Issue 481
Have you noticed that sometimes you meet someone and instantly like them? You may be a very measured person or even reserved, generally in control of yourself, but in certain encounters you will find yourself out of control. There is just something instinctive, almost animal, which creates a connection, defying rational explanation. Such was the reaction of Jesse’s son, David, to Saul’s son, Jonathan. A friendship grew between them because they just clicked when they met. This friendship would transform them both and set the course of their life stories as well as others. They had much more in common that they realized. Here is a regular trend. When you meet someone and like them it is only later that you discover your commonalities. In their case they were both brave. David killed the champion of the enemy – this was the first time he and Jonathan met. Jonathan held off an attack and personally killed twenty enemy soldiers before reinforcements arrived. They did not know, initially, how much courage played a part in their common bond. Both had unusual relationships with their fathers. Jonathan’s father struggled with depression and violent mood swings. David’s father struggled to accept the very existence of his youngest son. In fact, David’s music had a profound impact on the depression levels in Jonathan’s home and Jonathan’s deep acceptance of David shaped his own sense of self value and confidence. There are many nuances of their friendship which cannot be explored in a piece of this length but perhaps you could reflect on a few. These two men simply brought the best out of each other. This showed particularly in their work. In their case they were soldiers. They seemed to enhance each other’s bravery and courage. Secondly their friendship had to overcome obstacles. Strangely, they were both rivals for the position of next king. One by birth and the other by anointing. This led to enmities between their families but not between them. In fact they conspired to find ways around this enmity and cement their friendship. Third they were openly affectionate to each other. Today these displays of affection are interpreted with various agendas, but that would rob them of their power and not honor them. David and Jonathan displayed a brotherly companionship at a time when their own families were less than supportive. David, indeed, married Machal and in so doing became Jonathan’s brother in law. Fourth, they simply enjoyed each other’s company. When they were apart they missed each other. Ultimately when Jonathan was killed in battle, David, the writer, does what writers do and composes a moving lament. Sometimes called ‘the lament of the bow’ it is a profound tribute to Jonathan and includes respect to the man who continually tried to kill him, Saul. David’s love for Jonathan stopped him killing Saul on numerous occasions. Who would kill their best friend’s father? Of course David had a sense that Saul was the Lord’s anointed and should not be killed but the Jonathan factor was extraordinarily powerful here. Traditionally, when a new king takes over he would eliminate all potential rivals from the old king’s family and, indeed, much unauthorized bloodletting took place. David, shaped by his love for Jonathan, punished any who murdered members of the house of Saul. We know this was his motivation for, after a violent reckoning, David asks a revealing question: “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Jonathan’s disabled son was found and David showered kindness on him and his family for the rest of his life – even making sure he ate at the king’s table. David was king for forty years and, if you were to study that forty-year reign with open eyes, you would find, time and time again, the influence of his fairly short-lived friendship with Jonathan. There are numerous people in the writer’s life who have shaped my work and still do. They are people I just met and just liked. Perhaps you can identify such people in your life – you have become a better person just because you know them. With them in your life you just work better, feel lighter and achieve more. You know you are accepted and supported and you will do anything for them. Painfully, you miss them when you are apart and surely mourn them deeply when they die. Nearly 23 years ago I had a complex confrontation tounravle. I confided these words with my friend: “You know what really troubles me is that I might be seriously in the wrong here”. My friend replied, “You might be. But whether you are or not I am with you!” He still is and I am still thankful. Dedicated to Nick Tanna and Simon Constantine, faithful friends who have been closer than brothers to me. Bible Reference 2 Samuel 9:1 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
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Geoff Shattock
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