Jonathan & David

In these three chapters of 1 Samuel 18-20, Jonathan as much as David is the hero. Jonathan takes up as much space in these chapters as David, the Lord’s chosen. First, Jonathan loved David as his own soul. Maybe David was about his own age, but most likely younger than Jonathan as David could not be older than 20 years when the events took place as recorded in 1 Sam 18-20.

Jonathan spoke up for David. A true friend will defend his friend when he sees injustice done to his friend. Friends who keep quiet or do not stand up when a friend is wrongly maligned is no friend. As King Saul hated David at this time, it was risky for Jonathan to take a stand for David, his father’s enemy. Jonathan helped David’s escape or made sure he stayed hidden. A good friend protects those he befriended. 

Jonathan made a covenant with David. Jonathan recognised that David was the chosen one to replace his father and that requires some humility as Jonathan was in effect the crown prince to succeed King Saul. 

Jonathan was prepared to do anything for David. “whatever you say, I will do” (1 Sam 20:4) and a true friend is a friend in deed as he is ready to all things for his friends. At last Jonathan showed true love as they embraced with kisses and wept long on each other’s necks as it would be the last the two friends would meet until Jonathan’s tragic death with his father, King Saul (1 Sam 31).