I. The Innocence Of David
A. David Defends His Innocence V. 1
1. V. 20 There was no sin in David’s life that would justify Saul’s behavior towards David.
2. David had done only good things.
a. He killed Goliath. He defeated the Philistines. He played music for tormented Saul.
3. The same thing happened to Jesus.
a. John 8:45-47 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
b. The people that opposed Jesus were like Saul. Their hearts were far from God.
4. The Apostle Paul faced this kind of opposition, and he trusted God with the outcome.
a. 2 Timothy 4:14-16 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. 16At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
b. Vengeance is not ours, but there may be times when we need to defend ourselves for the sake of God and the sake of the work he is doing through us.
5. The same thing can happen to us. People may be against us without a just cause.
a. John 15:18-20 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you”.
b. If we are living like Jesus, speaking his word, standing for righteousness and against sin, speaking of heaven and hell, then this will be true of us.
B. Jonathan Cannot See The Danger For David Vs. 2, 3
1. As loyal as Jonathan was to David, he had a blind spot about Saul’s actual intentions against David. Jonathan had heard his father say that he wouldn’t kill David. (19:6)
2. Nobody knew Saul’s intentions like David did. David was alone in that. He had seen it.
3. David found himself alone with God when Saul was coming after him.
4. David did have Jonathan, but Jonathan wasn’t quite as convinced as he would be. David suffered uniquely during this moment.
5. Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
6. Sometimes we are alone in understanding the opposition that exists against us.
7. John 7:19, 20 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” 20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?”
C. Jonathan Is Willing To Consider What David Is Saying Vs. 4-11
1. V. 4 Consider the godly devotion of Jonathan.
a. He knows that David called to be king. He is not sure about his father.
b. He has already expressed his willingness to give up the throne to David.
c. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
d. He is not sure what it will cost him to love David in light of his father’s hatred.
e. Jonathan knows his own unique bitterness as well.
2. Vs. 5-11 Jonathan was willing to tell David the truth as soon as he perceived it.
a. He just doesn’t see the truth yet, but he is willing to pursue the truth.
b. A plan is made about how to discover he truth. Jonathan wanted to do what was right
D. Jonathan Pledges His Loyalty Vs. 12-23
1. Vs. 12, 13 Jonathan pledged to do right regarding David’s safety, no matter what.
2. Vs. 14-17 Jonathan asked David to guarantee his family’ safety after David became king
a. It was an ancient custom to kill off the family of the previous king to protect the new king against opposition and retaliation. Jonathan asked David not to do this.
b. After Jonathan and Saul were dead, David would honor this covenant to show kindness to the house of Jonathan. David would find Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, and he would care for him all his life. (2 Samuel 4)
3. Vs. 18-23 Jonathan made a plan about how to determine Saul’s intentions toward David.
a. Apparently, Saul hosted a three-day feast for his leaders at the first of every month.
b. Jonathan would take note of Saul’s attitude regarding David’s absence.
II. The Plan Is Enacted
A. Saul Notices David’s Absence Vs. 24-29
1. Vs. 24-26 Saul thought that David’s absence was due to some religious uncleanness.
2. V. 27 Notice Saul’s words regarding David. “The son of Jesse”.
a. Not “David”. Not “my son in law”. Not “my music minister”. Not “my servant”.
b. Saul’s words were revealing his true heart towards David.
3. Vs. 28, 29 Jonathan speaks on David’s behalf, revealing his closeness to David.
B. Saul’s Murderous Intentions Are Revealed Vs. 30-34
1. Finally, Jonathan sees his father’s true colors.
2. Notice the crazed imagination that has overtaken the mind and heart of Saul.
3. He speaks wickedly of his son and his wife.
4. V. 31 Saul even tries to tell Jonathan that his decision to support David will bring ruin upon his own life and the life of his mother.
5. Saul is trying to shame Jonathan, when in reality, Saul should have been ashamed.
6. NOTE- When you defend the righteous, spears thrown at them will be thrown at you.
7. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
8. Whether you are standing by a righteous person or standing for a righteous cause, the enemies of righteousness will immediately perceive you as a target as well.
9. V. 31 Saul tries to convince Jonathan that he had forfeited his future as king because he chose to stand with David. In reality, Saul had already forfeited his own kingdom.
10. Vs. 32, 33 Jonathan had been respectful and honest with Saul. He had tried to reason with Saul, but now he crossed a line and Saul tried to kill his own son.
a. It is ridiculous that Saul had told Jonathan that he was risking the throne by supporting David.
b. In reality, he was risking his life by trying to reason with his insanely jealous father.
c. Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
C. Jonathan Keeps His Promise To David Vs. 35-42
1. Vs. 35-40. Jonathan was faithful to follow through on his plan to protect David.
a. Jonathan stood for righteousness and for the plans of God. He knew that God chose David.
b. He gave up much personally, even risking his own life in order to support David.
c. He forfeited his relationship with his earthly father in order to follow God.
2. Vs. 41, 42 David and Jonathan part ways. They will be separated for years and only meet again one time shortly before Jonathan’s death.
a. Either one of them could have taken matters into their own hands, and no one would have blamed them. Jonathan could have waited to become king, or David could have killed Saul in self-defense, but they both trusted God.
b. Now we read about both of them, and they stand as examples of godliness.