Wrong King

Now the Philistines attacked Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them. Many were slaughtered on the slopes of Mount Gilboa. The Philistines closed in on Saul and his sons, and they killed three of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua. [1 Samuel 31.1-2]

The scriptures give us no reason at all to believe anything but good about David's dear friend and confidant, Jonathan, son of Saul.

Just being David's best friend did not save Jonathan though.

Jonathan remained engaged with his father Saul. He fought with his father Saul. He died with his father Saul. Nothing bad was ever said about Jonathan.

Just knowing David however did not save Jonathan. Even being a covenant-friend with David did not save Jonathan. Jonathan knew full well that David was anointed king of Israel, but Jonathan remained in the camp and company of his father Saul. I can imagine Jonathan's emotions were great over his dilemma. But Jonathan died in that circumstance with his father while David lived in his circumstance elsewhere.

How might Jonathan's life been different had he 'forsaken all' and gone with his sworn friend David? We will never know - but it sure seems like it could have gone much better for Jonathan than it did.

So, what's the point? If we know what is right and yet we do not do it, we might well suffer for it. It will not matter how good we are or even how 'right' our heart is... Jonathan died because he was with the wrong king.

Father, help me to see the simple lesson in Jonathan's life and death.