The Prince: Jonathan

by Francine Rivers

The chamber filled with beautiful music as David strummed gently and plucked at the instrument. Only he could bring sounds of such sweetness and words of grace. But when David started to sing, Jonathan grinned.

  “Make a joyful noise—” David grinned back at him before continuing.

  After several weeks of chasing Philistines and strengthening outposts, Jonathan returned to Gibeah to learn that David had routed another band of raiders and sent them running for their lives.

  His father summoned him. Jonathan expected to find the king well pleased. Instead, Saul paced, livid, while his advisors stood about watching uneasily. What had caused the foul mood this time? Nothing but good news had come in from all fronts, the most glorious from David’s.

  Abner closed the door behind Jonathan. “We are all here, my lord.”

  Saul turned. “I want David killed.”

  Jonathan froze, staring. What madness was this?

  “This Judean threatens my rule! Did you hear the people shouting his name yesterday when he approached the gates of my city?”

  Jonathan shook his head, unable to understand his father’s fury. “Because he sent the enemy running.”

  “You understand nothing! You call my enemy your friend!”

  Heat surged into Jonathan’s face, his heart bounding in alarm and anger. “David is your friend as well, my lord. And your son, by marriage to Michal!”

  Saul turned away from him. “If we allow this shepherd to continue to gain power, he will assassinate me and take the crown for himself.”

  Jonathan looked at the others in the room. Would no one speak sense to the king? Abner returned his gaze, nodding. “David could become a threat.”

  “Have you ever seen evidence of an insurrection?”

  “By the time there is evidence, I’ll be dead!” Saul raged.

  Jonathan extended his hands toward his father. “You couldn’t be more wrong about David. He has no ambitions other than to serve you.”

  “He steals the people’s affection!”

  “The people love you! They cry out your name as well as David’s, Father.”

  “Not as loudly. Not as long.”

  Jonathan glared at the others. Would they let suspicion grow in Saul because they were afraid to speak the truth? David was Saul’s greatest ally! “Are the Philistines not enemies enough for you? We need not invent one in our midst!”

  Abner spoke for the rest. “An enemy in our midst can do the most damage.”

  Jonathan knew he would have to find a way to speak to his father alone, for these men would say anything to please the king. They were too influenced by Saul’s fears and unwittingly fanned the fire of his wounded pride by agreeing with him.

  But until he could draw Saul away from these men, Jonathan had to make certain David was removed from harm’s way. He found David in a meeting with his officers. “We must talk. Now.”

  David led him into another room. “What is it, Jonathan? What’s wrong?”

  “My father is looking for a chance to kill you.”

  David paled. “Why?”

  “He’s having one of his spells. You’ve seen it before. It will pass.”

  “I pray that you’re right!”

  “Tomorrow morning, you must find a hiding place out in the fields.” Jonathan took his arm and told him where to go. “I’ll ask my father to go out there with me, and I’ll talk to him about you. Then I’ll tell you everything I can find out. But you must take no chances, my friend. Some of the king’s advisors see enemies where there are none.”

  Jonathan joined his father before the morning meal.

  Saul looked exhausted and drawn, dark shadows beneath his eyes. When he reached for his goblet of wine, his hand trembled.

  “You did not sleep well.” And no wonder if all the king could think about was the rise of an adversary. Jonathan intended to clear his father’s mind of those fears.

  Saul scowled. “How could I sleep with my kingdom in jeopardy?”

  Placing the bowl of honey close, Jonathan tore off a hunk of bread and offered it to his father. Saul took it, still frowning, pensive. Men stood in the antechamber, waiting for an audience with the king. Jonathan needed to get his father away from the palace and out into the open air for a while. “Remember how we cleared fields together, Father?”

  Saul made a soft sound, gazing off toward the windows.

  “The fields are almost ready for reapers. The Lord has blessed us with a good harvest this year.” He offered his father dates. “It’s been days since you left the palace.” And the company of his advisors. “You’ve worked hard for your people, Father. Surely you are allowed a walk in the fields of the Lord.”

  Rising, Saul glowered at the men approaching. “Go away.”

  Servants backed away.

  Jonathan hadn’t expected it to be so easy.

  They walked half the morning and sat beneath one of the olive trees.

  Saul sighed. “I miss this.”

  “I would speak to you of your command yesterday, Father.”

  “Which one?”

  “The one you issued to kill David.”

  Saul turned his head and looked at him. “Is that why you brought me out here?”

  “Yes. And no.”

  “Which do you mean?”

  “I see how burdened you are. Not a week goes by that we must send men out to protect our land from raiders. And the tribes constantly bicker among themselves over petty things. But remember, they all assemble at your command, my lord.” He looked into his father’s eyes. “You know I love you. You know I honor you. Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.”

  “The king must not sin against his servant David. He’s never done anything to harm you. He has always helped you in any way he could. Have you forgotten about the time he risked his life to kill the Philistine giant and how the Lord brought a great victory to all Israel as a result? You were certainly happy about it then.”

  Saul’s shoulders slumped. “No. I will never forget it.”

  “Why should you murder an innocent man like David? There is no reason for it at all!” He spoke gently, wanting to remind his father of what was right, hoping to turn his mind from the advice of cowards. “If there is any man in the kingdom you can trust more than me, it is your son-in-law David.”

  Saul grimaced as if in pain. “When I hear what he accomplishes—” He shook his head.

  “Everything David has accomplished is for the Lord’s glory and yours, Father. He is your faithful servant.” Jonathan wanted to speak more of David’s achievements, but worried they would distress rather than comfort his father. “With all due respect for your advisors, Father, they are frightened men. Let wisdom rather than fear reign over Israel.”

  Leaning his head back against the gnarled trunk of the olive tree, Saul closed his eyes and sighed.

  Jonathan remained silent. He did not want to press his father as other men did. He looked out over the fields and then up at the blue heavens.

  “You are my eldest son, Jonathan, the first show of my strength as a man. The people hold you in high regard. When I die, the crown will pass to you.”

  “God willing.”

  When Saul glanced at him, Jonathan felt his heart fillip. He had not meant to remind his father of what Samuel had said.

  “I wonder what God was thinking when He chose me to be king.”

  Jonathan relaxed. “That you were the man the people wanted.”

  “Yes.” Such bleakness. “The people wanted me. Once.”

  “They still do. You need not worry, Father.” Lord, let him hear my words. “The people will always love a king who reigns with wisdom and honor.”

  “Their love is like the wind, Jonathan, blowing east one day and west the next.”

  “Then you must steady them with a calm spirit.”

  “I’m tired.”

  “Rest a while now. I’ll keep watch.”

  And Saul did. He slept several hours while Jonathan remained with him in
the olive grove. When servants came to check on the king, Jonathan motioned them away. Every man needed to rest, especially a king.

  When his father awakened, he smiled. “I dreamed I was a farmer again.”

  “The Lord has called you to another purpose.”

  His father started to rise. Jonathan got to his feet and extended his hand. Saul clasped it and pulled himself up. “You’re not a boy anymore.” He smiled slightly. “I keep forgetting.” He put his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed.”

  Jonathan bowed low. “May the Lord reward your wisdom, Father.”

  “We can hope so.” Saul saw his servants coming. “I have things to do.” He walked toward them.

  Jonathan went out farther into the fields. “David!”

  “I am here.” David came out of hiding and walked toward him. It hurt Jonathan to see his friend so tentative. He smiled when he came closer. “I can see by your face that you believe things went well with the king.”

  Jonathan put his arm around his friend’s shoulders. “There is no need for you to look uncertain, my friend.” He released him. “Come. I will take you to him. You will see for yourself that things will be as they were before. Bring your harp.”

  Things were indeed better between the king and his champion. Jonathan saw the peace David brought the king with his songs of deliverance. For a time, the Philistines were quiet and Gibeah basked in the sun. Jonathan would look back on those days as the most peaceful he had known. He and David spent long hours together, poring over the Law, discussing it. No one else among their friends and relatives shared their fascination.

  “Until I faced Goliath, my brothers thought I was fit only to watch sheep. No matter what I said, they accused me of something. That day in the valley of Elah, Eliab said I was conceited and wicked for speaking out.”

  “They didn’t know you very well.”

  “I wonder if they ever will.” An expression flickered across David’s face and was gone, a grimness Jonathan had not seen before.

  Jonathan lifted a jug of fresh water and filled his goblet. “How wonderful and pleasant it would be if all brothers could live together in harmony!” He drank deeply and set his cup aside. “That’s my one dream, David, the work I believe God intends for me. To help my father bring the tribes together. We cannot be scattered flocks bleating at one another. If we are to conquer our enemies, we must unite with our brothers and stand firm behind God’s anointed king. We must remember our covenant with the Lord, for that covenant with God is what will hold us together.”

  “You are blessed.” David smiled. “You have a copy of the Law with you wherever you go.”

  If only his father the king had made a copy of the Law for himself. If only Saul had taken the command seriously, perhaps he would not have sinned. And if his father had studied the Law, he would know that the Lord was slow to anger and quick to forgive.

  “However many days God gives me upon this earth, David, it will not be enough to know all that He has for us in the Law. It is new every morning that I read it. I wish the Lord in His mercy would write it upon our hearts, for it seems to me, our minds are not able to absorb the lengths and depths of the love God has for us as His chosen people.”

  Yet again, Saul sent David out to fight, and he struck the Philistines with such force that they fled before him. He returned in triumph and the city and countryside celebrated. The king and his officers, David and Jonathan among them, feasted in the palace. Outside, warriors sang songs of victory written by David.

  Many of the officers drank heavily. “Sing us a song, David!”

  “Yes! Sing us a song!”

  David looked at King Saul.

  Jonathan felt the air growing thinner. He waited for his father to speak, wondering why he sat with his back against the wall, a spear in his hand, daydreaming. “Father?”

  “Yes—” Saul waved his hand—“sing.”

  David’s servant brought him the harp. As the chamber was filled with his playing, one of the advisors remarked, “He casts spells with his music.”

  Saul’s gaze shifted.

  Jonathan glared at the man. “I believe you have duties elsewhere.” The advisor glanced at the king, but Saul said nothing. Jonathan did not take his gaze from the man until he excused himself, rose, and left the room.

  Relaxing back onto the cushions, Jonathan listened to David singing:

  “Give to the Lord the glory He deserves!

  Bring your offering and come into His courts.

  Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor.

  Let all the earth tremble before Him.”

  Men clapped when he plucked the last chords. The king smiled and nodded.

  A servant bent close to Jonathan. “Your mother requests your presence, my lord prince.”

  Surprised, Jonathan asked his father’s permission to leave. It was not his mother’s custom to ask for him. “Go.” Saul barely glanced at him, his gaze still fixed upon David as he began to play another song.

  Jonathan’s mother had lavish quarters now, and servants to wait upon her every need. When he entered, a pretty servant girl bowed before him and ushered him into his mother’s chamber.

  She was reclining on a couch, cheeks sallow. “I am sorry to take you away from your celebration, my son.”

  “You’re ill,” Jonathan said, alarmed. “Why wasn’t I told?”

  “I’m not so ill that anyone should know. Bring my son a cushion, Rachel.” Jonathan sat and took his mother’s hand. “What do the physicians say?”

  His mother patted his hand as if he were a child. “The physicians know nothing. I just need rest. Jonathan, I would like you to meet Rachel, daughter of my second cousin. Her father is a scribe.”

  Jonathan glanced at the blushing girl. She was very pretty.

  His mother nodded and the girl slipped from the room. “She’s pretty, don’t you think? And she comes from a good family.” When his mother struggled to sit up, Jonathan got up to help her. “I’m comfortable now. Sit.” She smiled. “Rachel’s father knows Samuel.”

  “You asked to see me. Why?”

  “I should think it’s obvious.” She pressed her lips together. “You should marry, my son, and soon.”

  “This is not the time.”

  “What better time is there? You are far older than your father was when we married.”

  “Mother, my responsibilities leave me no time for—”

  “David is married. You pressed for that match, didn’t you? And he’s younger than you are.”

  Amused, Jonathan shook his head. “I suppose every mother wants her children settled.” He leaned toward her, wanting her to rest and not worry. “David’s marriage to Michal strengthens the bond between our tribe and Judah, Mother. And besides, what better man could there be for your daughter than Israel’s champion?”

  Her eyes darkened. “You are Israel’s champion, my son. You were scarcely older than David when you routed the Philistines at Micmash. Though many years have passed since then, the people have not forgotton. There are equally good reasons for you to marry, Jonathan.”

  He felt the tremor in her hand. “Why are you pressing this, Mother?”

  Her eyes welled with tears. “Because I don’t know from one battle to the next if my son will be killed.” Her voice broke. “Is it too much to ask that I hold a grandchild in my arms?”

  “Michal and David—”

  “No!”

  He frowned, troubled by her vehemence.

  She sat up and leaned toward him. “Marry and have sons of your own, Jonathan. You and your brothers must have sons to build up Saul’s house.”

  “Why are you so adamant now?”

  “We must increase in numbers.”

  “You have more faith in me than I have in myself if you think I can increase the population—”

  “It’s not a laughing matter.”

  He sighed. “No. But it’s not the right time either.”
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  “I—”

  “No, Mother.”

  “If it pleases the king for you to marry . . .”

  “If it were on his mind, he would have suggested it himself. And if he does now, I’ll tell him his wife has put him up to it.” Jonathan kissed her cheek and rose. “You and David—”

  Her head came up. “What about David?”

  “He agrees with you. He told me the Scriptures say it is not good for a man to be alone, that he should have a wife.” He tilted his head at her expression. “Why does that surprise you?”

  “If you won’t listen to your mother, perhaps you should listen to your friend.”

  “Later, perhaps.”

  Jonathan awakened abruptly from a sound sleep and heard Michal’s voice. “I don’t care if he’s asleep! I must see my brother! Now!”

  Jonathan sat up and rubbed his face. He had slept fitfully, awakened by strange dreams. Violence in the city. Philistines on the rampage. The walls breeched. Twice he had lunged up, grabbed his sword, and gone to the window, only to find Gibeah quiet.

  His servant stood in the doorway. “My lord, I’m sorry to awaken you. Your sister—”

  “I heard her. Tell her I will be with her in a moment.” He stripped off his tunic, splashed water on his face, and toweled dry. Donning a fresh tunic and robe, he went out to her.

  Michal paced, her face splotched from crying, her eyes wild. “Finally!”

  She reminded him of their father in one of his moods. “What’s going on?” It was then he noticed the bruise on her cheek.

  “Father hit me! You have to speak with him. He was so angry I thought he would kill me!” She sobbed. “He’s out of his mind! You have to help me!”

  He felt a sudden fear. “Where’s David?”

  “Gone!”

  He took her hands and made her sit. “Gone where, Michal?”

  “I don’t know where. Running for his life. He’s gone! And I’m left to face the king!” She cried like a frightened child and shrieked at him, “It’s all your fault, Jonathan!”

  “How is it my fault?”

  “My husband would still be home in bed with me if you’d stayed at the feast! Why did you leave?”

  “Mother asked for me.”