Topical Bible: Anger: Saul, Toward Jonathan, on Account of his Sympathy With David

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In the biblical narrative, King Saul's anger toward his son Jonathan is a significant episode that highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and the complexities of familial relationships. This incident is recorded in 1 Samuel 20, where Saul's animosity toward David extends to his own son, Jonathan, due to Jonathan's covenantal friendship and loyalty to David.

Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him had been growing, as seen in earlier chapters. David's success in battle and the people's admiration for him fueled Saul's insecurity, leading to multiple attempts on David's life. Jonathan, however, recognized David's anointing and formed a deep bond with him, pledging to support and protect him.

The tension reaches a peak during the New Moon festival, a time when David's absence from the king's table becomes conspicuous. Jonathan had devised a plan to gauge Saul's intentions toward David, and when questioned by Saul about David's absence, Jonathan offers an explanation that incites Saul's wrath.

1 Samuel 20:30-34 captures the moment of Saul's explosive anger: "Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother who bore you? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must die!'"

Saul's outburst reveals several layers of his character and the situation at hand. Firstly, Saul's anger is not just a personal vendetta against David but also a political maneuver to secure his dynasty. He perceives Jonathan's support of David as a direct threat to his lineage and kingdom. Secondly, Saul's language is harsh and demeaning, indicating a breakdown in the father-son relationship. His reference to Jonathan's mother in derogatory terms underscores the depth of his rage and the extent to which he feels betrayed.

Jonathan's response to Saul's anger is one of sorrow and dismay. Despite his father's fury, Jonathan remains steadfast in his loyalty to David, demonstrating a commitment to righteousness and God's will over familial allegiance. This episode illustrates the moral and spiritual conflict faced by Jonathan, who must navigate his duty to his father and his covenant with David.

Saul's anger toward Jonathan serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of unchecked jealousy and the importance of aligning oneself with God's purposes. It also highlights the theme of divine sovereignty, as God's plan for David's kingship unfolds despite human opposition.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 20:30-34
Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, You son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own confusion, and to the confusion of your mother's nakedness?
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Library

Homilies on the Statues.
... the Jews in war, [1207]435; silence toward Saul from gentleness ... 434; if slain, a
double misery to Saul, [1420]434 ... of the monks, [1545]455; does not anger an enemy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... to grief (Mark 3:5). He was subject to anger (Mark 3:5 ... And upon this account it is
that he is so often ... him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... the apostle is bold, upon this very account, to challenge ... in that pound, would he
now carry it toward them as ... were Christ to plead this before a Saul (1 Samuel ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm