The most famous gifts in the Bible are probably the
ones the Magi gave to the newborn King of the Jews. They were gold, frankincense
and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) They held more significance then these
scholar/scientists realized as gold represented Jesus’ royalty, frankincense
His deity and the burial spice myrrh His humanity. This, however, is not the
only time three significant and symbolic gifts were given. Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4.
Jonathan’s robe identified Jonathan as a prince. Wherever he went wearing that robe, everyone
knew he was royalty with all the privileges and authority that came with the
distinction. By giving David his robe, Jonathan bestowed on him prince-hood. He
no longer considered him a mere shepherd, but royalty, a prince! King James
includes “and his garments” and NIV “along with his tunic.” This was more personal then just his princely
robe. He also gave him the shirt off his
back. It meant that he didn’t mind if David was mistaken for him or him for
David.
- What does Isaiah 61:10 state that the Lord
gives to us as we enter a covenant relationship with Him?
- Apply the symbolism Jonathan
intended by giving David his robe and garment, what does it mean that God gives
you His? (1 Peter 2:9,10)
- How do we wear the garments of Christ according to Colossians 3:12-14?
- What does it mean that the Lord doesn’t mind if
you are mistaken for Him or others perception of Him is based on you?
Giving David his weapons represented a commitment to defend and
protect. Jonathan gave David two specific pieces: his sword and his bow. Each
has a significant meaning. A sword represents
strength. By giving David his sword, he was promising to put all his strength
and resources behind David. The bow
symbolized an
individual's or nation’s power and ability to accomplish the intended purpose. Jonathan’s bow represented both. He committed
his and all of Israel’s power and abilities to support this national hero.
- What sword does the Lord give to us? (Ephesians 6:17)
- What does it mean to you that in addition to being an offensive
and defensive weapon, it is God’s unwavering promise of strength and
provision, a promise to protect and provide for you?
- Does
God give to us His bow? The same word translated bow (qeshet) in 1 Samuel 18:4 is used in Genesis 9:13-16.
- How does it change your
perspective on a rainbow when you see it as the bow of God’s armor, a reminder
of a binding covenant and a promise of the power of God there on your behalf?
The third gift of his belt was more than a functional way to keep
a robe tied together or cinching a garment at the waist. This was actually a
valuable and desirable part of a soldier’s military uniform. Not only was it practical as the folds held
small swords, money, “snacks”, etc., but also symbolic. The specific weave and
ornamentation were identifiable affiliation, status or accomplishments. It was also given as a reward for bravery (i.e.
2 Samuel 18:11). Jonathan was not only rewarding David’s bravery, but declaring
his faith in David that this was just the beginning of many great victories.
- What is the belt of Christ according to Isaiah 11:5?
- How does righteousness identify you as affiliated with Jesus?
- What does it mean you that He has confidence in you that you will
be increasingly victorious?
When Jonathan gave these to David, David knew Jonathan was giving
himself to him and their relationship. A
covenant is not just a fancy name for promises, but a binding agreement that
made them something unique and specific. Jonathan could not have given
David anything more significant or precious then three incredible gifts. Though
it is not specified in Scripture what David did with these items, there is no
doubt that they were cherished for a lifetime as a constant reminder of their
precious covenant relationship and a motivation to live up to the symbolism of
these gifts.
- What is your response to these precious
covenant gifts the Lord has given to you?
- How can you put them to use today to be
all that the Lord believes you are and can be?
