June 24 | 1 Samuel 18:1-5

Pamela Mann
6 days ago
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Friend to the Giant Slayer

By Pam Mann

After slaying Goliath, David is everybody’s hero in Israel. Maybe our modern world equivalent of this fandom is how a hometown welcomes its first Olympic gold medalist. Or maybe it’s like how people from Wapakoneta felt about Neil Armstrong after his moonwalk.

This passage, however, is not about general popularity or the adoration of crowds. This is about the private awe and personal affection which the crown prince feels for the brave delivery guy who saved his nation. Imagine Jonathan’s emotions during David’s face-off with Goliath. Jonathan is himself a passionate patriot and fearless warrior, in addition to being the crown prince by birthright. Jonathan must have seen in David a kindred spirit.

Perhaps previously Jonathan knew David only as the local talent whose musical instruments and voice soothed Saul’s troubled spirit. Witnessing David’s unforgettable stand that day against Goliath, Jonathan saw in his new friend even greater skill than his musical prowess. Consider what Jonathan saw in David on that harrowing day. What did it take for the shepherd boy to take down the roaring giant? It took exact timing, perfect aim, and explosive strength with his sling, plus deep calm in the moment of the confrontation. These assets David had acquired during long, boring hours as he minded his father’s sheep. But, these talents would have remained dormant that day if they had not been ignited by David’s righteous outrage over the Philistine’s maligning the Lord God and His people. It was David’s passion for Yahweh and His people that fueled David’s courage to slaughter the slandering giant.

Such zeal for God enthralls us. Jonathan was so enthralled by David’s heart for God that he gave him his royal robes and all his weaponry. And he made a covenant with him…friends forever. Of course, later, Saul will be greatly irritated with Jonathan for his loyalty to David, but, in this passage, for the time being, Saul also has rewarded David with a high rank in the army.

Dark days lie ahead for all three Israelite leaders: David, Jonathan, and Saul. Each man will deal differently with the darkness that God allows into his life. Sadly, Saul will lack the heart for God which David and Jonathan have. Also, he will never have the close friendship which Jonathan and David have with each other.

Dark days inevitably come to us all. How will we deal with our dark days?

PRAYER

Lord God of Hosts, grant us Jonathan’s wisdom to embrace and befriend the kindred spirits whom You put into our lives. Empower us to encourage one another with sincere commitment and support. Nurture in us together a growing trust that You can slay giants.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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