The narrative continues without a break. Saul, having promised attractive rewards to the slayer of Goliath (ch. 17:25), now called for David and inquired as to his identity. If we insert ch. 16:14-23 between vs. ch. 9 and 10 of 18, as some scholars do, Saul’s first contact with David would thus be at the battle front, and the reason for Saul’s mental disturbance would lie in the adulation David received from the populace (vs. 7>6, 7). If, however, the account is in chronological order, Saul’s question (ch. 17:55) might be explained by supposing that Saul had taken so little notice of the humble lyre player during his spells of abstraction that he did not know who David was, in which case ch. 16:21 would be regarded as mentioning later developments. The latter seems preferable (see on ch. 16:21). In either case, since David was both a military hero and an inspired musician, it would be small wonder that Saul “let him go no more home to his father’s house” (ch. 18:2). See also on ch. 17:15.

 The touching friendship between David and Jonathan is the classic example of kindred spirits recognizing in each other like ideals and rejoicing in the contact. Jonathan had already expressed dislike for his father’s attitude and course of action (ch. 14:29). To him, David’s humble and spiritual replies to Saul’s questions, giving God all the glory for past achievements, were like cool, refreshing water to a weary and thirsty traveler. To Jonathan, the hero of Michmash, there must have come lonely hours of disappointment and frustration because of his father’s lack of spiritual insight. Little did Jonathan realize that, all unknown to himself, the same faith in God and surrender to His guidance and protection were shaping another life a few miles to the south.