34 Saul Persecutes David

First Samuel chapter 19 continues to show the downward spiral of King Saul. But rather than resorting to deception as seen previously, here we see him being very upfront in his desire to having his perceived rival David, killed.

1 Saul Desires David’s Murder

The chapter provides and interesting juxtaposition as it shows Saul’s outward desire to have David killed, while his son Jonathan remained closed to his friend David:

1 Samuel 19:1

Rather than attempting to conceal his desires as before, Saul had become bold and upfront with his servants, as well as his son Jonathan, clearly stating that he wanted David killed.

But this pictures how individuals who had previously taken great steps to conceal their sin, then become rather brazen, if not even flaunting it.

Even though Saul didn’t fully trust anyone, including his son Jonathan, he most likely believed, that at least one individual in his court would have been willing to carry out his desires.

Saul’s attitude is contrasted by that of Jonathan, who had previously entered a covenant with David. Jonathan would show that he would be faithful to his friend.

2 Jonathan’s Plan

Jonathan developed a plan to protect David:

1 Samuel 19:2-3

Jonathan showed boldness of his own, willing to go against his father’s wishes, even though had he done so, it would have meant, that as the crown prince, he would have one day succeeded his father upon the throne.

Even though Jonathan certainly respected his father’s position as king, his love for his friend David took precedence. He understood that true friendship means to be for them through good and bad times:

Proverbs 17:17

Jonathan then revealed his plan to David, which would entail David hiding in a pre-planned spot (probably a cave) overnight. The next morning, Jonathan and his father would stand in close proximity, where Jonathan would engage Saul in conversation about David. Jonathan hoped to be able to gauge his father’s reaction, and then he and David would be able to determine the next step.

3 Saul Reacts to the Plan

1 Samuel 19:4-7

Jonathan “spoke well” of his friend David to Saul, even though the king had already stated he wanted him killed. Therefore, he placed his on faithfulness to his friend over the will of the king.

In verse 4, Jonathan put Saul on the spot, as he told him that it would be a sin to kill David.

While Saul was far from the Lord, in addition to being frequently oppressed by demons, Jonathan had a close relationship with God, and was therefore looking at things with great spiritual awareness.

Jonathan then recounted how all of which David had done toward Saul had been good. He then spoke of how when David had slain the giant Goliath, that Saul had rejoiced.

By speaking in this manner, Jonathan was wisely speaking only facts, which Saul couldn’t have refuted.

Once more, Jonathan raised the issue of having David killed , as being a “son against innocent blood”.

In verse 6, Saul agreed with his son, and then swore that he wouldn’t harm David:

1 Samuel 19:6

Whether it was because of his love for his father, or the fact that Jonathan without guile, but Jonathan believed that Saul was sincere, and in verse 7, he recounted the conversation with David, and then brought him to Saul to effect a reconciliation:

1 Samuel 19:7

David then returned to his position in Saul’s army, as well as being the musician who attempt to sooth him when he was tormented by evil spirits:

4 Another Attempt to Kill David

Additional wars with the Philistines continued, which meant that David would be one of the generals leading their men in war:

1 Samuel 19:8-10

Throughout the book, it’s evident, that the continual literal warfare between Israel and their Philistine enemy, pictures the spiritual warfare the believer is engaged in. Even after one battle is won, there is no question, that they’ll be another on the horizon.

But it also exemplifies the many conflicts between Saul and David.

David’s victory over the Philistines, meant that Saul’s jealousies would arise, apparently making him more vulnerable to demonic oppression.

Seeing the king once more in an agitated state due to the evil spirits, those in his court once again called upon David to play upon the harp in an attempt to soothe the demonic spirits.

And as was the case previously, Saul sat with a spear in his hand. Yet, David still attempted to faithfully carry out his duties and to play for the king.

However, as he had done before, Saul attempted to impale David with his spear, and for the third time, David was able to escape the king’s presence.