covenant – King David 101

Writing Down The Early Psalms

As I dug around, I found this: it’s the order of the early Psalms. Basically, a chronological way of seeing when, and why he wrote a “song.” I found it quite interesting to see the backdrop or setting of each one.

Please remember two words when you read the Psalms:

Authentic observations

Profound theology

It’s a collection of songs, not in any real order. Interestingly David only wrote about ½ of them. Also, they are lyrics, we don’t have notes or melodies. Which is somewhat sad. I guess we’ll hear them when we go to heaven.

The psalms cover over the span of 1000 years. Psalm 90 was written as the earliest; Moses was the author in 1407 BC. The latest was written anonymously in the mid-400s BC. Thus, the book of Psalms was written over the span of about 1,000 years.

New Testament leaders, including Jesus quotes the Psalms frequently. Some of these were directly connected. For example, the work of Jesus is directly revealed in Psalm 22. Many others are linked to specific verses. It’s all is pretty fascinating.

Here’s some interesting trivia:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses.

Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter, containing only two verses. So, the Psalms contain both the longest and shortest chapters in the Bible.

Psalm 117 is also the middle chapter of the whole Bible out of a total of 1,189 chapters.

Psalm 118:8 is the absolute center of the Bible. It states, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” What a great verse for our day and age.¹

Did you know that there are duplicate Psalms? A lot of people don’t realize that. Psalms 14 and 53 are word-for-word identical descriptions of fallen mankind. And there is a reason why those duplications are needed in each of the books one and two. They are structurally important for understanding those books. Likewise, all of Psalm 108 is included as part of Psalm 60, and all of Psalm 70 is included as part of Psalm 40.

When and where:

The entire list can be found at https://biblehub.com/timeline/psalms/34.htm

Also, https://dailypax.com/p-is-for-psalms/

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.

True Colors

Jonathan now knows; his father’s true colors were now obvious, which almost always happens over time. Saul hates David and now begins an even more effort to murder him. His hatred now consumes him. The king is no longer rational. He wants to kill him.

(And I don’t know why.)

But Jonathan is committed to warning David. He loves his friend; and so, he sticks with a prearranged signal. He will risk everything. David must be warned.

“Run and find the arrows that I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. ³⁷And when the boy came to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” ³⁸And Jonathan called after the boy, “Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!” So Jonathan’s boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master.”

1 Samuel 20:36-38, ESV

Those arrows were genius—a plan that was wonderful and kept Jonathan safe. And David would now know his next step. I must admit I see no reference to prayer or seeking God, that troubles me. (But I must assume the singer of Psalm 23 understood God’s protection and care.)

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 20:41-42

David saw the arrows and heard Jonathan speak. I suspect his heart sank. He wanted reconciliation and he didn’t want to leave in this way. And he didn’t want to go out in the wilderness. He was now a fugitive on the run.

David loved Jonathan and it showed it. There was nothing cold or professional. He expressed a love that went beyond “bad news.” It wasn’t contingent on terrible news, for it was real, authentic. He had made a covenant.

David will now spend the next 10-15 years on the run from Saul.

He will try to live in the wilderness. But David would be protected by the Lord, and although he didn’t realize it, he was on a timetable set by God Himself. The clock was running but David was learning many things about being a king. His education would be long and hard.

“Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God, do you learn.”

C.S. Lewis

I believe David still had his harp, and I believe he would still worship the Lord God. He would compose even more psalms. And much of the wilderness would be woven into what he would sing. Worship was at his very core.

And worship is why we exist.

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

Jonathan Understands

“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. ²And 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. ³And 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. ⁵For 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?” ⁶And 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.”

1 Samuel 19:1-7

What a strange sequence of events, but stranger things have happened and will happen to David (the future king of Israel).

Saul finally takes his rage out into the open. He wants David to be executed, but he never offers any justification for his anger or decision. All he wants is David’s head. No explanation is given. David is regarded as a traitor, but to whom?

Saul requires his court to take action. The king wants David dead. This proclamation has never happened before—the king of Israel demanding the death of another Israelite. This is the deep power of wickedness coming from a twisted heart. This can only come from something quite satanic.

Jonathan, at this critical point, understands the strong power of covenant. He has vowed to defend David, no matter what the cost is. He will be true forever. So Jonathan determines to defend his “brother.”

Jonathan has now become a spy. He listens closely and then passes to David about what has heard. He will defend him no matter the cost. Jonathan understands that the very life of David is in his hands.

Jonathan reminds king Saul of the heroics of David on behalf of the nation of Israel. He speaks truth into untruth. Saul listens and is persuaded that his decrees are wrong. He backs off and vows to treat David favorably.

Saul swears that David should not be touched (executed). That will be temporary as we can see. It seems that Saul’s wrath is simmering below the surface. His repentance is only for show, at least for this moment. Oh, the depth of an angry unforgiveness.

Because of Jonathan’s intercession, David is forgiven temporarily, and he is restored to his place in court. Perhaps David’s past triumphs are the key to his present survival, at least for the moment.

There are many lessons to be drawn from this passage. I hesitate to list them as I believe that the Holy Spirit will show you what is necessary.

BFF: A Covenant Between Brothers

“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. ²From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. ³And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. ⁴Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.”

I Samuel 18:1-4

It seems that Saul met with David immediately after the altercation with Goliath, a sort of debriefing. I can still see David carrying the decapitated head of the Philistine warrior. It would’ve been a bloody sight.

After this meeting with Saul, he was no longer just a shepherd; David was now a warrior.

There is something else–a new development, a commitment, or a covenant between David and Jonathan. Something significant happened there, and like most matters of the heart, it was difficult to explain. Some might think it was erotic, but that sullies and distorts this relationship. No, it was far more than that.

Men generally avoid real friendship. In my 65 years I can think of 1-2 similar connections that approach this kind of depth or attachment. Almost all of my friends are more or less superficial. I rarely press beyond this. Maybe it’s kind of scary?

David was anointed by Samuel to be the next king. He had been chosen to wield the power and authority of Israel with humility and grace. David knew it, but Jonathan saw it.

I believe that Jonathan’s calling was perhaps more difficult: he had to yield the throne to David. Jonathan had to renounce ambition and pride. He would turn his back on his ego and drive. He would never be king. (Some would destroy themselves before we did this.)

The text reveals some of the “covenant love” between these two men. Jonathan sheds off the trappings of his identity and gives them to David. In doing so, David is declared to be the future king.

Jonathan commits to serving David. In his mind he rejects the notion of a hereditary monarchy. Being the king of Israel must be one of anointing, not who your father is. Both men recognize this implicitly.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Romans 12:10, ESV

From this point on, David has the complete support of Jonathan for the rest of their lives.