy loaves of bread, but he wants more. He really needs a sword.

Apparently, the sword that Goliath carried had been kept in Nob in safe keeping. For the priests it was special, maybe even holy. No matter, it was a memento of a glorious victory, but everything is different now.

“It is painful to the last degree to see one whose faith towered to such a lofty height in the encounter with Goliath, coming down from that noble elevation, to find him resorting for self-protection to the lies and artifices of an impostor.” William Blaikie

Did you catch that? An imposter. David had become a deceiver, a liar. What do we do with that ugly indictment? I guess I have more questions than answers. Just maybe, in the heat of the moment lying became permissible.

Maybe David should of just leveled with the high priest.

In Psalm 34 David wrote, “Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!”

Wow, David. Are you sure about that? To be honest, I don’t want to malign with David. After all he was fleeing for his very life. Undoubtably there was a price on his head, and the bounty hunters would be out in force. David was scared out of his wits.

You might say he was just being resourceful, and he didn’t want to implicate anyone else in his escape. Saul and his army were hunting him, and maybe David thought that the priests would be beyond Saul’s reach. Maybe they would have.

Except for Doeg, the Edomite.

Bread From the Table

“And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves from women.” ⁵And David answered the priest, “Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?” ⁶So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away.”

1 Samuel 21:4-6, ESV

From reading this passage, we see that David wants to stay one step ahead of Saul. He pretends he’s leading a group of men. This is not true. The reality is that he’s on the run trying to evade the king, and the soldiers. Arriving at the priestly city of Nob he is very hungry. David needs food to continue on.

For some reason David flees to Nob, a town that has been given to the priests. It also is where the tabernacle was kept during the reign of Saul. That tabernacle was the precursor to the temple.

I believe that David was drawn to this place because of that. It was a sanctuary.

I also believe that Ahimelech knew nothing of the conflict between David and Saul. Not that it would change anything, but still David concocted a lie that he was under orders from Saul (v. 3).

The high priest knew that David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king. Perhaps that is why Ahimelech trembled when he first met David (v. 1). “Why has he come here?”

David was tired, frightened, and hungry. He had made no provision for food, which explains the rapidity of his flight from Saul. David had left as fast as he could. David also knew that the tabernacle at least had bread.

There were 12 loaves (representing the 12 tribes and God’s special covenant with them) of consecrated bread. These loaves were replaced daily. In Leviticus it made it clear that only the priests and their families could eat them.

Each morning, fresh hot bread would be set in the Lord’s presence. Perhaps this signifies God wants fresh fellowship from us every day. Believers will hunger for Him; He will give us “our daily bread.” What He offers us is always fresh, and Jesus knows exactly what we need.

“So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread: In giving David the bread, Ahimelech broke with priestly custom but not with God’s word. He rightly understood that human need was more important than Levitical observance.”

David Guzik

But David’s presence would create awful consequences for the priests living in Nob. Terrible things will happen very shortly.

We will see this in a future post.

David at Nob

“David went to the town of Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled when he saw him. “Why are you alone?” he asked. “Why is no one with you?” “The king has sent me on a private matter,

“David said. “He told me not to tell anyone why I am here. I have told my men where to meet me later. ³Now, what is there to eat? Give me five loaves of bread or anything else you have.”

1 Samuel 21:1-3

David was afraid and anxious; he really doesn’t seem to have a plan. So where did he go? He went straight to Nob, the city of priests overseen by Ahimelech the High Priest of Israel. David did right; when you’re confused go to God.

The Ark of the Covenant was still in Nob.

We have a fleshly tendency to lean on our understanding. We think we know what is right as we calculate our best move. However, when we lean on our own understanding bad things are apt to happen. Proverbs 3:5-6 fits well here:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.”

Ahimelech was on edge by David’s arrival. He saw something in David, but he wasn’t exactly sure what it was. I think he also was nervous. The passage points that he “trembled” when he saw David. Why, I’m not sure.

The word “trembled” has an interesting meaning. Literally it means “terror,” or even an earthquake. Ahimelech was disturbed by David’s arrival, and it seems that he didn’t understand what was happening politically. David had fallen out of favor for some time now.

David lied to Ahimelech, claiming he was on a secret mission for the king.

David’s world was complicated; he could trust no one, not even the high priest. These verses advance the idea of paranoia and fear affecting everyone. Ahimelech asked two questions. I believe that he couldn’t really discern David’s reasons for coming to Nob.

It was a bald-faced lie.

David demanded bread. He was hungry and no provision was made before his escape. It would be nice if they had planned better—a secret cache of food and weapons would have been incredibly helpful.

We will pick this story up in the next post.

Jonathan’s Secret Message

In verses 36-39 a young boy was chasing down arrows. The plan was one both David and Jonathan understood. If the arrows fell short, it meant David could return safely and securely to the court of Saul. But if the arrows went long, David had better run.

“Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. ⁴⁰And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go and carry them to the city.” ⁴¹And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. ⁴²Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.”

1 Samuel 20:39-42, ESV

As I read these last few chapters, I’m amazed by David’s desire for reconciliation with the king. He desperately wants peace; David wants restoration, but the “ball” is in Saul’s court now. Now, I guess that I wouldn’t be as patient as David. But that only emphasizes the wonderful character of David.

I also sense that David wanted to avoid the wilderness. He never wanted to go there, maybe the wilderness was a place of “death.” Maybe not a physical one, but a death to everything David knew. It would be a hard place: thirsting, scavenging, and hiding. A difficult place to survive.

There is one last time that David and Jonathan will meet. I think it was something bittersweet, and each reassured their covenant to each other. There must’ve been much pain. Neither wanted this, of all things to happen. Sometimes we’ll be put in a similar situation. It’s always difficult.

Jonathan, knowing that David has been anointed the next king of Israel, submits his heart to what the Lord God has decided though the prophet Samuel. He accepts this and refuses to take the route of Saul, rather Jonathan appeals to David as the future king.

The request is a bit bold maybe, but Jonathan asks that David would honor this, “between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” Jonathan is asking David to refuse revenge and not try to get even with the house of Saul. Now David could have made an end to Saul’s progeny; that could mean stability for him, and for Israel.

It’s then that must say goodbye, each goes on their very separate paths. This is the very last time they were together, but I doubt they would never forget their covenant.

The Bow and the Arrows

I will shoot three arrows.” So much depends on these three, will David be restored to the court of king Saul, or will he need to flee into the wilderness?

Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty. And when you have stayed three days, go down quickly and come to the place where you hid on the day of the deed; and remain by the stone Ezel. Then I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target; and there I will send a lad, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I expressly say to the lad, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; get them and come’—then, as the LORD lives, there is safety for you and no harm. But if I say thus to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you’—go your way, for the LORD has sent you away. And as for the matter which you and I have spoken of, indeed the LORD be between you and me forever.”

1 Samuel 20:18-24

Jonathan’s plan is simple. It’s a setup after observing the response of Saul to David’s absence at a feast. He is being secretive, his father’s spies are everywhere, but his heart and covenant with David compel him.

It was the second day, and David’s chair was still empty. Saul noticed this and became furious. It’s this furious anger that betrays him.

“Then Saul became angry with Jonathan and shouted, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you are siding with Jesse’s son to your own shame and to the disgrace of your mother? ³¹Every day Jesse’s son lives on earth you and your kingship are not secure. Now send for him and bring him to me—he must die!”

It’s here we see Saul broadcasts his hatred toward David. It exposes everything and now Jonathan knows what is in his father’s heart. It’s a rage that bubbles up for all to see; it is uncontrollable and obvious. David “must die.”

Pay attention now. Saul attacks Jonathan’s mother in verse 30. We don’t know the details, but it seems that in his anger he disparages the character of Jonathan’s mother. Anger has the tendency to completely twist and distort one’s perception of reality. It’s like a wildfire that can’t be controlled.

“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”

Proverbs 29:22

Jonathan’s plan has now become active. He now knows what he must do. He picks up his bow and gets his arrows. He must communicate with David about what he knows. His covenant with David supersedes everything, even the chance to rule as the next king of Israel.

The wilderness in desperate hiding is the last place David wants to be. As I read the life of David, I see that he doesn’t want this—he has done everything possible to avoid it. This isn’t a choice he makes, rather it’s been thrust on him by God himself. And who can walk with God without doing His will?

Jonathan shoots his arrows in the field, but wide of the mark. This is David’s cue that he must run; Saul intends to murder him. He dares not remain under Saul as his king. He must escape into the desert.

Jonathan Has a Plan

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. ¹³But 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 David, even when it meant putting David’s needs before his own family’s interests.

A Plan to Understand Saul

This entire scene is a bit strange. David and Jonathan meet; they are careful as they should be. David is hiding and I strongly suspect that David is discouraged. He has done nothing wrong—quite the opposite. David suspects that king Saul’s bitterness and jealousy, and bitterness are out of control. Saul intends to murder David. The entire story is found in 1 Samuel 20:5-23.

“Tomorrow, we celebrate the new moon festival. I’ve always eaten with the king on this occasion, but tomorrow I’ll hide in the field and stay there until the evening of the third day. ⁶If your father asks where I am, tell him I asked permission to go home to Bethlehem for an annual family sacrifice. ⁷If he says, ‘Fine!’ you will know all is well. But if he is angry and loses his temper, you will know he is determined to kill me.”

1 Samuel 20:5-7

These verses reveal David’s plan. They describe a maneuver that will reveal Saul’s heart toward David: will it be reinstatement or will it be murder? Obviously, David must find out. Will he continue to run and evade death or will he be restored? He obviously must know.

David has no idea, but he has a plan to find out for sure.

But let’s switch to Jonathan as he will be David’s eyes and ears into the banquet room. David will rely on the report of Jonathan, one way or the other. The plan is carefully made, and it seems like a wise one. Obviously, it involves Jonathan’s participation.

“Jonathan’s response to David’s discouragement wasn’t theological rebuke but practical help; he offered concrete assistance to a friend walking through despair, modeling genuine support.” -David Guzik

Jonathan only asks for a promise from David. (Which David fulfills later to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9). He asks that, “If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; ¹⁵and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.”

Jonathan reminds David of their covenant together after the slaying of Goliath. There’s now a political element added: David will need to protect the house of Jonathan, his heirs.

It is Jonathan and not Saul who understands God’s heart.

It is Jonathan’s humility that makes the whole plan work. There seems to be no guile here; he understands what the Lord wants to do. Many believers want to be a “David,” but it is Jonathan that seems to show more integrity, decency and honor.

Jonathan proves that he is a man of integrity, and he asks that David be one also. It’s Jonathan that models that deep decency to the heart of David.

This plan will reveal Saul’s motives; it’s designed to uncover his heart. That’s what the Holy Spirit does. David must know; his life depends on it. Jonathan is key to David’s survival and he must trust him. He depends on him to “pull off” this off. This strategy will determine David’s next step.

I believe David still praises God.

I believe David still writes and sings. Worship is in his blood, and even if he sits on a knife’s edge, David praises Jehovah even if it seems illogical.

God has anointed Davd and nothing has changed; when Samuel poured oil on his head it became the evidence of the Lord’s choice, blessing and approval. David’s calling was a done deal. David worships.

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.”

Rick Warren

The Encourager

“Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” ²And he said to him, “Far from it! You shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me? It is not so.” ³But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” ⁴Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”

1 Samuel 20:1-4, ESV

David leaves Naioth behind, as he realizes that Saul (and his soldiers) had been temporarily “disabled.” He knew that the threat to assassinate him had for the time being had been stalled, and yet David didn’t stay for the theatrics. He simply knew it was time for an escape.

And yet David seems mystified, and he reaches out to Jonathan with 3 questions that trouble him. It seems David is loyal, but he simply doesn’t understand the intensions of Saul. In all three questions David asks “what.” He is mystified.

It takes the humility of Jonathan to attempt to ease David’s fear.

Jonathan answers in an oblique way. He assures David that he can protect him with what he knows. Jonathan is aware of Saul’s treacherous plans and assures David of the strategies and plans that the enemy is concocting. He will do all that he can.

It is here that we begin to understand that Saul is drawing near, and that David realizes that certain death has gotten very close. David understands how close he has come to being killed at the hand of Saul. “A step between me and death” is how David sees the plots of Saul.

Again, Jonathan assures David of his commitment. Although he does not debate the claims of David, he simply assures him of his covenantal dedication. Jonathan encourages a discouraged man, and he speaks hope to the struggling David.

This is what an encourager does. They bring comfort to the frustrated and weary. They stand in a remarkable place, and although they won’t deny the facts, they give strength to the weary. They declare all that God is to those who are overwhelmed and fearful.

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”

Isa. 40:29, NLT

This comfort usually comes through people—servants of God who do not debate but encourage. They have renounced their own agenda and now live for others. They embolden, spurring others to be faithful to their calling.

“I would go to the deeps a hundred times to cheer a downcast spirit. It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary.”

Charles Spurgeon

Climbing Out the Window

¹¹Then Saul sent troops to watch David’s house. They were told to kill David when he came out the next morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t escape tonight, you will be dead by morning.” ¹²So she helped him climb out through a window, and he fled and escaped. ¹³Then she took an idol^[^b^] and put it in his bed, covered it with blankets, and put a cushion of goat’s hair at its head.

¹⁴When the troops came to arrest David, she told them he was sick and couldn’t get out of bed.

¹⁵But Saul sent the troops back to get David. He ordered, “Bring him to me in his bed so I can kill him!” ¹⁶But when they came to carry David out, they discovered that it was only an idol in the bed with a cushion of goat’s hair at its head.

¹⁷“Why have you betrayed me like this and let my enemy escape?” Saul demanded of Michal.

“I had to,” Michal replied. “He threatened to kill me if I didn’t help him.”

1 Samuel 19:11-17

Let’s consider the resourcefulness of Michal:

Much of this passage deals with Michel, David’s first wife. She is clever, showing ingenuity in helping David escape. An explanation– When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and how much his daughter Michal loved him, ²⁹Saul became even more afraid of him, and he remained David’s enemy for the rest of his life. (18:28-29.)

Her actions enabled David to escape. First, she warned him. Second, she gave him directions to leave their bed chamber. Third, put a facsimile of David in their bed to buy him more time to escape. They both knew that Saul’s troops were coming.

Notice Saul’s distorted thinking; he considered her actions as a “betrayal.” He knew that David escaped due to her actions to gain David some time,

Saul interrogated her himself; he strongly asserted that she helped David escape. She lied to protect herself–” “He threatened to kill me if I didn’t help him.” (v. 17.) Now this wasn’t true, but her own life was at stake. Whether or not the lie was necessary, it created enough latitude for her to escape any punishment.

Her crafty wisdom would give David a chance to escape.

One thing struck me reading the text. These troops were most likely man who had served under the direction of David against the Philistines. There is something false about them, a betrayal of what they knew as false orders to apprehend and to kill David.

David would face these men again. Saul’s hatred and his attempted murder of David had just begun.