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CHAPTER 18 (ESV)

 

1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

 

Saul’s Jealousy of David

6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,

 

“Saul has struck down his thousands,

and David his ten thousands.”

 

8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The friendship between David and Jonathan was remarkable. The kind of spiritual kinship between David and Jonathan was energized by affection and sealed by covenant. True friendship is not transactional, it is not calculating and not demanding. It is this loyal friendship that helps us to understand more of God’s covenantal love for us. And it is because “God is love” that we can love one another.
2. Contrarily, Saul is a self-centered person. When David had better accomplishments, he not only could not appreciate him, but became jealous. His jealousy turned into hatred that in the end he wanted to kill David. In all, Saul lived his life in suspecting, guarding, fighting and oppressing others.
3. At work, when I meet someone more capable than I, would I become jealous like Saul? Or would I appreciate him and learn from him? Have I ever truthfully praised and complemented someone for his or her achievement? Am I willing to be someone’s Jonathan? Who would that be?

 

PRAYER:

Read the following passage from Phil 2:3-4 as God speaking to me. Respond to God freely throughout the reading as my prayer response to Him.

Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage.

Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. (the Message)