1 Samuel chapter 18 tells us a lot about one of the most famous friendships the world has ever known. That of David and Saul’s Son Jonathan!
Read with me these words from the first verse of the chapter … “The soul of Jonathan was knit (tied, bound together) with the soul of David.”Knit together, with God in Heaven being the Weaver, I believe.
This is a friendship that lasted for years, too! When Jonathan was killed (on the battlefield with his father King Saul) David lamented, as if still speaking to his dead friend … “Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” 2 Samuel 1:26
I am wondering what made this special comradery “work.” What are here, found in Scripture, the traits of true friendship?
Proverbs 17:17 teaches us … “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Jonathan fits these criteria, for sure. Through many a hard time, he was “there” for David.
First, it was a giving relationship. Jonathan actually gave David his armour one day! And the very shirt off his back! “And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” 1 Samuel 18:4, no selfishness here!
Then notice Jonathan’s manliness. (These two were NOT physical lovers, not homosexuals. Rather, two real men with deep respect one for another! Jonathan fought so gallantly in the army of Israel, under Saul’s command, that he even had his own armourbearer! See 1 Samuel 14:12 for Bible proof. In fact, Jonathan inspired his armourbearer to feats of bravery, and loyalty!
Yet, though a warrior, Jonathan had a tender spirit! More concerned about David than even himself! “He loved David as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:4)
David was also loved by his friend in the sense of “protection.” Saul tried again and again to harm David, but Jonathan served as a “buffer” between his father and the young (though future) King of Israel. A delicate balancing act indeed. 1 Samuel 19:5 gives an early example.
Jonathan was also an encourager to David. Yes, Jonathan was apparently that strong in the Lord. “And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” 1 Samuel 23:16
I am sure other admirable characteristics belonged to that dear man. A friend to David when a friend was sorely needed!
After Jonathan’s life was cut short by a Philistine arrow, sword or some other weapon, David wrote these words … “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.” Psalm 142:4
But he could have never written “no man cared for my soul” while Jonathan was alive.
David was blessed … he had found a friend “That sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
I am a blessed man today! I have friends, God-given friends. And if Debbie were not so humble, even at times embarrassed when I mention her … I might even say (Glory to God) … “I just may be married to my very best friend!”
.