1 Samuel 18 Bond of Brothers

David has completed the task of freeing the land of the giant, Goliath. Jonathan sees David’s character and a bond of brothers is forged between the two of them that very day.

There was something special about David that drew people to him. From the outcast, who would follow him as he ran from Saul, to the palace home of Saul in the form of Jonathan. David had a spirit that nearly everyone loved. Saul even loved David, for a time. But Jealousy would be the undoing of their relationship; on Saul’s part. Let’s rejoin our story as David’s life changes once again.

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David is standing before Saul being questioned as to whose son he is. “Surely father recognizes his own servant David” thinks Jonathan. David’s immediate humble answer changes something deep within Jonathan.

David didn’t bristle at being called a ‘young man’ after having just done mighty deeds in battle. David doesn’t question why Saul doesn’t recognize him. David doesn’t tout his own story. He humbly presents himself as the son of Jesse of Bethlehem. David doesn’t even mention his own name! Jonathan is blown away by this lad’s humility!

Saul turns to Abner. “Send a messenger to Jesse of Bethlehem. Tell him that David, his son, has found favor in the king’s eyes. Inform him that I have need of him. David is to remain in my household and will come under my protection. If there are any possessions that remain at his father’s home that he may need, have the servant bring those to the palace.”

Jonathan feels as if he is gaining a brother with David’s presence. He is MUCH MORE than a servant in Jonathan’s heart, and he intends to communicate this to David. Until this point, Jonathan has remained silent and unobserved. Once Abner leaves on his mission Jonathan steps into the presence of the king.

He locks eyes with David. Then he removes his robe from his shoulders. He steps over to where David stands and places his own robe over David’s shoulders. Next, Jonathan unbuckles his breastplate and holds it out to David. David sets the head of Goliath on the ground and raises his arms to receive Jonathan’s breastplate. Jonathan lays it on David’s outstretched arms. Jonathan then removes his graves and helmet. These he places also into David’s waiting arms. Jonathan next unties his sword from his side and lays it on David’s arms. Next, Jonathan places his bow and quiver on the waiting arms of David. And last Jonathan takes his belt from about his waist and places it too, into David’s outstretched arms.

No words were spoken during this demonstration of Jonathan’s deep abiding love for David. Both men understood the significance of this gesture. Jonathan has given his life into David’s hands. David will be at Jonathan’s side. To protect Jonathan from the side and back. To complete what Jonathan begins. They will think in battle as one. They will be united together in triumph and defeat. Their lives are forever linked.

Saul watched this exchange take place. He was pleased to see his son choose David. He knew that the two of them would do many glorious acts in battle for Israel, and for the Lord.

While Jonathan demonstrates his devotion to David, Israel’s army continues to plunder the camp and bodies of the Philistines. There are a lot of spoils, including new weapons for Israel. After all is completed, it is time to head home.

The procession back to Gibeah found Saul, Jonathan, Abner and David in the lead. David had retrieved Goliath’s head and had it with him as they made their way back to Gibeah. People rushed out of every village and town they passed to see the returning heroes. The women danced on either side of the street calling back and forth to one another. Children ran about excitedly as the troops marched along. And people stared at the head of their fallen attacker. Its size, in comparison to David’s own hand, fueled their exuberance! Only the Lord could have given this man the ability to bring them this trophy.

At the beginning of this journey the exuberant displays by the people were endearing. The women’s song of victory was initially welcomed. They sang, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7b). It sang of the amazing victory the people had just completed.

As that song was picked up and carried among those coming to meet the champions, it began to irritate one man in particular. That man was Saul. His thoughts became more and more distressing. “How dare they give David higher praise than their king! He has been in but ONE battle where I have served them faithfully for YEARS! Surely they know this.” When the song had gone on even longer his irritation deepened and real concern for his future replaced it. “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:8b). David was unaware of the effect this ‘song’ was having on his king.

Another was distressed by the songs that were being sung. That person was David. He was a humble lad. He had slain the one, which led to the slaying ten thousand, but he had not done this alone. The valiant men of Israel had fought and chased the Philistines back to their homes. He felt they were paying him praises he did not deserve, but there was nothing he felt he could do about it. Saul was unaware of the effect this ‘song’ was having on his servant David.

If only there had been some way to halt the song. But that was not to be. It continued while the procession stopped in Jerusalem to have Goliath’s head mounted on a pike there. It continued into Gibeah where Saul’s own daughters joined in the song. It continued in Saul’s dreams, when he was able to sleep. It consumed Saul’s thoughts during the day. It became the voice of the spirit that tormented him.

The spoken version had quieted within a day or two. Its echo left David shortly thereafter. He was more than ready to take up his original duties and NOT be the hero of the kingdom that it proclaimed him. Yet even as it faded from David’s mind its impact on him was not absent. David had no way of knowing how this ‘song’ was torturing his king.

David had resumed his duties as the lyre player for the king as soon as he dealt with his belongings; those brought by the servant from Bethlehem and those taken from the giant. David was overjoyed to be able to offer songs of praise to the Lord. He would lose himself in the music as it also soothed his master’s troubled soul. He had been called on more often lately as it seemed that Saul was always in a black mood. Even David’s music didn’t completely drive it away.

It had been nearly a week since returning from battling Goliath and the Philistines. Today Saul was in an unusually foul mood. David searched his soul for songs that would soothe his king. He had played and sung all he had known. Saul sat on his throne glowering in David’s direction.

David could feel Saul’s eyes watching him. He sent prayers heavenward for his king with his songs. He truly loved Saul and prayed for peace for his soul. After hours of playing and singing, David was thirsty. He reached down beside him to retrieve his wineskin. As he leaned to the left David heard a sound of exertion, a strong breeze stirred his hair and a thud that followed immediately on its heels.

Startled by the sounds, David quickly moved to straightened up. He ran into the shaft of Saul’s spear where it protruded from the wall. It stuck out of the wall in the place where David’s head should have been. David looked across the room at his king who wore a menacing scowl. David’s heart leapt within him and his feet quickly followed. He ran from the room taking no time to collect any of the items he was not presently holding. David ran right into Jonathan who was coming down the hallway. Jonathan feels the tremors in David’s body and the look of fear on his face.

“What is the matter, David?” Noticing the direction David is coming from Jonathan’s mind turns to his father. “Is my father hurt?”

“I don’t know. I was playing my lyre for him, trying to sooth his spirit. I had been playing all day and when I bent down to retrieve a drink from my wineskin, the spear that had been his hands was now impaled in the wall where I had just rested.”

Jonathan’s brow furrows. He is confused. How could his father have acted this way? Was there another explanation? “I will see to it my friend. Go to the kitchen. Wait for me there. I will bring word to you once I have seen to this.”

Jonathan enters Saul’s throne room. He only pauses momentarily before approaching his father. Saul’s face is shrouded in shadow.

“Father, tell me the meaning of your action against David. The lad tells me you hurled your spear at him and missed by a hairsbreadth.”

“I did? I must have been seized by an evil spirit. I have regained myself. Please bring the lad to me that I may make amends.”

Jonathan is grateful to hear his father’s desire to make things right again with David. Jonathan loves David as his own soul. He cannot bear to have a rift between the two men he cherishes the most.

Saul watches as Jonathan turns and leaves the room. He works hard to suppress his disdain of David. It was good that he was half hidden by the shadows of the room or his son may have been able to read the truth on his face. If only he hadn’t missed this whole thing would be over and he would be rid of that usurper. He must school his features before his son and the son of Jesse return.

Jonathan reaches the kitchen where David waits. “My father is distraught by his actions. He claims it was an evil spirit that seized him and that he has mastered it now. He requests your presence so that he may make amends.”

David breathes a sigh of relief and rises to follow Jonathan back into the throne room. They both arrive to find Saul sitting on his throne holding David’s lyre. He is strumming it idly with his hand. Saul looks up and sees the two together. He holds out his free hand towards them.

“Come David. I would that you would play for me again. I regret greatly the actions forced on me by the evil spirit. Perhaps your music will free me from its grip even now.”

David walks to Saul’s side and puts his hand forward to receive his lyre. “I would be most pleased to be of service to you, my king.”

Saul places David’s lyre in his outstretched hand. David returns to his customary seat to resume playing for Saul but his eye is drawn to the mark in the wall where Saul’s spear once hung. He decides that he will NOT let this evil spirit rob him of his love for his king; the Lord’s anointed. David pulls his eyes away and settles in to perform his duties to his king and his Lord. For the songs David plays are for the Lord as much as they are for Saul. David’s heart can’t help but praise the Lord.

Saul remains silent as David plays. The music is not having the effect it used to hold. It cannot quiet the jealousy building in Saul’s soul, especially when he sees his own son taking up for this usurper.

Jonathan watches and listens for a while. He loves hearing David play. He had intended to speak with his father regarding kingdom business but it will keep. He does not want to upset him, especially when he is already feeling troubled. Jonathan finally withdraws and leaves Saul in David’s hands.

Saul sneers as Jonathan leaves. “If you would only open your eyes to the truth” he thinks. “This BOY is trying to steal the kingdom right out of my hands! And YOU would let him do it!”

David’s spirit is troubled. He feels the need to leave. He finishes the song he had been playing then stands and collects his items. “My king, if I may have leave, I need to refresh myself. My mind is tired and I fear I am offering you no comfort in my present state.”

“You may leave” offers Saul.

David walks to the door of the throne room. At the last moment he dashes through it as if propelled by the hand of God. In that same instant Saul’s spear strikes the wall where David’s head would be if not for his quick movement.

From the other side of the door David hears Saul loose a fierce growl. David will not return to the throne room today. Saul is beyond his ability to help for now.

David returns the next day but is watchful while in Saul’s presence. His music suffers from the divided attention. Several days go by with this strained relationship before Saul calls a halt to these duties.

“I have need of your services in other areas. Your other talents are being wasted here with me. Report to Abner. The Lord has shown that He is with you in battle. Our forces need leaders whom are favored by the Lord. You will be made a leader of a thousand. Lead them well.”

David is confused by this appointing. He has not served but in one battle. Certainly, this does not qualify him as a commander of a thousand. But he will do as his king commands and trust the Lord with the rest.

“I will endeavor to serve you well my king. I am unworthy of such a distinction.”

“That may be so, but it is yours none the less. Make the best of it.”

David, to his own astonishment, would do very well in this role. It would take time for those under him to accept him but his willingness to learn and fierce dedication to his men would win their hearts. Together, under the Lord’s hand, they would do many mighty works in Israel. The people would love David for the protection he provided them.

The more David succeeded the more Saul would fear him. The people’s love for David would fuel that fear and hate. Saul knew from the moment the people came out to praise David that he could not lift a hand against David. The people would not allow it.

(to be continued)

This is the beginning of a different life for David. His road will become VERY rocky as time goes on. But he will hold fast to the Lord’s hand and to His promise. David will never raise a finger to hurry God’s plan along. NOT something I can claim in my life!

Father God, help me be at least half as faithful in my life as David was in his. Help me to follow Your path for my life, no matter how many twists and turns it takes. Lead me Lord to the places YOU would have me go. And help me walk in those places with integrity.