Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I'll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out." 1Samuel 19:1-3

Now the strain between Saul and David had reached a new height. Saul decided that it was time to get rid of David in order to secure his throne. So we are told that: “Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David.”  The King must have been very desperate to publicly come out with such an order for several reasons. First and foremost, he was jeopardizing the cohesiveness of his family as well as his kingdom. Saul must have known how Jonathan was bonded to David, and the King should have considered the damaging effect this decree would have on his son. It was going to be difficult for Jonathan to come to terms with the fact that his own father was advocating for the death of his innocent friend.

Secondly, the King’s decree to eliminate David was also given to his court attendants. This was no longer something being kept as a secret between a few people. Most of these attendants were fond of David and they had joined in celebrating some of his victories. I am sure the decree came as a shock to most of them. They would have liked to get a lot more clarification from the King. A few good reasons why David should be eliminated would have helped. But who dares ask the King:”Why David of all people?” The word was out, and now it was up to David to avoid falling into the traps that were going to be set for him.

Jonathan did what any good friend should do. But in this case, it was not easy for him. Jonathan betrayed his family’s trust when he went and disclosed the private intentions of his father to David. In that situation, Jonathan surmised that it was better to save a friend’s life than blindly follow the family loyalty rule. What would you have done if you were in the shoes of Jonathan?

Jonathan put forward a risky plan in which he wished to know the seriousness of his father’s intention. He promised to get back to David at his hiding place and advise David on what steps would be needed. The loyalty of Jonathan is an example of what is expected of all those who belong to the family of God. Are we trustworthy?

Blessings,

Brother Seth