1 Sam 31:6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
Insight and Highlight
Jonathan loved family more than God.
Would he have lived longer, living with David than with his dad, Saul?
Scripture Commentaries
1 Chron 10:6 So Saul died, and his three sons and all his house died together.
Jonathan knew his father, Saul, and knew how unnecessarily jealous his father, Saul, was of David, 1 Sam 20:32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
Jonathan's allegiance to his father would not change, however.
He continued with his father, though not in transgression, but in solidarity.
The killing and stricken field of Mount Gilboa claimed a somewhat brave and combat-ready king's son and his father king bourne out of a misplaced priority of family solidarity over righteous choice.
The solidarity led him to follow his father to a war that had been lost before it was fought.
Samuel had told Saul; 1 Sam 28: Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines:...
Jonathan knew God had departed from his father, Saul, 1 Sam 23:17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee, and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee, and that also Saul my father knoweth.
Even, Saul himself knew: 1 Sam 24:20 Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
Jonathan was one of three sons that went into battle with their father, 1 Sam 31:2
Then the Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons. And the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul’s sons
The life of Jonathan remains a good reminder to us all of how Godly choices should prevail over any solidarity based on family or kinsman solidarity.
The scripture advises on how a friend could be better than a family or kinsmen.
Prov 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Prov 27:10 Do not forsake your friend or your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
This is one of many reasons why in all or most nations and walks of life across divergent and tribal lines, people are made to swear allegiance under God to be faithful in office, not to rule to favor their roots or extractions but to be faithful to their offices as leaders to all people, both at the grassroots and presidency.
This is done at least to institutionalize the power of the Constitution of rule.
We are however not under a Constitution but a Theocracy.
Will you choose to follow a family or kinsmen over God?
Jonathan did and he paid for it with his life. What a tragedy!
Remorse corner
Prov 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Call to Word action
Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
The Christian clarion duty
Companionship and friendship in the name of the LORD is a three-fold cord that is not quickly broken. It speaks more than a family bond tie, that though is strong but when not built on the fear of the LORD, is tragic.
1 Sam 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee..."
Prayer
Lord, let me love you in righteousness above any other love, in Jesus' name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.
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