The Prince: Jonathan (12 page)

“Better you than some old warrior with other wives and a harem of concubines!” He called out to his mother. She turned, smiling, stretching up to look for him. Jonathan pressed his way through the crowd, receiving congratulations and pats of welcome. When he finally reached her, he introduced David, “the giant killer.”

“You are to be praised,” she said.

Michal stared at David, moon-eyed and blushing.

David fidgeted. “What I did against Goliath is nothing compared to what the prince did at Micmash.”

“My son is a very brave man.” Jonathan’s mother smiled.

“The bravest! It is an honor to serve King Saul and our prince.”

“You are from Judah, are you not?”

“It was your recommendation that brought David to us, Mother.”

“The boy who sings and plays the harp.” She blinked, her face going pale.

David bowed in respect. “It will be my pleasure to sing for the king whenever he wishes. I am his servant.”

“Father made David a ranking officer. He’s earned other rewards as well.” He looked at Merab. “He should be introduced to his future wife.”

David cringed with embarrassment.

Jonathan’s mother refused to meet his eyes. “Doesn’t the Law state that men must take wives from their own tribes?”

Mortified, Jonathan stared. Had his mother meant to reprimand him and the king as well as insult David?

David stammered. “I-I would never count myself worthy to marry one of the king’s daughters.” Some of David’s relatives called out to him, trying to reach him. “May I go, my lord?”

“Yes.”

David ran.

Jonathan glared at his mother. “Did you mean to insult him?”

“I merely spoke the truth, Jonathan.”

“The truth is that Father gave his oath. And who better for Merab than the champion of Israel, Mother?”

“Where are you going?”

“To find David and bring him back. He will be at the king’s table tonight, along with all the high-ranking officers.”

The warriors dispersed. As they rejoined their families, Saul welcomed his relatives, officers, and advisors to a feast of celebration. Everyone ate his fill and talked of the battle. David sat across from Jonathan, facing the king. As the evening wore on, Saul leaned back against the wall and took a spear in his hand. His thumb rubbed against the shaft.

“David, will you sing for us? A song of deliverance.”

A harp was handed from man to man until it reached David. He leaned over it and strummed softly. Men stopped talking to listen. The king closed his eyes and leaned back.

A servant picked his way across the room as David sang and leaned down to whisper to Jonathan. “Your mother, the queen, requests the pleasure of your company.”

Surprised, Jonathan rose. His mother never interrupted him. “Father, may I be excused?”

“Go.” Saul didn’t open his eyes.

David continued to play.

The servant led him through the palace and into a large room where his mother sat weaving

Smiling, she rose and came to him. “About your friend, the shepherd boy.”

Jonathan bristled. “
David
, Mother. His name is David. It’s a name you should remember. I made a vow of friendship with him. He is my brother and due the same respect given me.” When she said nothing, he felt impelled to go on. “Our friendship will solidify the ties between Judah and Benjamin.”

“The tribes have been linked in friendship since the time of Joseph, my son. Judah, fourth son of Jacob, offered to take Benjamin’s place as a slave in Egypt. I know our history, too, Jonathan. A rivalry grew between the tribes. When the people demanded a king, the Judeans were quick to remind us all that Jacob prophesied the scepter would never depart from their hands.”

“Saul is king of Israel.”

“And Judah bows down grudgingly.”

“They stood with Saul at Jabesh-gilead. They celebrated his coronation at Gilgal. They were with us at Micmash and—” When she held up her hands, he stopped. Honor your father
and
mother, the Law said.

“You are too trusting, Jonathan.”

He would never be able to explain to her how his soul was knit to David’s. How could he when he didn’t fully understand himself? And so, he used reason to try to convince her. “What better way to end rivalry than by the king’s giving one of his daughters in marriage to his opponent’s son?”

“The Law says—”

Jonathan sighed heavily. “I know, Mother. No one reminds my father of the Law more often than I. But even more important here is the fact that he made a public vow and must make good on it. A king is only as good as his promises.”

Shaking her head, she walked to the window and looked up into the night sky. “Your father was not pleased by the songs the people sang as he entered the gates today.”

“The people sang praises to their king.”

She looked back at him. “And praised your friend more. ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!’ You should have seen your father’s face.”

“I didn’t notice.”

“No, you didn’t. You need to notice, Jonathan. You need to keep close watch.” She looked out the window again and spoke softly. “I fear a storm is brewing.”

Jonathan knew the truth of his mother’s words when he returned to the gathering and found everything in disarray.

“Where’s David?”

“Gone.” Abner looked shaken.

Counselors clustered near Saul, talking in low voices. “He oppresses me!” Saul shouted. “A boy, that’s all he is! Why do the people make so much of him?”

“What happened?”

“Your father lost his temper and threw a spear. That’s all. If he’d meant to kill David, he would have.”

“He threw a spear at David?
Why
?”

“You know how things are.”

Jonathan found David sitting at a fire among his relatives. When Jonathan entered the circle of light, cold eyes fixed on him, but David rose quickly. “My prince!”

“I heard what happened.”

David drew him away from the others. “Your father tried to kill me. Twice he hurled a spear at me.” David gave a nervous laugh. “I thought it wise to leave before the king pinned me to the wall.”

“You’ve seen him when the evil spirit comes upon him. It’s why you were summoned to the palace.”

“My songs did not soothe him tonight.”

“Sometimes my father says and does things he would never do if . . .” If what? If he was in his right mind? If he was not tormented by guilt and fear? Jonathan could not say these things to David. “He drank a lot of wine tonight.” He smiled wryly. “Maybe he thought you were a Philistine.” It was a bad joke.

They went up the ladder to the top of the wall and leaned against the railing, looking out over the land. Jonathan shook his head. “My father is a great man, David.” He felt the leather case containing the Law thump against his chest. “But I wish he would listen to me.”

“My father doesn’t listen to me either. Nor do my uncles and brothers.” David rested his chin on folded arms. “Even though I now outrank them.”

“Every man in Israel should learn the Law. If they knew the Lord they served, they wouldn’t be so afraid of the nations around us. They’d stop trying to live by the customs of our enemies.” Did any of them realize that the Scriptures said God would detest them if they did that? Did they remember that God had warned them that the land itself would vomit them out?

“Maybe someday.” David sighed. “My father said the Law is too much to learn and takes too much time away from the sheep.”

Jonathan remembered how his own father had preferred plowing fields rather than digging into the Scriptures.

“I have often dreamed of going to Naioth.” David smiled as he gazed at the night sky. “Those who attend the school of prophets are the most fortunate of men. What could be more exciting and wonderful than to spend your life reading and studying the Law?”

Jonathan looked at him. He had felt the bond between them at the valley of Elah. And it had grown stronger every day since. It was as though the Lord Himself had knit their hearts together. “I copied the Law at the school in Naioth.”

David straightened, eyes wide. “You have a copy of the Law?”

Jonathan smiled and nodded slowly. He could see the sheen of excitement in David’s eyes. Hadn’t he felt the same thing: a hunger to know the Lord, an insatiable appetite to eat and drink the Word of God as his life’s sustenance?

“All of it?” David stared in wonder.

“Every word of it.” Jonathan took hold of the woven leather strap and drew the leather casing out from beneath his tunic. “I have part of it right here. Samuel oversaw my work to make certain every jot and tittle was exact.”

David’s eyes glowed. “Oh, what treasure you hold in your hand.”

Jonathan pushed away from the wall. Smiling, he rested his hand on David’s shoulder. He jerked his head. “What do you say we find ourselves a lamp and get my scrolls?”

They read the Law until they were too tired to see the words. Exhausted, David went out to his relatives and Jonathan returned to the palace. When he stretched out on his bed, he closed his eyes.

Finally, he had found someone who loved the Lord like Samuel did, a friend who was closer than a brother.

Jonathan smiled. He fell asleep exhausted. Content.

The Philistines raided once again, and Saul sent David out to fight. Jonathan heard reports of David’s success, and was pleased. Jonathan fought well also and drove the Philistines off tribal lands. Returning to Gibeah, he dined with his father.

“I heard David had another victory.”

Saul’s mouth was flat and hard. “Yes.”

“Have the wedding arrangements been made?”

Saul was eating grapes, the muscles in his jaw bunching hard as he ground his teeth. “I’m still thinking about it.”

Jonathan lost his appetite. “You gave your oath. The man who killed Goliath was to have wealth—”

“He is growing wealthy on plunder.”

“Tax exemptions for his family—”

“So Jesse sends me a few sheep; why should I decline?”

“And your daughter in marriage.”

“I offered him Merab, and he declined.”

“He felt unworthy.”

Saul gave a harsh laugh. “Or that impudent Judean thinks my daughter’s not good enough for him.”

Jonathan stared. “You know that’s not true.”

“David!” Saul spat the word as though it were a foul taste in his mouth. “So much humility!” He sneered and ripped a hunk of meat from the roasted lamb. “I have given Merab to Adriel of Meholah. She leaves day after tomorrow.”

Jonathan felt the words like a punch in his stomach. “When was this decision made?”

“What does it matter to you when the decision was made? I am the king!” He threw the meat back onto the platter. “Judah is already an ally.” He wiped his greasy hands on a cloth. “Meholah’s clan was in question. They are now allies. It was a good decision.”

Jonathan was too angry to speak.

His father looked at him. “Do not try me, Jonathan. I know David is your friend, but I understand our people better than you do! I must make alliances.”

“You would have made an alliance with Judah by giving Merab to David. Do you think they will be pleased that you’ve forgotten the promises you made at the valley of Elah?”

Saul’s face reddened. “They know I offered Merab to him. I kept my promise.”