1 Samuel 19 & 20: A Step Between Me And Death
Verse of the Day: (20:3) And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.
1. Salvation (19:1-24)
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? (19:5)
True love extends beyond one’s family. Jonathan truly loved David, as he patiently explained to his father, King Saul, who sought after David’s life, that the God of Israel through David had performed a great salvation for Israel in delivering them from the Philistines. Indeed our salvation is of the LORD as we fully trust and obey Him. (Jonah 2)
2. Step (20:1-40)
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. (20:33)
What a contrast between the father and his son! Saul was full of hatred and murder, while Jonathan, his son, was full of love and sacrifice. Saul found David a threat to his throne and tried all means to kill him, while Jonathan had a covenant with David to love and cherish their friendship, and did all he could to save David from being killed by his father. In fact, Jonathan and David arranged a secret plan that David would leave the palace and hid in the field, and if Saul was determined to kill David, then Jonathan would shoot his arrow beyond where David was hiding. Jonathan shot beyond David, and David knew that it was time for him to leave the service of King Saul. Subsequently, God judged Saul and replaced him with David. Indeed, let us love and serve God and others, knowing that His richest blessings and rewards shall be upon us now and forever. (Revelation 22:12-15)
3. Swear (20:41-42)
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. (20:42)
Indeed, David honoured his promise to Jonathan that he would take care of Jonathan’s descendants, as later in his reign as the King of Israel, and after Jonathan’s promotion to heaven, he sought for Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. David then invited Mephibosheth to his palace to be one of his royal family. (2 Samuel 9) Indeed, let us do good to all, especially to our loved ones, while we can as life is short. (Galatians 6:7-10)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for my life as it is only a step before my promotion.
