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From Eternity Past
After the remarkable exhibition of the power of God, Jonathan
could not believe that his father would harm David. This would be
rebellion against God.
David Hides From Saul
But David was not convinced. He declared to Jonathan, “As the
Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and
death.”
At the time of the new moon, a sacred festival was celebrated in
Israel. It was expected that both David and Jonathan would appear at
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the king’s table. But David feared to be present, and it was arranged
that he visit his brothers in Bethlehem. On his return he was to hide
in a field not far from the banqueting hall, for three days absenting
himself from the presence of the king. Jonathan would note the effect
upon Saul. If no angry demonstration were made by the king, then it
would be safe for David to return to court.
When the place was vacant the second day the king questioned,
“Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday nor
today? And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of
me to go to Bethlehem: and he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our
family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded
me to be there: and now, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me get
away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto
the king’s table.”
When Saul heard these words, his anger was ungovernable. He
declared that as long as David lived, Jonathan could not come to the
throne. David should be sent for immediately, that he might be put to
death. Jonathan again pleaded, “Wherefore shall he be slain? what
hath he done?” This only made the king more satanic in his fury, and
the spear intended for David he now hurled at his own son.
The prince was grieved and indignant. Leaving the royal presence,
he repaired at the appointed time to the spot where David was to learn
the king’s intentions. They wept bitterly. The dark passion of the king
cast its shadow upon the young men, and their grief was too intense
for expression. Jonathan’s last words fell upon the ear of David as they
separated: “Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in