1 Samuel 18:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
David and Jonathan’s Friendship
18 As soon as 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. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
1 Samuel 20:42 English Standard Version (ESV)
42 Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.
1 Samuel 23:16-18 English Standard Version (ESV)
16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: 1 Samuel 20:42
David was blessed to have a loyal and loving friend in Jonathan. Both men feared God and were devoted to one another as brothers. God knit their hearts together, and a relationship that should have been competitive in the world’s eyes transformed into a covenant of mutual support and encouragement. In the midst of turmoil, these two men chose to honor one another and their God. Even as they parted ways physically, their hearts were united.
Friendships that are forged in faith grow stronger when facing the fires of life. When you are going through a difficult time, it’s important to stay connected to your tribe. We gain strength from one another, and this fuels our resolve to keep moving forward in faith.
Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help us to choose our friends wisely, and may we encourage one another to continue living the life of faith in the midst of hard times. Amen.