1 Samuel 20:1-4
It may seem like Naioth in Ramah would have been a good place to stay. After all, the protection of the Holy Spirit was there and keeping Saul at bay. We might think that David should have just waited out Saul there in Naioth. But David wasn't just about surviving Saul's attacks; he didn't understand what he did. He wanted Peace with Saul.
In asking, "What have I done?" David is checking Jonathon to see if he is in agreement with his father. That's why Jonathon says, "By no means!" Jonathon didn't see any reason for David to die, his father had not swayed his opinion in any way. This question arose in David's mind when Jonathon hadn't warned David of the attacks at Naioth. Jonathon didn't understand why his father hadn't spoke to him of these plans; he thought his father always spoke to him of these things and couldn't account for hiding it this time. David was convinced Saul understood their loyalty to each other.
1 Samuel 20:5-10
The time of the New Moon was a time for special feasts. David asks Jonathon to watch Saul's reaction to his absence. His absence could be viewed in many ways by Saul and he could have responded in many ways. David & Jonathon worked it out; if the response was cordial then Jonathon would offer an excuse for the absence. If he was angry then it was clear, he was intent on killing David. Once again David points out the covenant they had made and tells Jonathon that if he had done anything wrong then just go and kill him now rather than to wait for the Saul to catch up with him. Once again, Jonathon assures David that if he knew of the evil intent he would tell him. David's dilemma was how he would know Saul's response to his absence.
1 Samuel 20:11-17
If Saul was intent on killing David, he needed to go away. Jonathon knew this wanted to give fair warning to David. Jonathon asked that when David went away to remember the descendants of Saul when he did come to power. It was normal for the incoming king to kill off any of the descendants of the previous family to avoid any claims to the throne. Jonathon recognizes David will rule as king. David made this vow to protect and not harm the house of Jonathon. David fulfills this promise in 2 Samuel 9:1-8 and 21:7. Jonathon in turn renews his covenant to protect David.
1 Samuel 20:18-23
This important message would come by way of this signal. David would know Saul was seeking reconciliation in some way or David needed to flee Saul's anger.
1 Samuel 20:24-34
One could get away being absent during one of these feasts for a day; if one was unclean for some reason, and there were many, then they were excused. But one could be cleansed and declared clean in a 24-hour period. So the second day, the absence it noticeable and troublesome.
Saul speaks of this 'son of Jesse' in a derogatory manner; this is royalty looking down on the a lesser or common family.
Jonathon offers his reasons to Saul in an effort to cover for David and make peace. In doing so, he also exposes himself as a friend of David. Saul's response is to call into question his parentage, as if to say, 'no son of mine would feel this way, you must be someone else's son'. Saul points out that Jonathon can't ever be king while David is alive and therefore insists that Jonathon bring David to him.
Jonathon's answer is not just born out of love and loyalty to his friend but also what is right and just before the eyes of God. David had done nothing wrong. Saul's response was to throw a spear at his son, thereby revealing the level of hatred he had for David. This was an evil root of bitterness that had grown deep into Saul.
1 Samuel 20:35-40
At this point, Saul is suspicious and Jonathon and David both have to know that there were many spies and may eyes that might find favor with the king by reporting the whereabouts of David.
The signal was given; the message was sent. And just that quick David's life was forever changed. He was no longer welcome in the palace. He was a man on the run. All the resources of the king could be brought to bear against David. He was now a fugitive on the run.
We can imagine the questions David had before the Lord; why Lord? What did I do wrong? Why is this happening to me? We can read David's thoughts in many of the Psalms.
1 Samuel 20:41-42
This is the parting of dear friends who could no longer spend time together. It was too dangerous for both of them.
©2015 Doug Ford
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