Deeper Reflection
JONATHAN SET UP a signal system to communicate to David stealthily if his life was in danger (vv.18-23). At the place of his “appointment with David”, Jonathan shot the arrow in the direction that signalled to David that Saul was seeking his life (vv.35-40). The two met, and they “kissed each other and wept together” over the unavoidable painful departure from each other (v.41). Jonathan saw the departure as a divine necessity: “go, the LORD has sent you away” (v.22). Jonathan parted with David by saying “Go in peace” (v.42). “Go in peace” while Saul was stalking David’s life? Jonathan did not mean that all will be peaceful for David or that he will not meet any more dangers. It is the peace in a relationship under a covenant bond that holds fast when all else may be in flux and confusion.44 Paul puts it as “with all humility and gentleness, with patience showing tolerance for one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3) – in our marriage and family, and Christian community. Biblical peace “is not often a general tranquillity but rather a rightness at the centre in the midst of much turmoil”45. We have this peace because One who is greater than Jonathan has made His covenant with us by His blood (Matt 26:28): “In the world you have tribulation, but in Me you have peace” (Jn 16:33). The key is “In Me” – Christ’s covenant relationship with us.