2002-01-01
Good Morning Dear Ones,
So far in our discussion of covenants, we have looked at the Noahtic covenant, the Abrahamic covenant, covenants between Abraham, Isaac, and Abimelech, a covenant between Jacob and God, the covenant between Jacob and his Uncle Laban, the Mosiac covenant when the Law was given to Israel by God, and the new covenant or Covenant of Grace. All of these have some common elements. They all involve two-way promises in which God participates with the other party (or parties). All were motivated by an effort to solve problems. Each one involved some form of reconciliation both between God and the parties and the parties with each other. All are sealed and then, commemorated in some way with a memorial, usually with the erection of an altar or pile of stones. In each case, the covenant was taken as a serious commitment by each party involved.
The next covenant for us to examine is that between David and Saul’s son who is David’s dear friend, Jonathan. Like the others, this covenant also has most of these same elements. This is the covenant that involves an exchange of robes. Let me give some background first. David found himself in a very difficult position. In 1 SAM 16: 13, for the first time we see God taking action against Saul’s poor performance as king. “Samuel [the priest and first prophet acting at God’s instigation] took the olive oil and anointed David [the son of Jesse] in front of his brothers. Immediately the Spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.” From that day on, the kingdom of Israel was securely in David’s hands. That was true even though it would be years before David ever wore the crown. Never before had God chosen to replace an incompetent king of Israel. What made the situation difficult for David was Saul’s refusal to accept that decision for quite awhile. An explanation for Saul’s behavior to follow came in 1 SAM 16: 14. “The Lord’s Spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit sent by the Lord tormented him.” Initially, this verse bothered me, because of my belief that the Lord never brings evil. When I consulted a reliable commentary about it, this was explained by the Lord not bringing evil, but allowing the adversary to bring it for His larger purpose. If we were dealing with someone today who behaved as Saul did, it is likely that person would be diagnosed with a nasty form of bipolar disease, a condition that is caused by an imbalance in his brain chemistry that causes severe mood swings and unpredictable, often irrational behavior.
David was a harp player, so he was brought to Saul’s court to do that to calm Saul’s moodiness. Later, David was made Saul’s bearer of armor. We all know the story of David’s victory over the giant, Goliath, something directly attributable to God’s power being with him [1 SAM 17: 45-51]. Afterward, David is presented to Saul and it is seen that Saul’s son, Jonathan, is very impressed with David. Eventually, Jonathan came to love David “as much as he loved himself” [1 SAM 18: 1]. I SAM 18: 2-4, “Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him go back home. Jonathan swore eternal friendship with David because of his deep affection for him. He took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David together with his armor and also his sword, bow, and belt.” Neither man knew at the time that this covenant of friendship and mutual respect would be tested so severely. While God might not have been an active participant in this covenant between two friends, it is clear to me that since each man was very faithful, God surely was a part of it anyway. Had that not been the case, the outcome of the test to which this covenant would be put would have come out quite differently than it did.
The Hebrew words used in 1 SAM 18: 3 to describe this covenant is “karath briyth”, which means “to cut an alliance or bargain,” originally made by passing between the pieces [of meat sacrificed]. Thus, Jonathan and David entered into a covenant. It is implied that God put His stamp of approval on this covenant. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament defines covenant in four contexts: between nations, between individuals, between monarch and subjects, and between God and man. Between nations, it’s a treaty of alliance of friendship. Between individuals, it’s a pledge agreement. Between monarch and subjects, it’s a constitution. Between God and man, it’s a two-way promise accompanied by signs, sacrifices and a solemn oath that seals the relationship with promises of blessing for keeping the covenant and curse for breaking it.
We know that Saul eventually becomes jealous of David. Jonathan helps David to escape Saul’s attacks and is eventually called upon to make the difficult choice between his own father and David. You can read about this in 1 SAM 20. Jonathan keeps his covenant with David, which helps David escape Saul’s persecution and furthers God’s plan for David and for Israel. The two men separated after that, and we learn in 1 CH 10: 1-2, that after the battle at Gilboa with the Philistines that the latter catch up with King Saul and his three sons, and that these sons including Jonathan were killed. Saul is also mortally wounded there. In disgrace, Saul took his own sword and threw himself on it [1 CH 10: 4]. Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord [1 CH 10: 13a]. Seeing the consequences of Saul’s behavior, the beautiful nature of David’s friendship with Jonathan, and God’s interactions with these people helps us to see valuable lessons which apply to the covenants we make in our own lives today.
PRAYER: O Lord, You allow us to view the characters of men like Saul, David, and Jonathan, because You care enough about us that You want us to see the lessons in them. Throughout the entire Bible, anyone who reads Your word seriously can see that You are both supreme and sovereign. At the same time You are righteous, as is Your plan for us. When boiled down to its very essence, You want us to know that You are eager for as many of us as possible to repent, have faith in Christ, and to trust and obey Your commands. That is the only way that we can gain eternal life, joy, and fellowship with You. In Saul, You showed us a man who was disobedient and Your ability to punish him for that. He was fickle, irresponsible, and willing to consult evil spirits. In Jonathan, You let us see a man with a faithful, obedient heart who teaches us how to be a good friend. He demonstrated courage of faith under the most adverse conditions. Despite his early physical death, Jonathan is most probably esteemed by You. In David, You show us Your power to bring spiritual reconciliation and forgiveness into the life of a sinner. You also show us how David succeeds at being a good king, because of Your presence in his life. These examples make us want to pray that You will always be present in our own lives and to be the Lord of them. Each day that we trust and obey You, You bless our lives abundantly. We humbly offer You our adoration, worship, trust, obedience, loyalty, glory, honor, praise, and thanksgiving. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tomorrow, the Lord leads me to begin a series of several messages giving background on covenants, which is a part of this present series. While learning something about the theology of covenants, the Lord reveals wonderful examples from the Scriptures to deepen our knowledge of the nature of His love for us and how we are called upon to respond to it. He does this to bless us, not to nag us. No matter what the date is, the principles that He teaches us apply in our lives. His love for us is constant, dependable, and profound. Peter and I send our love too.
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn