21 - The Fall of King David_ 1 Sam. 18-2 Sam. 5

Discussion series about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints scriptures.
Participation from Brigham Young University's Department of Ancient Scripture:
- Professor Terry Ball
- Professor Keith Wilson
- Professor Ray Huntington

Following David's encounter with Goliath, he faces conflict with King Saul.
Chapter 18 introduces Jonathan, Saul's son, as an unlikely ally due to the strained relations between Saul and David.
Friendship Principle:
- David and Jonathan's friendship showcases the importance of friendship in both ancient and modern Israel.
- Despite Saul’s declining opinion of David, Jonathan forms a deep bond with David, prioritizing their friendship.
Key Verse (1 Samuel 18:1):
- "And it came to pass when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."

Jonathan's actions symbolize friendship and loyalty:
- He hands over his princely garments and weapons to David, recognizing David's future kingship.
- Comparison with John the Baptist:
- Just as John acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, Jonathan acknowledges David as the Lord’s anointed.
Joseph Smith's statement about friendship:
- Emphasizes the role of true friendship in salvation and in overcoming negative influences in the world.

Jonathan is portrayed as a brave warrior, noted for:
- His ability to single-handedly defeat a garrison of Philistines.
This duality of strength and tenderness enhances the understanding of his character and friendship with David.

Saul’s jealousy of David leads to increased tension:
- Saul becomes afraid of David’s rising popularity, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:29:
- "And Saul was yet the more afraid of David, and Saul became David's enemy continually."
Saul’s fear and jealousy drive him to violence, including the martyrdom of Ahimelech and his family.
- Reference to 1 Samuel 22, where Saul eliminates the priests of Nob.

Jonathan and David establish a covenant of friendship:
- Jonathan expresses his commitment in 1 Samuel 20:4: "Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."
Their friendship transcends their lives, impacting their descendants, illustrated by David’s care for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth.

Saul’s anger and paranoia illustrate a stark contrast to the friendship between Jonathan and David.
Critical turning points include:
- Saul's attempts to kill David (1 Samuel 19:8-10).
- His increasingly erratic behavior influenced by the withdrawal of the Lord’s spirit.
Evil Spirit from the Lord:
- Discussion of interpretations indicating that the evil spirit was a result of God withdrawing His support from Saul, not directly sending an evil spirit.

Despite Saul's wickedness, David shows deep respect:
- David refrains from harming Saul, whom he references as the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:10).
- This principle stresses the importance of timing and respect for God's chosen ones, even when they falter.

David's restraint illustrates key leadership principles:
- Adherence to divine timing and readiness to accept one's role in God’s plan.
- David’s actions are examples of patience and perseverance even amidst clear adversity.

Saul seeks guidance from a witch after consulting with God yields no answers due to his disobedience and loss of faith.
- This act shows Saul's ultimate desperation and abandonment of faith.
President Joseph Fielding Smith's interpretation:
- The episode indicates a decline in spiritual integrity and confidence in God, leading Saul to terrible choices.

After Saul’s death, David laments, expressing sorrow and respect (2 Samuel 1).
True emotional depth in David's relationship with both Saul and Jonathan:
- David acknowledges Jonathan's loyalty in a heartfelt lament.
Key Verse of Mourning (2 Samuel 1:25):
- "O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thy high places."

Transition into David’s reign over Israel and the establishment of Jerusalem.
The phases of David's life:
- From shepherd to leader in Saul's court.
- His fugitive period escaping Saul.
- His emergence as king over a united Israel (2 Samuel 2-5).

David's strategic move to establish Jerusalem as the capital reflects divine guidance and solid leadership.
Anointed by all tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-3):
- Details about his age (30 years) and duration of reign (40 years).

David as a type of Christ, acknowledged even in New Testament scriptures.
His life lessons on patience, virtue, and divine trust provide a framework for understanding moral and ethical leadership.