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1 Samuel 20 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Saul has become a volcanic madman. David is struggling with trust and discernment. Jonathan is caught in the middle. The first day of the month was the New Moon festival which was celebrated with a sacrificial meal as well as an extended rest from work. David was expected to be there, but Saul has made it clear he has every intention to take David’s life. A meeting takes place between Jonathan and David and a secret signal is arranged to communicate whether or not David should appear at this feast.
An Impossible Situation
It is beneficial to ponder the attitude and actions of Jonathan. He has been placed in an impossible situation. He loves his father and he loves David, but both men desire his complete loyalty. It would be much easier for him to choose one and cut the other off. In this case, the logical conclusion would be to align himself with David and cut his father out of his life. He doesn’t do that.
Navigating with boldness and precision, Jonathan is able to walk the fine line between these two relationships. He does not lose David’s trust, but he also deals with his father with faithful integrity. His continual question posed to Saul is, “What has David done that he deserves death?” Jonathan is a picture of quiet confidence. Even when Saul challenges Jonathan with the reality that David will displace him as the rightful heir to the throne, Jonathan’s integrity remains strong. He will not compromise on his convictions.
This is an incredible example for all of us who are placed in complex relational struggles.
“Jonathan is one of the noblest types of manhood presented in Scripture biography. Whether in private or public life, he shone with peerless beauty, as a star in a dark sky. David said of him that he was “lovely and pleasant.” Jonathan had a clear prevision of David’s coming greatness, but it gave him no pang of jealousy. He loved his friend better than himself, so much, indeed, that it was a richer ecstasy for Jonathan to see David crowned and exalted than to ascend the throne himself. Love casts out jealousy.”
F.B. Meyer