Friends - Jonathan, Agent of Encouragement

Josa Jr - Parkour #2

Leap Over a Wall
Inspired by the Life of David

NCPC Family Scripture Focus, Fall 2015

 
Four Ways to Leap!

READ THE BIBLE STORY - Regular Bible Readings in 1 & 2 Samuel 

DIG DEEPER WITH A BIBLE SCHOLAR - Lectio Scripture Commentary from Dr. Sara Koenig, Seattle Pacific University

REFLECT &/or DISCUSS WITH OTHERS - Focused Reflection Guide for Groups & Individuals from Pastor Kurt Helmcke...on this blog site (see below)

READ A BOOK WITH PASTOR KURT & OTHERS - Leap Over a Wall: Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christians by Eugene Peterson


Schedule - this week & next
 

Week	Scripture Reading	Stories	Pastor Kurt’s Weekly Focus	Leap Over a Wall book chapters
Week 5: October 26	1 Samuel 18-20	David & Jonathan’s friendship	Friendship 1 Sam 18:1-9	Ch. 5
Week 6: November 2	1 Samuel 21-30	Saul vs. David	Choosing Mercy 1 Sam 24:1-22	Chs. 6-10

 

Introduction to 1 Samuel 18-20: 
David Needs the Help of a Friend.  

As great as David seemed after he brought down Goliath, he couldn't reach his destiny on his own.  He needed the help of friends, and Jonathan was his closest.  The words used in the text to describe their relationship are strikingly intimate - love, soul, covenant.  This was no surface-level or convenient "bro-mance."  But there's a deeper dimension to this story than meets most readers' eyes.  More than a charming story of friendship, it is also a story of political intrigue and revolutionary betrayal. 

The important point to remember is that Jonathan is the son of King Saul, next in line for his throne and someone Saul expects to be a fiercely loyal supporter.  At the outset of chapter 18 Jonathan gives David his robe, likely signifying the passing of his right to the throne to David.  Then Jonathan gives David his armor, sword, and bow.  In doing so Jonathan provides weapons to David, the one whom the people are starting to hope replaces the ineffective King Saul.  There's revolution in the air, and that includes King Saul's own family.  Both his son and daughter (Michal) love David...and their allegiance begins to shift away from dad.  None of this is lost on Saul, who in jealous fear alternates between wanting to keep David close (to keep an eye on him) and exacting the full measure of his wrath by killing him first.  Jonathan intercedes with Saul on David's behalf, and some temporary good comes from this.  But ultimately Saul brings down threats upon his own son.  Jonathan's encouragement of David cost him something, but he was willing to pay the price because of his devotion to David.

Key Characters

Saul - King of Israel (God's people); jealous of David's popularity post-Goliath, Saul makes plans to kill him off.
David - Popular hero who vanquished the giant Goliath, earning him the King's jealous wrath.  Friend of Jonathan who also married Jonathan's sister Michal.
Jonathan - Saul's son, the rightful heir to the throne, who becomes a close friend and supporter of David, saving him from his father's murderous plans.
Michal - Saul's daughter, who loves David and becomes married to him.

Discussion/Reflection Guide

Friendship: Agents of Encouragement
Click Here for the "Friendship" Discussion Guide PDF - 1 Sam 18-20

David & Jonathan's Friendship

1 Samuel 18:1-9
³ "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. ⁴ Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt." 1 Samuel 18:3-4