1 Samuel 18: Yah-Nathan's Robe & Protection, Irony of Saul

Rev. Waldemar Vinovskis, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Macungie, Pennsylvania, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study 1 Samuel 18.

“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David.” Idol worship? Man crush? Not here. In chapter 18 Jonathan, prince of Israel, takes David under his wing and pledges his royal protection. Unlike mutual contracts of modern times, ancient covenants were more about superiors claiming a subordinate, who would then pledge their allegiance. Jonathan (“YHWH-given”) symbolized how David’s kingship came directly from heaven and not from Saul, and he prefigures Christ who makes us “more than conquerors” or kings with His white robe of baptism. By nature, David was no better than Saul—neither are we. But by the Spirit, we are like the Messiah, showing kindness even to our enemies.