June 28, 2009: The Friendship of David and Jonathan
The text for this lesson is 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 19:1–7; 20:1–42; 2 Samuel 1:17–27.
Key Points
- Rather than being jealous that God had chosen David to be king and ancestor of the Messiah, Jonathan accepted God’s plan and befriended David.
- Law: When we see others being honored, we often become jealous.
- Gospel: In our Baptism into Christ Jesus, God has chosen and honored each of us beyond any human accolades.
Context
The Lord chose David to replace disobedient King Saul (1 Samuel 13:1–14; 15:23; 16:12). After David was anointed king, “The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). David was called to play the lyre for Saul, which relieved his spiritual torment. Saul became even more dependent on David after he killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and was set over Israel’s army (1 Samuel 18:5). Almost immediately, Saul became extremely jealous of David’s successes, began to view David as a threat to his throne, and attempted to kill David (1 Samuel 18:5–27). Saul realized that the Lord was with David and became even more afraid of him; thus, “Saul was David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29).
1 Samuel 18–31 recounts the drama of Saul’s efforts to secure his throne by killing David. Though David was anointed king by the Lord in 1025 BC, he did not become king of Judah (the southern kingdom) until 1010 (2 Samuel 2), after Saul and his son Jonathan died (1 Samuel 31). David became king of Israel (the northern kingdom) in 1003 (2 Samuel 5).
Discussion Points and Questions
- What prompts Saul’s desire to harm David? (see 1 Sam 18:8-9, 28-29)
- Why do you think Jonathan wasn’t jealous of David?
- Why does God command us not to covet?
- How does God use the friendship between David and Jonathan to preserve David’s life? (see 1 Sam 20:1-42)
- What events demonstrate the depth of Jonathan’s love for David?
- Note the contrasting ways in which friends of David showed their love in 1 Sam 20:1-42 and in 2 Sam 12:1-14. Discuss situations in which God would want you to display each type of friendship.
- Consider for a moment who your best friend is and what unique characteristics belong to that friend. In what way is Jesus our best friend?
- Tell how God has demonstrated his love for you in spite of your sin.
- What does God give us freely that we need more than anything else? To whom does He give these gifts?
- How did God work through the humans in this story to provide for His people?
For next week, read about the building of the temple in 1 Kings 5–6.
