1 Samuel 20:4-11 – Giving Jesus first priority in life

David was convinced that Saul wanted his life. The failed attempts Saul made to kill him convinced him that he was literally just a step away from death. But the last we read of Saul, he was overpowered by the Spirit of God at Naioth and prophesied with the prophets. Perhaps David wanted to know for sure if his father-in-law was still hostile toward him. He needed to know for sure. And he felt that Jonathan would also want to know for sure. Here he sought Jonathan’s help to ascertain if Saul still had the intention to kill him. Of course, Jonathan was more than willing, so he remarkably responded saying “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” So David revealed his plan to be absent on the celebration of the new moon. The new moon, the beginning of a new month was an occasion that called for a celebration. As the king’s son-in-law, David knew he was expected to make his presence despite the conflict he faced with his father-in-law.

David wanted to be absent from the feast noticeably and hid in the field until the third evening. When Saul noticed his absence and asked about it, Jonathan was to help give the excuse that David had earnestly requested to go home to Bethlehem to celebrate the new moon sacrifice with his father and family. If Saul was cool about it, then they would know that his hostility toward David had decreased. If he was angry than they would know for sure that he still harbored evil intention.  

David knew this was hard put on Jonathan, who unlike his sister Michal, had not lied to the father. Now to do this, he had to put David before Saul, his father. This was a big decision for him to make. David was appealing to the covenant they made before the Lord. He would rather that Jonathan kill him than to surrender him to his father. At David's humble urging, Jonathan acceded to his request. He promised he would not keep any secret from him, even his father’s plan to finish him. David then wanted to know how he would reveal the father’s intention to him. Instead of telling David immediately, he said: “Come, and let us go out into the field.” He was exercising care so as to keep the upcoming plan secure.

Between David and Jonathan, there was no secret. They could be frank and honest with each other. Theirs was true loyalty and faithfulness, even when it meant putting David before his father. Jesus our friend also required us to put Him first. He is to be preferred before all the relationships in our lives. Matthew 10:37 made this clear saying, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Are we willing? It’s your call!