Bible Pathways 4/7/2001
April 7
Read I Samuel 19 -- 21
David became a national hero and as the years passed, King Saul became increasingly jealous of David's popularity to the point that he was determined to kill him. Even his two children, his son Jonathan and his daughter Michal, were used of God to protect David. Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David . . . Saul my father seeks to kill you: now therefore . . . hide yourself (I Samuel 19:1-2).
This was the first record of Saul openly declaring that he wanted David murdered. Prior to this, Saul had manipulated circumstances to expose David to the Philistines, hoping they would kill him (18:25). Saul had become so obsessed with jealousy that he tried to involve Jonathan in his plan to murder David. But, Jonathan spoke good of David to Saul his father, and said . . . Let not the king sin against his servant . . . David; because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been . . . very good: For he put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice: wherefore then will you sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? (19:4-5).
Saul had become violent, with an uncontrolled temper. He considered any opposition as treason. Jonathan revealed remarkable spiritual insight and courage when he confronted his father the king in defense of David. The risk was very real and, in a fit of rage, Saul denounced his son, and, on another occasion, attempted to kill Jonathan (20:33).
Jonathan could have avoided any risk to himself if he had decided not to get involved in defending David. To defend an innocent person from slander or harm's way, whatever the cost to self, is to remain faithful to biblical principles and do what is morally right.
Often we find ourselves in situations where people whom we know are being threatened, accused, maligned, intimidated, or taken advantage of. We are then faced with the decision of whether or not to get involved. Are we more concerned about offending friends or jeopardizing our own security and pride, and thus remain silent because of those fears? From time to time, we find ourselves caught in the middle, when a "friend" attempts to manipulate us into taking advantage of another for his own selfish benefit. We dare not be an accomplice to their evil, but must speak up and act as Jonathan did. There is a direct connection between what we truly believe and how we behave. We need to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).
The Bible was not given merely to inform us, but to transform us. Unlike all other books, the Word of God places eternal consequences upon all who ignore it. Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven (Matthew 5:44-45).
Christ Portrayed: By David, who, as a servant of Saul, suffered at the hands of the one whom he chose to serve (I Samuel 19:1,10-11). Jesus suffered at the hands of the ones He came to serve and to save. But those things, which God before had shown by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He has so fulfilled (Acts 3:18).
Word Studies: 19:9 played with his hand means played music on the harp; 19:13 for his bolster means at his headplace; 20:12 sounded means searched out; 20:26 not clean means ceremonially defiled (Lev. 15; Num. 19:11); 20:30 confusion means dishonor.
Government Official: Rep. Robert Brady (PA) · Pray for Bible Pathway Faith Promise Supporters · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Wiley Pardon · Country: China, Mainland (1.2 billion) in eastern Asia · Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) · Renewed persecution of the Church · 18% Chinese folk-religionist; 6% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing · Prayer Suggestion: Ask for courage to praise the Lord before unbelievers (Psalms 96:3-5).
Optional Reading: Acts 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
