How David and Jonathan Modelled Genuine Friendship

Daily Devotional – Monday, August 7, 2023
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)

On the day, David killed Goliath, a significant event happened without notice. When Abner presented the lad before King Saul, David carried Goliath’s head as a trophy. Saul was impressed, as was another person, Jonathan, Saul’s son. From that moment on, David and Jonathan modeled genuine friendship.

The Soul of Jonathan Was Knit to the Soul of David

Here is Samuel’s narration: “Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1). So strong was their bond that “Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” (Verse 3).

Nevertheless, this friendship underwent formidable challenges when Jonathan’s father (King Saul) became jealous of David and attempted to kill the son of Jesse several times. Jonathan was now torn between being loyal to his father or saving David from Saul’s attack, thus cementing his loyalty to David.

Kindness for Jonathan’s Sake

First Samuel 20 narrates the intricacies of the friendship between the two lads. They agreed to extend their bond to their offspring. Jonathan was sure David would one day become a powerful leader. He asked David to be kind to his (Jonathan’s) offspring. David promised to take care of Jonathan’s descendants. Because he defended David, Jonathan almost got killed by Saul.

Later, when Saul and Jonathan were dead, David remembered his promise to Jonathan. David asked his servants, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). That is how the crippled Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) emerged, and David treated him like a prince. What a demonstration of loyalty!

A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother

David and Jonathan demonstrated true friendship. King Solomon may as well have been describing this bond when he stated, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24). Indeed, these two had a bond that transcended kinship.

How can you describe your friendships? Are you loyal to your friends? Do you extend your friendship to each other’s family members? If your friend is no more, do you assist his or her kin? Are you an all-weather friend, or are you only good to those who show you kindness and vice-versa?

How David and Jonathan Modeled Genuine Friendship

David and Jonathan modeled genuine friendship. Be like them and create practical, effective, and lasting bonds with fellow human beings. More importantly, get acquainted with the real Friend Who sticks closer than a brother—the Lord Jesus Christ. You can trust Him to take care of you and your loved ones forever.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, teach me how to be a genuine and loyal friend to my fellow human beings, and to know You, the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.