A Friendship Like No Other
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:34 (ESV)
The bond between David and Jonathan is fascinating. Most of us have never had a friend that even comes close to their relationship—not even our spouse. But what made it a one-of-a-kind friendship?
It was a God-ordained connection! To start building this association, we have to go all the way back to the conversation that Saul had with David (while still holding Goliath’s head in his hand). Jonathan must have been privy to this exchange because 1 Samuel 18:1 tells us, “Jonathan became one in the spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” Does this verse sound familiar? “Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39, NIV).”
Saul became insanely jealous and wanted David out of the picture. Murder was on his mind. However, Jonathan saved David’s life several times and approached his father, Saul, regarding his senseless hatred for David. There was no reason as to why, but Jonathan continued to try to make peace.
To be sure, they went through the fire together as they fought different tribes and had success. It was a risk they took—together. Each experience birthed a deeper love and respect. Meanwhile, the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul and evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul. (This spirit caused severe mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish. It was God’s judicial abandonment of Saul.) The further Saul sunk into fear, hate, and anger, the deeper their relationship grew. Don’t forget it was God ordained!
Around a feast day, Jonathan and David hatched a plan that would let David know if there was any chance of restoration between Saul and David. There was none. David had to run for his life but first they had to say goodbye. David was a warrior, but he was also a poet/musician and very emotional. 1 Samuel 20: 41-42 paints for us a vivid picture of that tearful parting.
Most likely, Jonathan would have laid down his life for David, but thankfully, it never came to that. Jonathan was killed in battle alongside his brothers and father (1 Samuel 31). We are aware of David’s story but without Jonathan, history might have looked very different.
It was a God-ordained friendship!
Heavenly Father, thank You for a rich and pure example of friendship. Teach us to love one another through Your eyes and with Your heart. AMEN.