Sons of Encouragement

by Francine Rivers

  Goliath and his armor bearer advanced, shouting in disgust. “Am I a dog, that you come at me with a stick? May Dagon curse you!” The Philistine spat curses by all the gods of Philistia on the boy and all Israel while the Philistine warriors laughed and banged their shields.

  Jonathan clenched his hand.

  “Come over here, boy!” Goliath sneered. “I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!”

  “We come to this!” Abner groaned.

  Jonathan waited and watched, praying as David stood straight and faced their enemy, his youthful voice carrying. “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

  Goliath roared with laughter, the Philistine warriors joining him.

  David walked forward. “Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!”

  David put a stone in his sling and ran toward Goliath.

  Jonathan stepped forward. Could he hear the whir of the shepherd’s sling? Or was it his own pulse that hummed in his ears, his heart pounding with every step David took? The boy’s arm shot out and the sling dropped in his hand.

  Goliath staggered back, a stone embedded in his forehead. Blood gushed down his face. He spread his feet, trying to keep his balance. Then he toppled like a tree.

  Both armies stood in stunned silence. Goliath’s armor bearer fled from David, who raised Goliath’s sword and, with a shout, brought it down. Grabbing Goliath’s severed head by the hair, the shepherd boy held it up for all to see. “For the Lord!”

  Exultant, Jonathan drew his sword and held it high, answering. “For the Lord and Israel!”

  Fear vanquished, King Saul and Jonathan led the charge, and once more the mighty Philistines fled in terror before the army of the Lord.

  When the battle was won, Jonathan searched for David. “Where is he?”

  Saul shook his head. “I don’t know. When Abner brought him to me, the boy was still holding Goliath’s head! But he’s gone.”

  “His name is David, Father. He is the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem.”

  “I know. The same boy who has been in my household for months strumming his harp and singing in my chambers.” Saul laughed a bit uneasily. “Who knew he had such a fierce heart!”

  “He fights for the Lord and his king.” Jonathan laughed with excitement. “The whole world will hear of what he did today. I’ve got to find him.” He wanted to know more about this boy God had used so mightily.

  “Abner is finding quarters for him,” Saul called after him. “We will want him close.”

  “He’ll make a fine bodyguard!” Jonathan raised his sword in the air and went off to find him.

  When Jonathan spotted David among the men of Judah and shouted, David turned. Jonathan spread his arms and gave an exuberant cry of victory.

  David bowed low. “My lord prince.”

  Jonathan grabbed the boy’s arm, shaking him slightly. “I knew the Lord was with you!”

  “As He was with you at Micmash, my prince. My brothers talked of nothing else for months!”

  “Come. Walk with me.” David fell into step beside him. “You will be handsomely rewarded for what you did today.”

  “I ask for nothing.”

  “You will have a command of your own.”

  David stopped, his eyes going wide. “But I know nothing of leading men.”

  Jonathan laughed and ruffled David’s curly hair. “I will teach you everything I know.”

  “But I’m only a shepherd.”

  “Not anymore.” Jonathan grinned. “You will write songs that lead us into battle.”

  “But it was the Lord who won the victory. The Lord was my rock. The Lord delivered me from the hand of Goliath!”

  Jonathan faced him. “Yes! And it is such words from your lips that will turn men’s hearts to God.” Jonathan would no longer be a lone voice in the king’s court. “They saw.” Here was a boy who believed as he did. “They will listen to you.”

  David shook his head. “May those who witnessed what happened today know they can trust in the Lord!”

  “I know what you felt when you went out there. I felt it once when I climbed the cliffs at Micmash.” Jonathan looked up. “I would give anything to feel the presence of the Lord again.” Anything and everything!

  “I dreamed of fighting for King Saul, but my brothers just laughed at me.”

  “They won’t laugh anymore.”

  “No, but I’m not sure they would follow me either.”

  “Would they follow a king’s son?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then we will make you one.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Jonathan stripped off his breastplate and tossed it. David caught it against his chest and stumbled back. Jonathan yanked his fine tunic off and thrust it at David. “Put it on.”

  David stammered.

  “Do as I say.” Jonathan removed his sword and scabbard and fixed it around David’s waist. Last, he gathered up his bow and quiver of arrows and gave them to him as well. “We are now brothers.”

  David blinked. “But what can I give you?”

  “Your sling.”

  Fumbling, David finally managed to yank it from his belt. He held it out to Jonathan, flustered. “You do me too much honor, my prince.”

  “Do I?” Of all the people he had met since his father became king of Israel, he had never wanted one to be even his friend. He wanted David to be his brother.

  “You are the crown prince, heir to King Saul’s throne.”

  If only my father had a heart like this boy. What a king he would be!

  Jonathan clasped David’s hand. “From this day forth, you are my brother. My soul is knit to yours in love. I swear before the Lord our God, my hand will never be raised against you.”

  David’s eyes shone with tears. “Nor mine against you!”

  Jonathan turned David toward camp. He slapped his back and gave him a playful shove. “Come. We have plans to make! We must drive God’s enemies from the land!”

  “Promote a boy above others twice his age and skill?” Saul stared at Jonathan, incredulous. “Are you mad?”

  “Why not? Am I not a commander? I’ve already seen to it, Father.”

  “You are my son, the prince of Israel! He is nothing more than a shepherd boy who had a little good luck with sling and stone!”

  Good luck? “God was with him yesterday, Father.” When his father scowled, Jonathan looked at Abner and the officers and advisors. “Is there any man here who would argue that David is our champion? We can’t leave him without distinction.” They were silent. “Say something. Or are you afraid to give sound advice to the king?” Jonathan turned away in disgust. “Can we talk alone, Father? Let’s walk through the camp.”

  The king went outside with him. Men bowed as they walked among the tents. “Every man here speaks about how David went into the valley of death and slew the giant! Honor him, Father. Let the nations hear how one Hebrew shepherd boy is better than an army of Philistines!”

  Saul spoke without turning his head. “What do you think, Abner?”

  Abner was always near the king, guarding him.

  “The men will be pleased, my lord.”

  Saul looked at Jonathan. “You don’t merely admire his courage, do you? You like him.”

  “As should you, Father. The Lord used David to give you the battle. Keep him at your side, and we will have victory after victory.”

  Saul lowered his eyes and stiffened. His head came up. “Where is your sword?”

  “I gave it to David.”

  “You did what?”

  “I gave him my tunic also, and my bow and belt as well.”

  “What else did you give this upstart? Your seal ring?”

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nbsp; Jonathan face went hot. “Of course not!” He held his hand out to prove it. “I adopted him as my brother. I made him your son.”

  “Without asking me? What did you think you were doing to show him such honor!”

  “Who better to show honor to, Father?” Jonathan went cold at his father’s look. “You are the Lord’s anointed. David fought for the glory of the One you serve.”

  Saul’s eyes flashed. He opened his mouth and clenched his teeth, deciding not to say whatever had come into his mind. Breathing hard, he looked away, staring out over the thousands of tents. “He didn’t fight for me.”

  “David is your servant.”

  “And best to keep him as such.” A muscle tightened in Saul’s jaw. He released his breath slowly. “But perhaps you’re right. He has proved himself useful. Let’s see what else he can do.” He grew annoyed. “Hear how they all celebrate the victory! Do you remember how they called out my name in Jabesh-gilead?”

  “And at Gilgal,” Abner reminded him.

  “May they never forget.” Saul turned and walked away.

  Jonathan looked over his shoulder as he ran. He laughed. “Come on, little brother! You’re faster than that!”

  Straining, David gained a little. Jonathan stretched out, his feet flying across the ground. He leapt over several bushes and reached their goal well before David.

  Gasping for air, David went to his knees. “You fly like an eagle!”

  Panting, Jonathan bent at the waist, dragging in air. He grinned. “You almost beat me.”

  David lay back on the ground, arms spread. “Your legs are longer than mine.”

  “A rabbit can outrun a fox.”

  “If it’s cunning. I’m not.”

  Lungs burning, Jonathan leaned against a boulder. “Excuses. Your legs will grow. Your strength will increase.”

  David laughed. “I’d be faster if my life depended on it.”

  Jonathan walked around, hands on his hips, waiting for his heart to slow and his body to cool. “You were much faster this time. One day you will keep up and maybe pass me by.”

  Sitting up, David dangled his hands between his knees. “You outrun me. You’re an expert with bow and arrow. You can throw a spear twice as far as I can.”

  Someone shouted from a distance. Abner.

  Jonathan gave David a hand up. He looped his hand around David’s neck and rubbed his curly hair with his knuckles. “All in good time, my brother. All in good time.”

  Women ran out to meet the returning warriors. They sang and danced around them, beating on tambourines and strumming lutes. They filled the air with songs of praise.

  “See how they love you!” Jonathan laughed at the look on David’s face as a girl danced by, flashing him a smile. “You’re blushing!”

  “I’ve never seen girls like these!” David watched them whirl around him. “They’re beautiful!”

  “Yes. They are.” Jonathan admired several as he headed for the city gates.

  Men, women, and children cheered as Saul led them into Gibeah. The king’s household swarmed around Saul. Jonathan spotted his mother and grabbed David by the arm. “My father promised one of his daughters to the man who killed Goliath. You must meet my sisters. I recommend Merab. She’s older than you, but much wiser than Michal.”

  David dug in his heels. “Jonathan, no! I am unworthy!”

  “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 importan
t 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.”