onathan's friendship for David. (1-5) Saul seeks to kill
David. (6-11) Saul's fear of David. (12-30)
Verses 1-5: The friendship of David and Jonathan was the effect of
Divine grace, which produces in true believers one heart and one
soul, and causes them to love each other. This union of souls is
from partaking in the Spirit of Christ. Where God unites hearts,
carnal matters are too weak to separate them. Those who love
Christ as their own souls, will be willing to join themselves to
him in an everlasting covenant. It was certainly a great proof
of the power of God's grace in David, that he was able to bear
all this respect and honour, without being lifted up above
measure.
Verses 6-11: David's troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs,
but arise from them; such is the vanity of that which seems
greatest in this world. It is a sign that the Spirit of God is
departed from men, if, like Saul, they are peevish, envious,
suspicious, and ill-natured. Compare David, with his harp in his
hand, aiming to serve Saul, and Saul, with his javelin in his
hand, aiming to slay David; and observe the sweetness and
usefulness of God's persecuted people, and the barbarity of
their persecutors. But David's safety must be ascribed to God's
providence.
Verses 12-30: For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension
of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and
respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is
such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and
provocations! Let us inquire if we imitate this part of the
exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our
ways? Is there no sinful omission, no rashness of spirit,
nothing wrong in our conduct? Opposition and perverseness in
others, will not excuse wrong tempers in us, but should increase
our care, and attention to the duties of our station. Consider
Him that endured contradiction of sinners against himself, lest
ye be weary and faint in your minds, (Heb 12:3). If David
magnified the honour of being son-in-law to king Saul, how
should we magnify the honour of being sons to the King of kings!
onathan's friendship for David. (1-5) Saul seeks to kill
David. (6-11) Saul's fear of David. (12-30)