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David Flees
419
After the remarkable exhibition of God’s power, Jonathan could
not believe that his father would harm David, because that would be
rebellion against God.
David Hides from Saul
But David was not convinced. He declared to Jonathan, “As the
Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and
death.”
At the time of the new moon, Israel celebrated a sacred festival.
Both David and Jonathan would be expected to appear at the king’s
table, but David was afraid to come, and it was arranged that he
would visit his brothers in Bethlehem. On his return he was to hide
in a field not far from the banqueting hall, absenting himself from
the presence of the king for three days. Jonathan would observe the
effect on Saul. If the king made no angry demonstration, then it
would be safe for David to return to court.
When David’s place was vacant the second day, the king asked,
“‘Why has the son of Jesse not come to eat, either yesterday or
today?’ So Jonathan answered Saul, ‘David earnestly asked permis-
sion of me to go to Bethlehem. And he said, “Please let me go, for
our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded
me to be there. And now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please
let me get away and see my brothers.” Therefore he has not come to
the king’s table.’”
When Saul heard these words, his anger was uncontrollable. He
declared that as long as David lived, Jonathan could not become
king. David should be sent for immediately, that he might be put to
death. Jonathan again pleaded, “Why should he be killed? What has
he done?” This only made the king more satanic in his fury, and he
now hurled at his own son the spear intended for David.
The prince was sad and offended. Leaving his father’s presence,
he went at the appointed time to the spot where David was to learn
the king’s intentions. They wept bitterly. The king’s dark passion
cast its shadow on the young men, and their grief was too intense for
expression. Jonathan’s last words to David as they separated were:
“Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord,