1 Samuel 18:1 - Meaning and Application

David had been anointed to the throne, to take it from Saul and even from Jonathan, Saul’s son. Yet here we see that Saul, who still held the crown, trusted David. God ordered it this way so David could gain experience at court and be ready for later service. Saul brought David into his own house and would not let him return to private life again (1 Samuel 18:2).

After David had shown himself stronger than the other warriors by accepting the challenge they had refused, Saul put him over the men of war (1 Samuel 18:5). This does not mean Saul made him the top general, since Abner already held that place. It may mean Saul gave him a high command, perhaps over the royal guard, or at least gave him precedence because of his great service. Saul also used David in government matters, and David went wherever Saul sent him, proving himself obedient as well as brave. Anyone who hopes to rule must first learn how to obey. David had already proved himself a dutiful son to Jesse, his father, and now he proved himself a dutiful servant to Saul, his master. Those who are faithful in one relationship will likely be faithful in another.

Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir to the throne, also entered into friendship with David. God ordered this too, so that David’s path would be easier when his rival became his friend. Jonathan felt a deep and unusual affection for David when David finished speaking with Saul (1 Samuel 18:1). This may refer to David’s earlier talk with Saul before the battle (1 Samuel 17:34, 1 Samuel 17:37), or to the later speech after the victory. In either case, David spoke with wisdom, humility, devotion to God, and striking courage, yet with sweetness and natural ease. Jonathan saw in David a spirit much like his own, and his soul was closely joined to David’s soul.

Jonathan had once shown the same kind of faith and bravery when he attacked a Philistine force. So there was a strong likeness between the two men in feelings, aims, and judgment. That is why they were so quickly and so closely united, as if they were one soul in two bodies. Jonathan had more reason than anyone to be jealous of David, because David was the one who would stand in his way to the crown. Yet no one respected him more. When love is guided by wisdom and grace, it will not be turned aside by worldly concerns. Greater loyalties will absorb and rule over smaller ones.

Jonathan also showed his love with a generous gift to David (1 Samuel 18:4). He could not bear to see such a noble spirit, even though it was in a handsome body, dressed like a poor shepherd. So he quickly gave David the clothes of a courtier and a soldier. He gave him his robe, his sword, his bow, and his belt or sash, taking off his own clothing to dress David in them. Saul’s clothes would not have fit David, but Jonathan’s did, since their bodies were about the same size. That fit also matched the harmony of their minds. When Saul first tried to honor David, David did not keep those marks of honor, because he wanted to earn them before wearing them. But now that David had already shown the spirit of a prince and soldier, he was not ashamed to wear a prince’s and soldier’s clothing.

David appears in Jonathan’s clothes so that everyone may see that he was, in a sense, Jonathan’s second self. In a much greater way, our Lord Jesus Christ has shown his love for us by stripping himself to clothe us and lowering himself to make us rich. He went even further than Jonathan, because he clothed himself with our poverty, while Jonathan did not put on David’s.

Jonathan also tried to keep this friendship lasting. They were so satisfied with each other at their first meeting that they made a covenant together (1 Samuel 18:3). Their love was sincere, and an honest heart does not fear promises. True love wants to be steady. Those who love Christ as their own souls will be glad to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant.

Both the court and the people also spoke well of David. It is rare for both to agree in their favorites, yet David was accepted by all the people and, even more strangely, by Saul’s servants too (1 Samuel 18:5). The people loved him warmly, and Saul’s servants could hardly avoid praising him and showing respect. It was a clear sign of God’s grace in David that he could receive so much honor all at once without becoming proud. Those who rise so fast need both a sound mind and a humble heart. It is harder to know how to have plenty than how to endure lack.