Looking for Loyal Love

We noted in yesterday’s study that Saul does not see the many examples of God’s protection of David. Ironically, however, David himself does not seem to see them either, as today’s passage illustrates.

With Saul lying in his ecstatic trance for a day and a night, David has time to flee from Naioth. But once again he doesn’t go far—he makes his way to Jonathan’s home, presumably in Gibeah, just a couple of miles away. There, he pours out his heart to his friend, begging his help in understanding why Saul is so intent on taking his life. For his part, Jonathan is shocked to hear that Saul once more is seeking David’s life. He had heard Saul’s earlier order for David’s execution (19:1), but he had mediated for David and had heard Saul swear to spare him (19:6). Furthermore, he cannot believe that Saul would launch another assault on David without informing him. But David explains that Saul has hidden his intentions from Jonathan because he knows his son’s love for David. He then uses two oaths to communicate his dire situation to Jonathan. First he says, ” ‘As the Lord lives,’ ” and nothing is more true than that. Then he says, ” ‘As your soul lives,’ ” and nothing is more certain for Jonathan. Just as certain as these truths, in David’s eyes, is this: ” ‘There is but a step between me and death.’ ” But David is wrong, seriously wrong. Saul has not come close to harming him, for God’s providence has guarded him through every crisis. David has nothing to fear, and his panic is unwarranted.

David’s oaths do serve to convince Jonathan of Saul’s evil intent, and he offers to do what he can to help. David’s request is simple: He plans to skip a feast with the king on the next day, and he wants Jonathan to make an excuse for him and see how Saul reacts. Anger will indicate Saul has malicious intent. To encourage Jonathan in this bit of detective work, David reminds him of their vow of friendship (18:3). ” ‘Deal kindly with your servant,’ ” he asks Jonathan, using a Hebrew word, hesed, that means “faithful love.” He is asking Jonathan to show the kind of faithful, covenant love that God shows to His people. But, he hastens to add, if Jonathan knows of any iniquity within him, he should just kill David now. To that Jonathan responds that if he knew Saul wanted him dead, he would inform him, not kill him. Thus, Jonathan is prepared to honor his covenant with David.