As he walked with Saul through the countryside, Jonathan tried to bring him to his senses. By ordering David's death, the king would do great harm to the young servant of God and to his country. The conversation with his son did little good. Apparently, the father had changed his mind about his son-in-law, the hero who defeated Goliath and the Philistines (1 Samuel 17). In fact, everything that comes from man can help for a while, but only the Lord can change people's hearts (Jeremiah 17:9,10).

Jonathan began by telling his father about David's unique way of fighting for Israel, mentioning the last battle fought against the Philistines, in which the son of Jesse showed his greatest skill, putting his soul in his hand - risking his life - and wounding the Philistines. Surely this would help the king to give up killing David, and indeed it did momentarily, but as it was a spiritual matter, hatred would return to his heart.

The faithful friend showed that, through David's act, the Lord had given Israel great deliverance. What reason concludes is good, but fleeting. Saul would give in to evil again, because there was no repentance. We need to make people realize that without sincerity before God, the gift of repentance will never come. If you hide something, not only will you not be sincere or receive forgiveness, but you will never get help from the Most High (Proverbs 28.13).

Saul's son was doing well in his defense, but his arguments would never change the king's mind. Later, Saul, with more anger, would try again to destroy the young man prepared by God to be Israel's deliverer. In the same way, if there is no repentance in you, your deliverance will not come. Many people pray but are never freed from the evils that dominate them because they are in the devil's hands. Be sincere in order to be truly free (Psalm 66:18).

Jonathan reminded his father that he himself had seen David's deeds and rejoiced too. As we know, the result of logical conclusions is fleeting. Those who do not repent will never experience the joy of being saved and freed from their sufferings. The Word of God declares: And according to the law almost all things are purified by blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).

Realizing that there were probably traces of change in his father, Jonathan told him that anger would lead him to sin against innocent blood. The king felt that this would be his downfall, since his son-in-law had done nothing against him, even though he was being persecuted to death. Our words can be good and even provoke positive attitudes in others, but they don't solve the problem. The solution comes from our attitude when we listen to the Lord!

Saul's son ends his defense on his friend's behalf, saying that there was no reason for his brother-in-law to be killed. Many people are angry with certain people, even wishing them dead out of sheer obedience to the enemy. Take care not to destroy yourself!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares