Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan (ver. 30). "And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger" (ver. 34). Anger is not necessarily sinful. "It is in itself, and in its original, no more than indignation against injury and wickedness" (Butler, on 'Resentment'). But it is too frequently sinful because of the manner in which it is indulged. How different was the anger of Saul now from what it was on a former occasion (1 Samuel 11:6). Consider that -

I. IT MAY BE UNINTENTIONALLY EXCITED (vers. 24-29). The reason which Jonathan gave why "David's place was empty" was doubtless a mere pretext (ver. 12), harmless as he thought, and not designed to provoke wrath; but Saul saw through it at once, and his anger was kindled against Jonathan on account of it and his taking part with one whom he regarded as his enemy. Care should be exercised, even when no harm is meant, to furnish no occasion for offence, especially in intercourse with those who are of an irritable and passionate temper, and to avoid "all appearance (every kind) of evil." Deception practised for a good end is not good, and sometimes produces much mischief.

II. IT IS OFTEN UNRIGHTEOUSLY INDULGED (vers. 30-33), as -

1. When it springs from selfishness and pride, and is associated with malice and revenge. Saul's anger against Jonathan was the offspring of the envy toward "the son of Jesse" which slumbered in his breast, if indeed he had not now formed the deliberate purpose of putting him to death at the first opportunity. It is not said that "the evil spirit from Jehovah came upon him" again. Hatred of David had become the pervading spirit of his life, and it gave a colouring to everything. "Anger is an agitation of the mind that proceeds to the resolution of a revenge, the mind assenting to it" (Seneca, on 'Anger').

2. When it is felt without just or adequate cause. The questions of Jonathan (ver. 32) did not, any more than the reason he had previously given, justify his father's wrath, and his jealousy of David was groundless and wicked. "Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause," etc. (Matthew 5:22).

3. When it becomes excessive, and ceases to be under the control of right reason. "Be master of thine anger."

4. When it issues in bitter words, and violent and unjust acts. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer," etc. (1 John 3:15). He has within him the principle of murder, the germ from which the outward act naturally grows. "Cease from anger and forsake wrath" (Psalm 37:8). "Where envy and strife are there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:16). "Sinful anger destroys our own peace of mind, hurts the unity of spirit among brethren, blocks up the way to the Divine throne, exposes us to danger, makes work for bitter repentance, fires the minds of others, makes us unlike the meek and lowly Jesus, causes us to resemble madmen and devils, and is cruel and murderous" (Fawcett, 'Essay on Anger'.).

III. IT CAN BE UNBLAMABLY ENTERTAINED (ver. 34). It may in certain circumstances be a Christian virtue. But in order to this -

1. It must be directed, out of love to righteousness, against the wrong which is done or intended rather than against the wrong doer, and be associated with sorrow for him and good will toward him. "Resentment is not inconsistent with good will. These contrary passions, though they may lessen, do not necessarily destroy each other. We may therefore love our enemy and yet have resentment against him for his injurious behaviour toward us" (Butler, on 'Forgiveness of Injuries'). "And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts," etc. (Mark 3:5).

2. It must be felt from love to others rather than ourselves, especially to those who love God, and from zeal for his honour. "He was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame."

3. It must be kept under proper control. Jonathan did not retaliate. He "arose from the table," and went out; to fast, not to raise a rebellion against his father, as Absalom did at a subsequent period.

4. It must not be suffered to continue too long. "Wise anger is like fire from flint; there, is a great ado to bring it out; and when it does come, it is out again immediately (M. Henry). "Be ye angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath, neither give place to the devil."

IV. IT MUST BE UNCEASINGLY GUARDED AGAINST and duly suppressed by the use of proper means, such as consideration of the effects of sinful anger on others and on ourselves, of the allowance which ought to be made for others, of our own faults, and of the patience and gentleness of Christ; the realisation of the presence and love of God; the cultivation of the opposite principles of humility, charity, and meekness; and continual prayer for the Holy Spirit. - D.

I. THE ARROWS TAUGHT THAT A STRONG AND NOBLE FRIEND WAS STANDING IN THE BREACH.

1. Never be ashamed to own a friend. Do not count him your friend whose name you are ashamed to mention.

2. Never be ashamed to speak up for the cause of Truth. Let the arrows witness to the simplicity and fervour of your allegiance to whatever is lovely and of good report.

II. THE ARROWS SPOKE OF IMMINENT DANGER. "Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death." "The arrows are beyond thee." You have hoped against hope; you have tried to keep your position; you have done your duty, pleaded your cause, sought the intercession of your friends, prayed, wept, agonized: but it is all in vain; the arrow's flight proves that you must go whither you may. But take these thoughts for your comfort.

1. There are things we never leave behind. David had an inalienable possession in the love of his friend, in the devotion of the people, in the memory of God's goodness. There are threads woven into the fabric of our life which can never be extracted or obliterated.

2. There is a Divine purpose determining our course. To the had there was but royal caprice in the flight of the arrow. "What are you going, my little fellow?" "I am picking up the prince's arrows; we generally go for game, but he is playing at it today." That was all he knew; how little did he divine the purpose of his Master, and still less realise that each flitting arrow was, so to speak, taken from God's quiver and directed by His hand. There is no chance in a good man's life. Let us recognise the providence of the trifle. He is sending us away.

3. The going forth is necessary to secure greater happiness than we leave. Had David lingered in the palace, his life would have been forfeited, and he would have missed all the glory and bliss with which his cup ran over in after years. This was the way to the throne. Follow the arrow's flight then — beyond the warm circle in which you bare so long sheltered; beyond the southland to the icy north; beyond the known to the unknown. Like another Abraham, go into the land which God will show thee; like another Columbus, turn thy prow in the wake of the setting sun.

III. THE ARROWS TAUGHT THAT HUMAN LOVE MUST SUFFER SEPARATION. This was the lash meeting of these two noble hearts for a long time. Indeed, the friends only met once more, shortly before Jonathan's death. They had realised that this must be so. These are the hours that leave sears on hearts and whiten the hair. Christ comes to us in these dark moments as of old to the disciples, on whom had broken the full import of his departure. "Let not your hearts be troubled."

(F. B. Meyer, B. A.)