In 1 Samuel 19-21, Saul’s state of mind only grows worse as the story progresses. He becomes more desperate, enraged, mad.
There are two notes in the story that illustrate his state of mind. First, in chapter 19 Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, makes a ruse for David so he can escape from Saul. She attempts to deceive Saul’s messengers with a dummy in his bed. When this doesn’t work, Saul knows her plan. And what does he say? Basically, how could you let David go! You have betrayed me! Saul wishes that his own daughter would betray her husband to her mad father. He is indignant when she does not.
Second, Saul threatens his own son for the same reason. We see in chapter 20 that Jonathan does the same thing as Michal. He tells a lie to Saul to preserve David’s life. And once again, Saul knows it is a lie. And what is Saul’s response? “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman” - basically, you son of a bitch! - you have betrayed me to your own shame! And Saul, in famous form, chucks a spear at his own son but misses.
Of course, Jonathan delivers the inevitable news to David, that he must flee. And Jonathan maintains his honor in all of this.
It is clear to the reader that the shame is Saul’s alone. He is bent sideways with anger, with jealousy, likely with regret. Saul is in a pit of his own making, and he continues furiously shoveling his own grave with every decision that follows.
Questions raised: what type of fealty is owed to any ruler solely due to the rank? Are we to submit to evil requests by evil leaders?
Both Michal and Jonathan lie to the king, and it seems quite clear both are justified. It would seem that the moral equation favored saving David’s life with a lie, than submitting to the king at risk of his life.
Where is Jesus in this story?
David is clearly seen to be the Christ figure in most of his stories. Here as well, we can see how Jesus, like David was rejected and murderously pursued by those close to him. The difference is that, where David escaped, Christ did not. Jesus set his face towards the cross, submitting to death.
We see Christ figures in Jonathan and Michal as well.
Michal is a true spouse - she risks her life to save David’s. Christ, our true spouse, lays down all self interest for us.
Jonathan freely released his rights to the throne (consider - before David came along, Jonathan would have been the rightful heir! No small thing then, that Jonathan was such a selfless friend to the one taking his place). He freely risked his life to save David’s, and spoke truth to power despite the cost. Jesus, similarly released his rights to his throne so that he could exalt someone else - his people. He freely laid down his life for ours. Jesus spoke to truth to power, ending in his crucifixion.
Jesus, like David, received the anointing as king - God’s chosen One, yet had to walk through the valley of the shadow of death before receiving his kingdom and throne. He walked through the valley of the shadow of death, variously pursued by enemies; assaulted, betrayed or abandoned by friends (Judas, Peter, the other 10). He did it for me, so that when I walk through deep valleys, I would know that “thou art with me - your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” If Jesus has gone there first, then I know it is safe for me.
Amen!!!
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