Covenant Keepers
Read 2 Samuel 9
Throughout the remainder of the book of 1 Samuel, conflict continued to rage between the Israelites and the Philistines. Until the final chapter when Saul and his sons fall in battle:
“Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. Saul said to his armor-bearer, ‘Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.’ But his armor bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.” (1 Samuel 31:1-6)
We read David’s response to the news of Saul’s death, recorded in the first chapter of 2 Samuel. His lament stands in sharp contrast to the relief we might expect him to feel since he will no longer be hunted by a jealous rival. And it is a far cry from the triumphal celebration we might expect from him as next in line for the throne.
“Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.
How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.
How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!” (2 Samuel 1:23-27)
David continues to honor Saul as God’s anointed king, even after his death. And he mourns the loss of his faithful friend, Jonathan. In the chaos and instability that follows the Philistine victory, much of Saul’s family is annihilated. However, in 2 Samuel 4:4, we find out that Jonathan has one remaining descendant, a boy by the name of Mephibosheth. True to his word, David determines to show kindness and protection to Mephibosheth, in order to honor the covenant that he had made with Jonathan.
David’s actions are a wonderful illustration of righteousness, or right-living, a concept we seem to lack much understanding of in our modern culture. David didn’t stop at nice words, but went out of his way in order to find ways to actively seek the flourishing of Jonathan’s family. He restored the family lands to Mephibosheth and invited him to dine at the table alongside his own sons.
It turns out that righteousness is a “both/and” concept. Right-living demands that we avoid trespasses—rule-breaking that causes harm to others. But it also requires us to avoid debts—failure to live out acts of mercy and compassion that we can and should provide.
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