1 Samuel 19:1-10
1 Now Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David.
2 So Jonathan informed David, saying, “My father Saul is seeking to put you to death. Now then, please be on your guard in the morning, and stay in a hiding place and conceal yourself.
3 And as for me, I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are hiding, and I will speak with my father about you; and whatever I find out, I will tell you.”
4 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “May the king not sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you.
5 For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?”
6 Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, “As the Lord lives, David shall not be put to death.”
7 Then Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these words. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.
8 When there was war again, David went out and fought the Philistines and defeated them with great slaughter, so that they fled from him.
9 Now there was an evil spirit from the Lord on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing the harp with his hand.
10 And Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he escaped from Saul’s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.
Assassination Plan using the Servants
Jonathan’s intercession
Next, Saul tries to assassinate David using his servants. He disclosed his plan to his son Jonathan and all his servants. At this point, he did not know that Jonathan and David had formed a covenant of friendship. (1) Jonathan informs David of this and advises him to hide in a safe place. (2) Furthermore, Jonathan speaks in defense of David to his father Saul. He passionately explains how much David has dedicated himself to Saul and how beneficial his deeds have been for all Israel, as well as for Saul. (3) He persuaded his father, arguing that killing David would be shedding innocent blood and is a grave sin. (4) Saul was moved by Jonathan’s words of persuasion and answered, “As the Lord lives, David shall not be put to death.” This was a vow in the name of the Lord. Let’s focus on Jonathan’s intercession. He interceded before his father for his beloved David. In Jonathan is an image of our High Priest, Lord Jesus, who intercedes for us daily. As it is written, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:34). Are you disheartened today? Let’s look up to the living Christ who is interceding for you.
Attacking with spear (second time)
However, when David achieved victory in battles against the Philistines, Saul’s jealousy flared up again. In which, an evil spirit saw an opportunity to take hold. Saul himself invited the evil spirit in and harbored murderous intentions towards David once more. Saul attempted to pin David to the wall with his spear, which was his original method. He had forgotten the vow he made in the name of the Lord, returning to his pitiful state. Harboring thoughts displeasing to the Lord provides an opportunity for evil spirits to exploit. To avoid this, let’s stay alert and pray.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I look up to Christ, our High Priest. I am thankful for the daily intercession made for me. Please, free me from wicked thoughts. In the name of the LordJesus Christ, I pray. Amen.