Journal Through the Bible: Week 39 Friday

source

I Samuel chapter 20

When Saul arrived in Naioth in Ramah David quickly departed. He met with Jonathan who not only upheld David's innocence but also pledged to help David in any way possible. Jonathan showed the seriousness of this vow by praying to God in David's presence calling down a curse upon himself if he did not warn David of trouble.

Jonathan made it clear to David that he understood that David would be the next king of Israel and that he would not stand in his way because it was of the LORD. He did ask to extend their covenant further by seeking David's protection over Jonathan's children.

It was the time of the new moon when ceremonial sacrifices were to be made. When David did not appear at the king's table Saul assumed at first that he was ceremonially unclean. When it became clear that Jonathan had helped David avoid Saul the king became angry at his son and threw his javelin at him just as he had previously done twice to David.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God does not speak in this chapter.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak in this chapter.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• David is the innocent being unjustly accused. Jesus is the innocent who was unjustly accused.
• Jonathan is also a type of Christ when he beseeches the anointed ruler to accept not only himself but also his offspring. As Christians, we are accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6). Jonathan's descendants were to be accepted by David merely because of their relationship to Jonathan. We will be accepted by God the Father merely because of our relationship to the Son.
• As Saul reminded Jonathan, there is a choice to be made. Either attempt to rule on your own or follow the son of Jesse. Jonathan knew that if God has anointed the son of Jesse as ruler of His people the only thing to do is to submit to His authority.  Jesus is the Son of Jesse that God has anointed to rule His people and the only way to be in God's Will is to submit to Him. It is useless to attempt to be the ruler of our own lives.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• David and Jonathan stated that their covenant of peace was to last forever. This life is temporary. The next one is not. Those who know Jesus will enjoy a covenant of peace with God and each other forever. Someday we will witness this covenant of peace between these two believers and their offspring that also trusted in the finished work of the Messiah.