Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him.
Comment: Maybe try and remember or re-read yesterday’s passage to get back into the scene!
Saul simply explodes and not only against David but against his own son. His son who is a champion soldier! Saul knew that if David lived, he would be the next king. In spite of what Samuel had said to him earlier he still wants to be the head of a royal dynasty. Maybe from a purely human dimension we can appreciate Saul’s feelings. So he really lets his temper explode. He describes Jonathan in very nasty terms, somehow he gets Jonathan’s mother embroiled in the abuse. Then he commands the soldier son to bring his friend no doubt to be executed. Jonathan’s attempt at defence for his friend is met with the repeated message which Saul knew how to send – a spear. Thankfully he missed again! And, without eating, Jonathan storms out, angry for David’s sake and feeling belittled himself.
Prayer: Even when upset and distressed help me to trust your sovereignty, O God.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. Saul’s anger once again takes over and he uses his spear to try to kill even his own son. His anger and jealousy over the fact that David has been anointed to be the next king rises to the surface, and is expressed in the only way Saul knows – to kill. Anger is something we need to control, under the Hand of God the Holy Spirit. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and unfortunately Saul did not possess this virtue. God bless you.
LikeLike