1 Samuel 18-20 Commentary
In this passage, we see the aftermath of David's victory over Goliath and the beginning of his rise to prominence in Israel.
David's Rise to Prominence (1 Samuel 18:1-16)
After defeating Goliath, David becomes an overnight sensation in Israel. He is celebrated by the people, and even King Saul takes notice of him. However, Saul's jealousy and insecurity begin to rise to the surface as he realizes that David is becoming more popular than him.
The Covenant of Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
Jonathan, Saul's son, forms a close bond with David, and they make a covenant with each other. This covenant is a significant turning point in the story, as it sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters.
Saul's Jealousy (1 Samuel 18:6-16)
As David returns from battle, the women of Israel come out to greet him, singing and dancing in celebration. However, their song, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands," sparks Saul's jealousy. Saul becomes angry and resentful, feeling threatened by David's growing popularity.
David's Flight from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1-24)
Saul's jealousy boils over, and he attempts to kill David not once, but twice. David flees to Samuel in Ramah, but Saul's men pursue him. Jonathan intervenes on David's behalf, and they devise a plan to help David escape.
Saul's Attempt on David's Life (1 Samuel 19:1-10)
Saul sends his men to capture David, but David escapes and flees to Samuel in Ramah. Saul's men are unable to capture David, and instead, they are met with a prophetic frenzy, as the Spirit of God comes upon them.
Jonathan's Loyalty to David (1 Samuel 19:11-17)
Jonathan helps David to escape, and they devise a plan to test Saul's intentions. Jonathan shoots three arrows, and the sign they had agreed upon indicates that Saul is seeking to kill David.
David's Narrow Escape (1 Samuel 19:18-24)
David flees to Nob, where he meets with Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech provides David with food and a sword, and David flees to the land of the Philistines.
Jonathan's Intercession (1 Samuel 20:1-42)
David returns to Jonathan and asks for his help in determining whether Saul's intention is still to kill him. Jonathan agrees to help, and they devise a plan to test Saul's intentions.
The Sign of the Arrows (1 Samuel 20:1-23)
Jonathan shoots three arrows, and the sign they had agreed upon indicates that Saul is still seeking to kill David. David flees, and Jonathan sends a servant to retrieve the arrows.
The Final Goodbye (1 Samuel 20:24-42)
Jonathan and David part ways, and Jonathan warns David to be careful. David flees, and Jonathan returns to Gibeah. The chapter ends with David fleeing to the wilderness, and Jonathan returning to Gibeah, marking the end of their time together.
In these chapters, we see the theme of jealousy and fear contrasted with the theme of loyalty and friendship. Saul's jealousy and fear drive him to attempt to kill David, while Jonathan's loyalty and friendship for David lead him to risk his own life to help his friend escape.
