1 Samuel 18-19 & Mark 14

Jonathan, the son of Saul, and David become fast friends, their bond is special for they are closer than brothers and the language used to describe the relationship is language used for lovers. So this is a special relationship that will continue, and will be marked by a covenant between the two.

1 Samuel 18 speaks of the rise of David's military prowess. At first, Saul uses David's talent for his own purposes and David returns victorious time and again. However, soon Saul will become jealous of David's victories, particularly as the people begin to celebrate David more than Saul. Evidently, on at least one occasion Saul attempts to kill David as David plays the lyre for Saul. David is able to elude the spear but it would seem that the die is cast.

Saul tries more devious ways to rid himself of David, such as arranging a marriage between his daughter Michal and David. David, being poor, does not have much to offer for a bride. Saul suggests, through servants, that perhaps 100 foreskins would work, which means David must kill 100 Philistines. Saul is hoping that one of these Philistines will get the better of David, but David succeeds and earns the enmity of Saul from that day forward.

Of course, David continues to be successful on the battle field and his fame grows.

All of this is too much for Saul as we learn in 1 Samuel 19. Saul speaks to his advisers and to Jonathan of his plans to kill David. Jonathan is able to dissuade him. On the next occurrence, when David again is playing the lyre for Saul, Saul again tries to kill him with a spear but misses. David flees to his home.

Michal knows that if David stays, he will be killed, so she helps him escape. When Saul finds out how his own daughter has helps David escapes, she claims that David threatened to kill her if she did not help. David flees to Samuel. Saul sends many messengers and then he himself goes, but as they and he get near to Ramah they fall into a prophetic frenzy and are turned away.

David begins his time as outlaw and renegade.

Mark 14

Not sure what I can add to Mark 14 as it introduces us to the Passion narrative. Passover is upon Israel and the religious leaders now plot to kill Jesus, not to try him mind you, but to kill him. They are concerned about the response of the masses which is what stays their hand.

At the beginning of the story, Jesus is anointed by an unnamed woman, in other texts it is Mary of Mary and Martha. This passage as viewed as the preparing of Jesus for death. Meanwhile, Judas agrees to betray Jesus, so the wheels are in motion.

Jesus and the disciples celebrate the Passover, which we know as the Last Supper and the Lord's Supper is instituted. Jesus tells each that they will fall away from him, but Peter says he will not. Jesus then points out to Peter that not only will he fall away from Jesus but that he will denial knowing Jesus three times.

After the meal, they journey to Gethsemane for prayer and there Jesus is arrested. He is found guilty of blasphemy and sent to Pilate, meanwhile Peter denies him.

The scene is set.