David, Part 3: The King Who Hated Him | Bible Stories Retold

Twice. And the king's own son became the best friend David ever had. After Goliath, King Saul kept David at the palace, and Saul's son Jonathan, the prince, the next in line for the throne, loved David as his own soul. Jonathan took off his own robe and gave it to David. His sword, his bow, his belt, and the two of them made a covenant. When the army came home, the women came out of every town, singing and dancing. Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. Saul was furious, they've given David ten thousands, and me only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom? And from that day on, Saul kept his eye on David. The next day, the darkness came over Saul again. David was playing the harp, like always. Saul had a spear in his hand, and he threw it. I will pin David to the wall. David dodged it. Twice. Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with David and had left Saul. So Saul sent David out to lead soldiers into battle, hoping the Philistines would take care of his problem. But everything David did succeeded. All Israel loved him. Saul even gave David his daughter, Michael, as his wife. And Saul became David's enemy for the rest of his life. Then Saul told Jonathan and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan went to his father. Don't sin against David. He hasn't wronged you. He risked his life to fight the giant. Why would you shed innocent blood? Saul listened.

And for a little while, David was safe. It didn't last. Another spear. Another escape, this time out a window at night. David ran to Jonathan. What have I done? What is my crime? Why does your father want my life as the Lord lives? There is only a step between me and death. So they made a plan. At the new moon feast, David's seat at the king's table would be empty. Jonathan would see how his father reacted. The first night, Saul said nothing. The second night, Saul asked, "Where is the son of Jesse?" Jonathan covered for his friend. And Saul exploded at his own son. As long as the son of Jesse lives, you will never be king. Bring him to me. "He must die," Jonathan said. "Why? What has he done?" And Saul threw his spear at Jonathan. That's when Jonathan knew. The next morning, Jonathan went out to the field with a boy and shot arrows just like they'd planned. He called out, "Isn't the arrow beyond you?" That was the signal. Run. When the boy was gone, David came out of hiding. He bowed down to the ground three times. They kissed each other and wept until David wept the most. Jonathan said, "Go in peace.

The Lord will be between me and you and between my children and your children forever." Jonathan had every reason to hate David. David was going to take his throne, but Jonathan chose loyalty over power, even when it cost him his father's love. Maybe you need a friend like that. Somebody who tells you the truth and stands up for you when it costs them. Or maybe God is asking you to be that friend for somebody else. [Music] You