Today’s passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-16
Helpful thoughts:
- Jonathan recognized and rejoiced in David’s successes and his trajectory toward the throne.
- Saul enjoyed David as long as it benefited himself. Once he saw the “glory” was no longer his own, he hated David.
- In asking “What more can he have but the kingdom?” Saul may very well be acknowledging the looming fulfillment of Samuel’s words in 13:14.
- Even when Saul tried to minimize/jeopardize David’s role by sending him out to battle, God used it to increase David’s place in Israel.
Questions to consider:
- What kind of loyalty did David show in remaining in the room with Saul and continuing to play to help calm the king down even while having spears thrown at him? Who should have been afraid of whom after this incident? Who was afraid (Verse 12) and why?
- What would Jonathan’s gifts to David have symbolized? What does it seem Jonathan valued more highly than to be the king?
- In Luke 9, Jesus said, “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” How did Christ exemplify this truth? How will our Christ-like values change the way we see prominence, power and clout in this world?