(1) Saul's distorted mind and outrageous killing
From yesterday's passage, Saul was so afraid that David would become king of Israel because he saw that the LORD was with David. Unlike Jonathan who accepted this fact by faith and at peace with it, Saul tried to stop the plan of God and killed David.
Jonathan did not just remind David about the promise for him being the king over Israel, but he also thought of the implications of that promise: the hand of Saul cannot find you, I will be your second in command v.17 (NAC).
Reflection: When God promised David to be the king He kept the promise. He did not deliver David into Saul's hand no matter how close Saul got. Jonathan went to David and reminded him when he was frustrated in hiding in all the awkward places. What friends do we need to go to and encourage today? Can we think of some Bible passages to encourage them?
22:8 For all of you have conspired against me! No one informs me when my own son makes an agreement with the son of Jesse. Not one of you feels sorry for me or informs me that my own son has commissioned my own servant to hide in ambush against me, as is the case today!”
(NAC) In his rage, Saul’s distorted thinking took a peculiar turn as he accused his own son of being the ringleader of the anti-Saul conspiracy...Apparently Saul considered it plausible that Jonathan had hired David as a hit man in a plan to become king in his father’s stead (cf. 2 Kgs 19:37).
Note all the "me" in this passage. He was afraid that someone would harm him. His focus was only on his life.
Note all the "me" in this passage. He was afraid that someone would harm him. His focus was only on his life.
22:13 Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and this son of Jesse? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God on his behalf, so that he opposes me and waits in ambush, as is the case today!”
v.17b ...“Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, for they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me.”
Because of his self-centered, distorted mind, Saul killed a priest, Ahimelech, whom no one dared to harm. In fact, David, given the chance, was also not dared to kill Saul for he was the anointed one of God.
24:10 Today your own eyes see how the LORD delivered you—this very day—into my hands in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I had pity on you and said, ‘I will not extend my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s chosen one.’
Summary: Starting from refusing to believe in God's plan for kingship, Saul tried to stop the plan. Then he was outrageous at his servants. Then he accused them with a self-centered, distorted mind. Finally, he killed the priest of God.
Reflection: Do we see ourselves in this downward spiral? Do we refuse to listen to God's plan? Can we let go and have other people receive the glory instead of us?
Are we outrageous, and accusing other people, because we focus only on ourselves? Sometimes, our husbands do not ignore us on purpose, but they just have other priorities or interests. Can we accept that?
Do we allow our distorted mind to control us and cause us to sin?
(2) A life of a fugitive with a promise to be the king of Israel
From ch 22, David had been hidden in different places: the cave, the strongholds, the wilderness, the forest, and the desert while Saul came after him 23:14. However, Jonathan reminded him through the promise of God v.16-18.
23:16b...He encouraged him through God. 17 He said to him, “Don’t be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this.”
Jonathan did not just remind David about the promise for him being the king over Israel, but he also thought of the implications of that promise: the hand of Saul cannot find you, I will be your second in command v.17 (NAC).
In fact, what Jonathan thought about was exactly what God had been doing:
24:14 David stayed in the strongholds that were in the desert and in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. Saul looked for him all the time, but God did not deliver David into his hand.
26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain.
26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain.
Reflection: When God promised David to be the king He kept the promise. He did not deliver David into Saul's hand no matter how close Saul got. Jonathan went to David and reminded him when he was frustrated in hiding in all the awkward places. What friends do we need to go to and encourage today? Can we think of some Bible passages to encourage them?
(3) David's treated Saul according to his position given by God
24:10 Today your own eyes see how the LORD delivered you—this very day—into my hands in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I had pity on you and said, ‘I will not extend my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s chosen one.’
(NAC) David treated the king properly, not because of anything the king had done or might do, but because of what the Lord had done. David’s respect for human authority was based on his respect for divine authority
How about you?
Audrey
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