I am Jonathan
Crown Prince of Israel
God’s chosen people.
These have been a rough few days.
My friend David had to flee for his life.
The boy who slew the oppressor of Israel
Became the man now in danger of his life.
And he was my best friend
He is, my best friend.
He came to me with tears in his eyes
Running down his face
Dripping down his beard.
His garments were soaked with sweat.
David cried out, “What have I done?”
At first I was slient.
Because I had known that David had done nothing.
His presence was a threat.
Because everyone in the court knew that they saw the next King.
In spite of my father’s wishes that it be me.
But I told David that he would not die.
Of that, I could make sure.

Me and Father were at a dinner.
And he seemed more agitated, than normal.
He kept muttering to himself.
Then he looked up with a snarl and asked, Where is that shepherd boy?
I mean, where is David my armor-bearer?
I stammered.
I normally don’t do that.
Even though I have a lisp.
That I managed to overcome through instruction.
His people have a sacrifice.
So he asked to be excused.
Saul rose in anger.
He grabbed his spear.
Oh no.
I saw his hand twitch.
The way it did at the Lord’s enemies.
Only this time it was at me
And it had a spear attached to it
That was headed in my attention.
I could never forget that Father still had the skill of a warrior.
Even though sometimes he lacked a reliable temperament.
But this was more than unreliable.
This was……attempted ******
Of the Crown Prince of Israel.
And I had no doubt by then
If David had been there
He would have been struck by that spear.
I left in anger.
The food was good.
But I could not stay in the presence of a man
Who wanted David dead
Even if that man was my father
Even if that man was my king.
Because David was more than a friend to me
David is family.

The next day I took my bow and some arrows.
Not to go hunting
Not to go to war
But to save a life.
I took a servant boy with me.
And I fired the arrow.
Far, but at no target in particular.
I kept firing.
With tears in my eyes.
When the boy stopped I called out
Hurry up the arrows are ahead.
I wish that they could stay with me.
But when the boy picked up the arrows.
David got up from his hiding place.
We embraced crying
We spoke covenant to each other
Saying we would be friends forever.
I hope I could see David become king.
So I can serve at his right hand.