There was no ticker-tape parade and no fanfare after David’s monumental victory over Goliath... just a conscription notice from powerful King Saul. “Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house” (1 Samuel 18:2). I don’t think Saul said, “pretty please!” No. The King said, “I’m looking for a few good men. You’ve been drafted! You’re mine!”
David’s life changed, but his heart remained steadfast. God’s humble servant “behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14, NKJV).
The eighteenth chapter of First Samuel records David’s godly relationship with Jonathan that developed during those days. “Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself. Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt” (1 Samuel 18:1–4).
Most remarkably, Jonathan was King Saul’s oldest son and heir-apparent to the throne. But there was no jealousy. No suspicion. No envy. Jonathan and David became life-long friends who trusted one-another. Everyone should have a friend like that.
Jonathan loved David, but Saul soon hated him.
When David led the armies of Israel to victory, the mothers and wives lined the streets to welcome their boys home. They danced and sang, “Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). This made Saul furious with resentment and jealousy.
“The next day an evil spirit sent from God came powerfully on Saul, and he began to rave inside the palace. David was playing the lyre as usual, but Saul was holding a spear, and he threw it, thinking, ‘I’ll pin David to the wall.’ But David got away” (1 Samuel 18:10–11). Who ever dreamed that being a minstrel could be so dangerous?
David was loved by Jonathan but hated by Saul. Most importantly, David was never alone.
“Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David” (1 Samuel 18:12).
“David led the troops and continued to be successful in all his activities because the Lordwas with him” (1 Samuel 18:13-14).
“Saul realized that the Lord was with David” (1 Samuel 18:28).
We’re never alone. The Living God promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV). It may feel like the king hates us and is chucking spears at us, but the Lord is always near. We’re not alone!
All Scripture quotation, except as otherwise noted, are from
Holman Bible Publishers’ Christian Standard Bible.
