The Bible doesn't provide us with a detailed account of this conversation but I believe David gave his testimony for the Lord. Upon hearing the conversation between David and the king, the king's son Jonathan recognizes a kindred spirit in this courageous young man. Earlier in the book of 1 Samuel we learned that Jonathan is a man of faith and bravery too. These two young men, similar in age, are about to become lifelong best friends. "After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:1)
Some critics of the Bible have attempted to make something romantic or sexual of the friendship between David and Jonathan but there is absolutely no basis whatsoever for suggesting such a thing. The author of 1 Samuel presents their friendship in a very positive light, which would not be the case on the pages of Scripture had there been anything going on between them that contradicts the word of God. The author clearly says they are "one in spirit", which means that they both have the same love for the Lord, the same type of strong faith in the Lord, the same type of love for their nation and its people, similar opinions on major matters, and similar personalities. Isn't that what can be said of most "best friend" friendships? It's extremely difficult if not impossible to be best friends with someone if we do not have a lot in common with them. That doesn't mean we have to like all the same things and have all the same hobbies and have identical opinions on every issue, but there must be more similarities between us than differences. If we don't have any of the same opinions and if we don't enjoy any of the same activities, what would we even do with our time together? To quote Amos 3:3, "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" We have to be in agreement in many important ways with a person in order to form a "best friend" friendship with them. When Jonathan stands beside his father listening to David's words, he recognizes someone with whom he is very much in agreement.
Saul honors David by making him a full time officer in his army. "From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family." (1 Samuel 18: 2) To show his appreciation for David's bravery, Jonathan bestows upon him a fine princely outer robe, a military tunic, and some of his own weapons. "And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." (1 Samuel 18:3-4) The bestowing of armor or weapons upon a courageous warrior was a common practice in ancient cultures. It was a great honor for a warrior returning from battle to be awarded items belonging to someone of higher rank than himself. In gifting his own personal items to David, Jonathan is demonstrating his gratitude and respect for all that David has done for the nation. It is a way of saying, "I am in your debt for the great service you've performed this day."
In addition to honoring David's military success with these items, many scholars believe that because Jonathan has a close relationship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit has revealed to him that David will be the next king of Israel. These scholars interpret his handing over of many princely items as being symbolic of his handing over his familial claim to the throne. As Saul's eldest son and chief heir, Jonathan is viewed by one and all as the crown prince of Israel. The people expect him to succeed his father as king. But Jonathan knows the Lord has other plans and he is happy to submit to the Lord's will. Jonathan wants what is best for himself, for David, and for the entire nation of Israel---and that means letting the Lord have His way. If it is not the Lord's will for Jonathan to be king, then far be it from Jonathan to want something that is contrary to what the Lord wants. He is happy to serve the Lord in whatever role the Lord chooses for him, and I believe as we learn more about Jonathan we'll see that his personality and talents are more suited for a military role than for a political role.
Saul gives David more and more responsibility in the army as time and again David proves himself to be wise and capable. "Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul's officers as well." (1 Samuel 18:5) The men like and respect David so much that none of them minds the younger man being promoted so quickly through the ranks. None of them resents him being placed in authority over some who are older and more experienced than he is. They are glad to follow him because he is following the Lord, which ensures success. It is probably a relief to them, since Saul has become somewhat unstable, to have someone to follow who is led not by his fickle emotions but by the word of God and by the common sense the Lord gave him.
The women of Israel compose songs about David's bravery. "When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.'" (1 Samuel 18:6-7) They credit David with greater military victory than Saul, perhaps because more Philistines were killed following David's slaying of Goliath than were killed when by Saul and his men when they fought the Philistines at Gibeah earlier in the book.
Saul expects to be greeted as the primary hero of the day. He doesn't expect the young David's fame to be greater than that of the king of Israel. It doesn't sit well with him at all. "Saul was very angry; this saying displeased him greatly. 'They have credit David with tens of thousands,' he thought, 'but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?' And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David." (1 Samuel 18:8-9) Saul has been told by the prophet Samuel that, because he has stubbornly clung to a spirit of rebellion and has deliberately disobeyed the Lord a number of times and is not sorry for it, the kingdom will be taken from him and given to another. Instead of repenting to the Lord and seeing if He will relent in this matter, Saul has allowed Samuel's prophecy to make him paranoid and suspicious. He has grown even farther from the Lord and is becoming worn down from the stress being vigilant for anyone wanting to usurp him. He has no idea Samuel has already anointed David king upon command of the Lord but, of all the men currently in Israel, David seems to him to be the most likely candidate for the Lord's favor and for the people's favor.
You've probably heard the expression, "Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer." Saul now views David as his enemy but he doesn't discharge David from the army and send him back home to Bethlehem to tend sheep. It would be harder to keep tabs on him if he's far away. Saul, like many people who cannot be trusted, distrusts others. He assumes they will behave in the way he would behave, so he's on high alert for any indications David might be planning a coup to take the throne from him. This is why, instead of sending him back into the wilderness with the sheep, he keeps "a close eye" on him.
As we continue our study of Chapter 18 tomorrow we'll find Saul becoming more and more obsessed with the idea that David is a threat to him. The man who so recently thanked David for his service upon behalf of Israel will soon want him dead.
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