Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 18

Verses 1-30

Here, in the account of Jonathan and David, begins one of the most perfect stories of love and friendship in the world. The story is all the more beautiful because of its dark background. Love is in itself essentially beautiful, but its richest colors appear only in shadow and difficulty.

In the account of the beginning of this friendship, it would seem that Jonathan's love for David came first. Indeed, it is questionable whether the story does not redound more to the credit of Jonathan than to David's. Jonathan seems to have been without selfishness. He was the son of Saul, and his friendship for and loyalty to, David, was a sacrifice of his right to the succession.

Coincident with the commencement of this friendship, the hatred of Saul for David seems to have deepened, and become more dangerous to David. He became afraid of David. The reason for this is very revealing: "Jehovah was with David, and was departed from Saul."

There is nothing more common or sadder than the jealousy of the sinful and unsuccessful of those who are blessed and succeed. Saul's hatred manifested itself in wicked schemes to rid himself of his rival.