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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 679. 1Sa 23:16. Jonathan's Friendship to David
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1Sa_23:16. Jonathan's Friendship to David
"And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God."—1Sa_23:16.
How sorely tried was David. Troubles and perils followed him from his youth up. His conflicts with the lion and the bear, were but preludes of that continued warfare, which God in his providence would call him to wage.
His passage from the sheepfold to the throne, was one of suffering and dangers. And when the crown was on his head, it often seemed to tremble—through treachery at home, and rebellion abroad.
Our text alludes to an event in his early history. David had been anointed by Samuel, and Saul's envy and hatred had been fearfully exerted; and he tried various expedients to take his life; 1Sa_23:13, &c.
Observe in the text,
I. David's peril and trouble from Saul. And,
II. His comfort and encouragement from Jonathan.
I. David's peril and trouble from Saul.
1. Saul was an envious enemy.
Envy is one of the vilest, deadliest passions of the soul. It was Satan's feeling, when he beheld our first parents in Paradise. Cain's feeling towards Abel. The feeling of Joseph's brethren. The feeling of the Jews towards Christ. One of the basest, of the depraved heart.
2. Saul was a powerful enemy.
Had royal authority. Imperial power. Servants. Armies, &c.
3. He was an unwearied persevering enemy. Hence, his various expedients.—His renewed efforts, &c.
4. He was a mortal enemy.
Sought his life,—desired to destroy him, &c. Need not marvel at David's anxiety and distress—his moanings and fears. "I shall one day fall," &c. "My soul is cast down," &c. Yet there were hopeful signs—for,
5. He was a restrained enemy.
Under God's control. The Lord was indeed David's shield and buckler, &c. God observed both Saul and David; restraining the one, and protecting the other, &c.
Then observe,
II. His comfort and encouragement from Jonathan.
How strange the scene! The father—the enemy; the son—the friend. One palace contained both.
Now let us see in Jonathan, all the essential and lofty principles of the most exalted friendship.
Observe, it was founded,
1. In the approbation of his mind, and the sincere love of his heart.
Chapter 1Sa_18:1.
Here was the right basis—the essential element, &c. It cannot exist without this. There may be admiration—reverence—esteem; but not real friendship, without deep affection.
2. It was noble and disinterested.
Here David might have been viewed as a rival. A youth of an obscure family, would displace him in the succession. Yet all these he despised,—he preferred David to the whole.
3. It was open and generous.
Not afraid, nor ashamed. See how he acted: chapter 1Sa_18:3 and 1Sa_18:4.
4. It was constant and self-denying.
It did not vary with circumstances—nor change with the altered appearances of things. When David was in favor, and out,—in prosperity, or in adversity. He toiled, and planned, and advocated David's cause. Chap. 1Sa_19:1-2, 1Sa_19:3; 1Sa_20:4. He exposed his life, &c. Chap. 1Sa_20:30, &c.
5. It was sanctified by religious principle.
No doubt this was its grand elastic principle,—its glorious feature. Hence the text—"Strengthened his hands in God." Recognized God in his providence—covenants, &c. Gave him religious consolation. Here was the best evidence, of the best friendship. How needful it was in David's case. How often equally so, in ours.
6. It was persevering and effectual. Jonathan had his heart's desire; and lived and died a true friend; and the covenant of their love was not broken. He was the instrument, in the hands of God, of securing his life, &c. All true friendship does not thus prove effectual. Here it was signally so, &c.
Observe,
7. Jonathan's friendship was most fully reciprocated.
David's heart was eminently fitted for it. Warm, generous—it fully valued—deeply prized—and constantly returned the gush of generous love.
At length, death separated these united hearts, and David expresses the deep anguish of his spirit, in one of the finest elegies ever composed. 2Sa_1:25, &c. Learn,—
1. The character of true friendship. Kindness of spirit—oneness of heart— mutual esteem—delight—confidence—reciprocity. Enduring as the granite—refreshing as the dew—genial as the light—and sweet as the air.
2. What a contrast to most confederacies, called by that name.
Confederacies of sin—and pleasure—and vanity—and flattery—and affection—and evanescence, &c.
3. How supereminent the friendship of Jesus, to his people. No friendship like his.