1 Samuel 20:16-24
Verse 23 “And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the Lord is witness between you and me forever.”
Now that the covenant was established it was time to work out the plan on how Jonathan would give David the message about the king’s feelings toward the young man. It had to be subtle so that others wouldn’t know what was going on and if the king did hate David, he couldn’t send his men to track David down. They had to be thorough but safe.
This field seemed to be an ideal place. It seemed to be a regular place that the prince would have gone or it could have been a move that drew attention to his movements. The field had to have somewhere that David could hang out for a few days without drawing attention. These rocks could have also given David a safe place to ride out the festival, it would have given him shade during the day and an object to relax against day or night.
The details of the plan seem very basic, if I say this it means ____, if I say that it means _____. But the reason for this plan is really starting to set in for Jonathan. This whole planning thing wouldn’t be necessary if there wasn’t the slightest possibility that David was right about the king. Jonathan must have really started questioning the possibility that his dad could be trying to kill his best friend. Could David be right and be in danger of death? But how could that be since Jonathan understood David would be the next king?
The fact that he wasn’t going to follow in Saul’s footsteps didn’t bother Jonathan, he knew David would make a great king. David had a closer relationship with God than Jonathan had ever witnessed before, God couldn’t let him be killed. The nation of Israel needed a king that understood the heart of God and no one fit that description better than his best friend.
With that knowledge firm in his mind Jonathan makes a very important comment to his covenant friend, “Don’t forget the depth and terms of our covenant because God won’t forget our vows to each other.” He seems to know deep down that David was likely right about the king and Jonathan needed to know that his family would be safe in the future.
Making It Personal
Have you ever had a situation which you thought would end up different than you wanted? How do you handle things when your expectations aren’t met? How well do you fit in with the expectations of God for your life?
Making It Personal Kids
Has anything ever happened that didn’t happen the way you wanted? How did it make you feel? Do you think that Jesus has things He expects in your life?
Closing Prayer
Father, Your ways are higher than ours and so You must have expectations for us. Help us look to You for guidance and the wisdom to know how to live as You desire us to live. In Jesus’ name, amen.