This post was written by Lesallan on the fifth day of November 2023
The Biblical Story and Narrative of David and Jonathan
Written By Lesallan – November 5, 2023
The biblical narrative of David and Jonathan presents a remarkable example of friendship and loyalty that transcends social, political, and religious boundaries. In this blog post, I will explore the main features of their relationship, the challenges they faced, and the implications for contemporary readers.
David and Jonathan were unlikely friends. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, the first monarch of Israel, and the heir apparent to the throne. David was a young shepherd who rose to fame by killing the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone. He became a popular hero and a loyal servant of Saul, but also a potential rival for the kingship.
Despite their different backgrounds and interests, David and Jonathan formed a deep bond of affection and commitment. The book of 1 Samuel describes their friendship regarding love, covenant, and self-sacrifice. After David’s victory over Goliath, Jonathan “loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam 18:1, KJV) and made a covenant with him (1 Sam 18:3). He also gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as a sign of his esteem and devotion (1 Sam 18:4).
David’s success in battle made him more popular than Saul, who became jealous and fearful of him. Saul tried to kill David several times, but Jonathan intervened on his behalf. He spoke well of David to his father and persuaded him to spare David’s life (1 Sam 19:4-7). He also warned David of Saul’s plots and helped him escape (1 Sam 20:1-42). When Saul confronted Jonathan about his friendship with David, he defended him passionately and incurred his father’s wrath (1 Sam 20:30-34).
Their friendship endured until their tragic deaths in the battle against the Philistines. David lamented over them with a poignant song, calling Jonathan “my brother” and “very pleasant to me” (2 Sam 1:26). He also honored their covenant by showing kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was crippled and in need of protection (2 Sam 9:1-13).
The story of David and Jonathan is a beautiful tale of friendship and loyalty that challenges us to reflect on our own relationships. How do we value our friends? How do we express our love and commitment to them? How do we deal with conflicts and differences? How do we honor our promises and obligations? These are some questions their story invites us to ask and answer.
Blessings on this Sunday – November 5, 2023
~Lesallan
References:
1 Samuel 18 esv – David and Jonathan’s Friendship – Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2018&version=esv.
Beautiful Lessons in Biblical Friendship from David and Jonathan. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/beautiful-lessons-in-biblical-friendship-from-david-and-jonathan.html.
Jonathan in the Bible Was the Best Friend of David – Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/jonathan-in-the-bible-701186.
David and Jonathan – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_and_Jonathan.
Bob, P. (2023, November 5). Pastor Bob | Pastor Bob teaching the Word of God. | By
Fellowship Baptist Church | Facebook. www.facebook.com.https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipbaptistchurchauroramissouri/videos/279291725095496
Fellowship Baptist Church | Facebook. Www.facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipbaptistchurchauroramissouri/videos/279291725095496
