The next several chapters in 1Samuel discuss the period of time in David’s life when he lived under constant threat of by the hand of King Saul. David spent much of this time in the wilderness, hiding from Saul’s soldiers. This section provides an extended illustration of the dangers of the Christian life - the life of faith in which we often seem to be under threat or in danger or experiencing tribulation. But as we consider these chapters, we need to remember that in David’s case, as well as in our own, these trials are not the result of God’s inability to bring about change or deliverance. God is able to rescue us from any and all circumstances. So, why does God allow such circumstances to exist and (occasionally) even predominate in our lives? Frankly, God more clearly evidences His grace and power through a life sustained in the midst of dangers and trials than through a tranquil and effortless existence. Not only that, but God also uses trials to sanctify, train and prepare us for His later use. Our Savior experienced much tribulation and we are encouraged to “consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that we may not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:3) David’s trials were a foreshadowing of the tribulations endured by Christ in much the same way as our trials are a sharing in Christ’s sufferings. They enable us to identify with Christ more closely and encourage us through His example of faithfulness. God willing, as we study David’s trials we will learn many lessons about remaining faithful in difficult times and about God’s gracious provision for those He loves.
We begin this section with a lesson from Jonathan, who provides us with an example of how the godly respond to sin.
Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you.”
1 Samuel 19:4
A godly rebuke can often forestall the commission of sin.
In his jealousy and fear, Saul had commanded his servants (and Jonathan) to kill David. Jonathan was in a quandary, for not only was he loyal to his father, the king, but he had also pledged himself to be David’s friend. Furthermore, Jonathan was a godly man whose heart was grieved to witness this kind of tension and hatred. How was he to handle this situation? Obviously, since Saul had already issued the command, Jonathan couldn’t just wait to see what would happen. That would almost certainly result in David’s . On the other hand, Jonathan couldn’t openly oppose Saul, since that would be rightly construed as a violation of his loyalty to the king. Still, Jonathan recognized that, if this command was carried out, Saul would be guilty of a great sin. So he chose to jeopardize his own relationship with Saul by confronting and rebuking him.
Not knowing how the situation would turn out, Jonathan urged David to take precautions and to hide while he spoke to Saul. Then, while walking with his father in the field, Jonathan spoke openly about David, praising his loyalty, his bravery and his innocence. He then rebuked Saul for commanding the of David, calling it a sin against . Jonathan also spoke to Saul about the positive effect of David’s actions and how they had reflected well upon Saul and upon
Notice that this rebuke was effective, even though it was addressed to an unbeliever. Saul had already been forsaken by God and had little, if any, fear of God left in his life. Yet, he retained his conscience – the voice of God’s law in his soul. He still knew right from wrong. Jonathan’s appeal to Saul’s conscience deflected (for a time) his intention to kill David. This godly rebuke broke through Saul’s hardness, bringing about a change of mind (if not of heart). Wisely, Jonathan strengthened his argument by an appeal to Saul’s self-interest. He reminded Saul of how valuable David was to him – of the good press than David was generating for Saul’s administration. Consequently, Saul’s sin was restrained and a measure of peace was restored.
How thankful we should be for those true friends who are willing to face our displeasure by rebuking us! When they do this, they are keeping our feet on the path of life. It is God’s mercy to us that He has also given us the sharp sword of His word, along with faithful ministers who preach it, for the purpose of rebuking us in our sin. Since we receive this mercy, we also ought to extend this mercy to others – even at the risk of losing their favor. Godly rebuke has fallen out of favor in this culture of universal tolerance and political correctness. It is much more common to pass over or ignore sin for the sake of maintaining peace. However, this account teaches us that peace does not come through accommodating sin but through wise, truthful, loving confrontation of sin. (This, by the way, is a lesson that every faithful minister must learn!) Proverbs 16:30 states, “He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.” God’s people are too often silent, bringing evil to pass, when we ought to follow the example of Jonathan, speaking up for the right. Who knows what God would do through us if we were faithful to speak up against sin?
He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
Prov. 28:23
A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
Than a hundred blows into a fool.
Prov. 17:10
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