LOVE AND HATE. 1st Samuel 18 The Holy Spirit, who moved “holy men of old” to write the scriptures, teaches us lessons throughout the Old Testament that are as timely for us now as when they took place. The things that happened are examples for us and were “written for our admonition (instruction); therefore, it is important that we read and meditate on what is written until we learn the lessons that are being taught.
The Lord loved David, and David was conscious of that. The love of Jonathan is the kind of love that surrenders all to bless others; Israel and Judah, the love of gratitude; the servants of Saul, the love of admiration; and Michal, natural love, all teach us the variety of ways love is referred to in the scriptures. The hatred of Saul and its implacable nature warns us of ways that evil hatred shows itself and the causes behind such hatred. These examples were not only directed toward David but, of more significance, toward our Lord Jesus Christ. “Marvel, not if the world hates you; it hated Me before it hated you.” “We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us.”
A strong friendship is one of the greatest expressions of love. The bond of friendship and brotherly love between David and Jonathan is one of the greatest and most touching examples of what we should be experiencing as brothers and sisters in Christ. In the case of David and Jonathan, this friendship surpassed the problems each had in their families and even their roles as fellow soldiers in the Army of Israel. Their friendship was tested several times but remained strong until Jonathan died in battle. Jonathan's soul was knit to David without jealousy because they were men of a “kindred spirit.” They were committed to each other with mutual concern, confidence, and continuance because they knew the value of worthiness, faith, and commitment to God.
True friendship among believers begins with each being committed to God, not just to each other. On that basis, we can be frank and open with each other, realizing that each is aware of God in our special relationship. When we experience the work of faith, the labor of love, and patience of hope with other of the Lord’s people, there is a bond of unity based on love. “We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren.” When there is real love for our Lord Jesus Christ in God's people, there will be love one for another that is evident to those who know us. That kind of love for Christ is not only the love of a servant for his Master, but now our Lord has called his disciples His friends, and there is no holding back what we have. We want Him to have everything we would claim for ourselves.
Even when Jonathan knew that David would be the king of Israel instead of him, their close friendship was not compromised in any way. David was more important to Jonathan than being the king of Israel after his father, Saul. Jonathan's love for David was so great that he surrendered everything to him. Their friendship was the kind that separated them from others by the covenant between them, and Jonathan gave David all that was significant to him. Jonathan, with a love that surrenders all, “stripped himself… gave… to David.”
Jonathan gave David the robe that distinguished him from others as the king's son. Even as a royal son in Israel, he believed David was "worthy of honor," and he was willing to give that to his friend. The garments he gave him were probably garments of glory and beauty that identified him as a person of wealth and high standing in the nation. To give David his sword, likely his most prized possession, symbolized the victories he had won, the energy he expended for the Lord and His people, and his desire to give that high honor to David. His influence surrendered to David is typified when he gave David his bow. A bow sends our personal strength way beyond our present position to an area further afield that can benefit from that strength. The girdle that binds everything together is like the truth and faith that keeps everything in its proper place.
Everything we are and have should be gladly surrendered to Him, who gave everything He had to bless us. We owe our Lord Jesus our life, breath, and all we would claim as ours. "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." When opportunities for pride arise, it’s easy to mistake what we think is our personal strength as the answer to a problem instead of God’s grace. There will be high points in life when all seems to be going so well that we forget it is God who is using our weakness to bring blessing through us to others who fell and show out His grace through our meekness.