The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1933-09-07
Sunday, Sept. 10, 1888.
| Samuel 1914; 2O:35-42.
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Sunday, Sept. 10, 1888.
| Samuel 18:1-4; 20:35-42.
Golden Text-A friend loveth
at all times.-Proverbs 17:17.
The friendship of Jonathan for
David began on the battlefield
where a decisive Philistine rout
followed the killing Of Goliath
and continued unbroken despite
the repeated and frantic at
tempts of Saul to kill David.
FIRST MEETING WITH
DAVID q Samuel 1s)
Jonathan's generosity on the
battlefield was shown at his first
meeting with David. This APP
pears to have been Immediately
after the Staying of Goliath IN
the Valley of Elah. 1t will be
remembered that Jonathan had
himself had experience with the
Philistines, having with his arm
or-bearer attacked garrison at
Michmash and occaSiOned a rout
similar to that following the fall
of Goliath. Between David and
Jonathan, therefore, there was
something in common not only IN
character and congeniality, but
also in accomplishment. When
David with Goliath's head in hand
was brought before the king on
the field of battle, it is said
chat the soul of Jonathan was
knit with the soul of David, and
Jonathan loved him as his own
soul" The association that fol-
lowed only served to cement the
bond of friendship. And again
We are told that Jonathan and
David made a covenant, because
he loved him as his own soul.
LAST MEETING WITH DAVID
q Samuel 29)
Jonathan's intercession at court
was followed by his last meeting
with David.
At the feast of the new moon
Jonathan, upon Saul's inquiry,
accounted for the absence Of
David, saying that he had given
him permission to go to Bethle-
hem for a family sacrifice in
that city. The outburst of royal
anger which followed fell with
fury upon the head of Jonathan.
The king commanded his son to
bring David to court for instant
execution. Jonathan remonstrat-
ed, asking why such cruel or
der should be given. The only
reply that Saul made was to cast
iavelin at Jonathan, who at
once left the table in fierce an
ger at his fathers act toward
David.
In the field Jonathan let David
know by an agreed sign just
what had occurred at the kings
table, as he had promised. He
took his bow and arrows and a
lad to bring back the arrows aft
err they had been shot, and went
to the field where David by pre-
arrangement was in concealment.
By the sign of the arrow beyond
the searching lad, David was in
formed that safety lay only in
speedy flight. The lad knew not
the higher meaning of commands
given him, nor would they be
comprehended by any spies whom
the king might have looking out
for David. When Jonathan sent
the lad with the bow and ar
rows back into the city, he and
David met each other in a spot
of absolute retirement. Their
sorrow was profound that their
separation was necessary. But
they did not part without renew
other for themselves and their
descendants.
TESTS OF TRUE
FRIENDSHIP
(D Friendship stands the test
of sacrifice. When Jonathan met
David after Goliath's death he
made a covenant with him and
in pledge stripped himself of
royal garb and armor, giving
them to David.
(2) Friendship stands the test
of intercession. When Saul plot
ted David's death by his son and
servants, Jonathan pleaded for
him 80 frankly and earnestly that
reconciliation was effected. =