Consider these two chapters from the standpoint of some friends of David. First, there is Jonathan, the son of Saul. Jonathan is said to have “greatly delighted in David.” He treasured David as a friend. At the same time, his father had grown to hate David so much that he put a contract out on his life. Jonathan’s loyalty to his friend led him first to hiding him so his father could not find him, which of course was going against the king’s wishes. Then, Jonathan interceded on behalf of David. This worked for a short while, but soon Saul was hunting David again.
Enter Michal, David’s wife. She helped David escape from her father as well. Perhaps her claiming that David had threatened her life was a bit much, but she was there when he needed to go down through the window. Then there was Samuel. When Saul sent people to arrest David at Naioth, the delegations got distracted by an overwhelming desire to proclaim prophecies! Even Saul himself could not resist this distraction. When David returns to him, Jonathan again tries everything he can to reconcile the two enemies. But Saul would not be reconciled to David. Saul was right in his assessment of the results of Jonathan’s friendship with David. By defending David, Jonathan was giving up his title to the dominion.
Each of these three (Jonathan, Michal, and Samuel) had different roles to play in the history of David and Saul. But all three were there when David needed them the most.
The best part of being a friend is being able to help when your friend needs you the most.
Jefferson Vann
