The Soul of Jonathan

The friendship of David and Jonathan is one of the great portraits of loyal love in Scripture. Jonathan's soul was knit with David's, and he loved him as his own soul. In a covenant, Jonathan gave David his robe, clothing, sword, bow, and sash. As the crown prince, he was in effect honoring David as the one whom God would raise up, even above himself.

Saul's heart moved in the opposite direction. The women's song, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands, wounded his pride. He was very angry, and from that day forward he eyed David. When an evil spirit from God came on him, he threw his spear at David, saying he would pin David to the wall. David escaped twice. Saul feared David because Yahweh was with him and had departed from Saul.

Saul's strategies grew more calculated. He offered Merab and then Michal in marriage, demanding a bride price that he hoped would make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. Instead David succeeded doubly, and the Lord's favor became even clearer. The chapter repeats that David behaved himself wisely and that Yahweh was with him. Jealousy made Saul David's enemy continually; love made Jonathan David's covenant friend.