A father and son fight together in Afghanistan. You'd think fighting a common enemy would create a unique bond between a father and his son. Not always. Ask Jonathan.
I think the real story in this reading is Jonathan and his act of faith and bravery in attacking the Philistine's with his young armor-bearer.
"Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.'" 1 Sam. 14:6
In contrast, Jonathan's father Saul is a legalistic tyrant who orders his son death for innocently refreshing himself with a bit of honey and unknowingly violating the King's command not to eat until the battle is over. Is the order to kill his son an early indication of Saul's jealousy toward anyone that outdoes him? Or is this just more of the Jephthah-esque simple-minded thinking that considers it is more unforgivable to change a stance or ask forgiveness for a rash statement than to kill your own child?
Thankfully the men around Saul have more sense to see that God is with Jonathan and that God's will has precedence over a King's whim. They tell Saul, and rather boldly:
"Should Jonathan die -- he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God's help." 1 Sam. 14:45
So sets the stage. This instance must have made it easier for Jonathan to stand against his father in support of his friend David. I like Jonathan and I can help but feel sad for him. He would have made a much better king than his father. And because of his father, he will never be named king.
God only knows why.
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