Many modern television dramas have long story arcs with episodes that are like chapters in a

novel. I enjoy shows with moments that seem inconsequential but are later revealed as very

important. This week we’ll focus on a small part of a larger drama involving Saul (a king),

Jonathan (son of Saul), David (future king, friend of Jonathan), and Mephibosheth (son of

Jonathan).

Do you like drama and intrigue? Check out a few highlights I pulled from the two Old Testament

books of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 18 a raving, jealous King Saul throws a spear at David, who

escapes. In chapter 19, Saul orders Jonathan and all his servants to kill David, but Jonathan

warns David, who hides while Jonathan attempts to placate Saul:

Saul listened to Jonathan’s advice and swore an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David

will not be killed.” (1 Samuel 19:6 HCSB)

Sounds like a peaceful resolution, right? Except in chapter 20 when Saul throws a spear at

Jonathan because he continues to protect David.

In chapter 24 David has a chance to kill Saul, spares him, and they reconcile. Then things go

poorly (again); and in chapter 26 David has a chance to kill Saul (again), spares him (again),

and they reconcile (again). In chapter 27 David concludes that Saul will surely come after him

(again) and leaves Israel.

Eventually, Jonathan and Saul die together in battle. In 2 Samuel, David sings a song of lament:

“I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were such a friend to me…” (2 Samuel 1:26 HCSB)

When Hollywood commissions me to write a screenplay for this drama, which I understand

happens to amateur devotion writers ALL the time, David will be holding some memento of

Jonathan’s when he sings the above line. And then in a future season, once ensconced as King,

he’d stumble across that memento and wistfully ask a servant this question:

So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of

God to?” (2 Samuel 9:3 HCSB)

This simple question leads to David acting in kindness toward Mephibosheth. Within this

complicated mess of a story of loyalty, betrayal, violence, and reconciliation, God saw a need

and used a flawed man to meet it. Maybe today we need help, or maybe tomorrow we’ll be the

helper.

By Mark Stuart